Lucca: a city on a human scale

Lucca is the perfect destination for a long weekend. It’s a compact city, which you can cross in less than an hour from Porta Santa Maria to Porta Elisa. But its true charm unfolds when you explore it at a leisurely pace, especially in spring, when flowers bloom and the setting sun paints its majestic walls in a warm red hue.

The Walls of Lucca: a walk through history

The Renaissance walls, a UNESCO heritage site, are the ideal starting point for exploring the city. Walking or cycling along them offers a unique panorama of towers, churches, and red rooftops. It’s an unmissable experience for photography lovers and anyone seeking a relaxing moment immersed in history.

Piazza dell’Anfiteatro: the beating heart of the city

One of Lucca’s most iconic symbols is Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on the ruins of an ancient Roman theater. It still retains its elliptical shape and some remnants of the original walls. It’s the perfect spot for a break at one of the many cafés that surround it, offering a unique and evocative atmosphere.

Lucca: the city of towers and churches

In the Middle Ages, Lucca boasted as many as 130 towers. Today, two remain open to visitors:

• Torre Guinigi, famous for its rooftop garden featuring centuries-old holm oaks that rise above the city and can be seen from every corner. Climbing its 230 steps rewards visitors with a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding hills.
• Torre delle Ore, which still houses its ancient mechanical clock, one of the most fascinating in Tuscany.

Lucca’s churches are a treasure trove of art and spirituality. Three are particularly worth a visit:

• San Michele in Foro, with its incredible façade decorated with arches and bas-reliefs. At the top stands the Archangel Michael, with a legend tied to a mysterious precious stone embedded in his statue.
• The Cathedral of San Martino, home to the Volto Santo, a wooden crucifix venerated for centuries. Inside, you’ll also find the famous sarcophagus of Ilaria del Carretto, a masterpiece by Jacopo della Quercia.
• The Basilica of San Frediano, with its golden mosaic on the façade and the chapel of Santa Zita, the city’s patron saint, whose incorrupt body is displayed in a glass case.

Giacomo Puccini: the Genius of Lucca

Lucca is also the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, one of the greatest opera composers of all time. His birthplace in Piazza Cittadella is now a museum, where visitors can learn anecdotes about his life and see the instruments he used to compose masterpieces like La Bohème, Tosca, and Madama Butterfly. For music lovers, the Church of San Giovanni hosts concerts dedicated to his works.

Palazzo Pfanner: a corner of elegance

Built in 1660, Palazzo Pfanner is a Baroque gem with a magnificent Italian-style garden adorned with mythological statues and fountains. It’s a perfect spot for a romantic stroll or to immerse yourself in an atmosphere of bygone times.

Discover Lucca with us!

Visiting Lucca is not just a journey through art and history but an immersive experience filled with legends and traditions. Every corner hides a fascinating detail, and every street tells a story.

The best way to experience the city is to stay for a while, choosing accommodation in the heart of the historic center or in one of the splendid villas in the surrounding countryside.

Find the perfect home for your stay at Tuscan Houses!