Lucca: a city on a human scale
Monday, March 17, 2025,
If you're planning a visit to Lucca, here’s a practical and engaging guide to discovering its wonders: from churches to palaces, from museums to towers.
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 historyThe 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 cityOne 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 churchesIn 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 LuccaLucca 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 eleganceBuilt 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!
Goodbye to self check-in and key boxes. Starting November 18, 2024, a new regulation in Italy changes the rules.
Monday, March 3, 2025,
Goodbye to self check-in and key boxes. Starting November 18, 2024, a new regulation in Italy changes the rules.
Self check-in has long been a convenient solution for both guests and vacation rental owners, allowing flexible access to accommodations without the need for a physical meeting with the host. However, starting November 18, 2024, a new regulation in Italy changes the rules.New Rules on Self Check-inThe Ministry of the Interior has introduced a ban on the use of automated systems such as key boxes and electronic locks for check-in, requiring personal identification of guests upon arrival. This measure aims to enhance public security and prevent unidentified individuals from staying in accommodations without being reported to the authorities.What Does This Mean for Property Owners?For vacation rental owners, this change requires an update in guest reception procedures. It will no longer be possible to leave keys in automated devices without meeting the guest in person. Online check-in is still allowed, enabling hosts to collect guest information in advance, provided that identity verification is conducted in person upon arrival.The Importance of SecurityThe new regulations are based on Article 109 of the Consolidated Law on Public Security (TULPS), which mandates that hosts verify guest identification documents and submit the data to the police via the Alloggiati Web portal within 24 hours of arrival. With the continuous growth of tourism in Italy, this regulation aims to ensure a safer welcome for travelers and more transparent management for property owners.What Are the Alternatives?Vacation rental owners must adapt to ensure proper guest identification. Possible solutions include:In-person check-in or delegation to a trusted operator.Use of external hospitality services.Implementation of digital pre-registration procedures, followed by on-site identity verification.A Growing Sector: Opportunities for Property OwnersComplying with the new rules not only helps avoid penalties but also contributes to building a safer and more professional short-term rental market.Do you own a rental property and want to avoid complications? Entrust it to Tuscan Houses – we’ll take care of the management efficiently and in full compliance with regulations.