History, Tradition and Where to Taste It
Thursday, August 14, 2025,
A journey through flavours and culture in Lucca’s cuisine
First-time visitors to Lucca are enchanted by its Renaissance walls, cobbled streets and timeless atmosphere. But there’s one experience that wins them over even more: sitting down to enjoy a plate of steaming tordelli lucchesi, served with a rich meat ragù and a generous sprinkle of cheese. This dish embodies the history, culture and soul of the Lucca area.Origins and history
The tordello lucchese was born in the countryside around Lucca between the late 19th and early 20th century as a Sunday and holiday dish. It was the perfect way to reuse leftover boiled or roasted meat, stale bread and garden greens, turning them into a hearty filling.
The name “tordello” is a local dialect variation of “tortello,” a pronunciation that gives this pasta its distinctive Lucchese identity. Unlike other Tuscan or Emilian versions, the pasta sheet is slightly thicker so it can stand up to cooking and sauce.
The traditional recipe
It starts with fresh egg pasta rolled by hand, filled with a mixture of beef and pork, Swiss chard or spinach, bread soaked in broth, eggs and spices (often nutmeg or marjoram). After being cooked in salted water, the tordelli are served with a meat ragù and topped with Parmesan or Pecorino. Every family guards its own “secret” recipe: some prefer more greens, others more meat, and some add a touch of herbs.
Curiosities and anecdotes
• Star of many village festivals, such as those in Camigliano and Segromigno.
• Local saying: “If there’s no tordello, it’s not Sunday.”
• Differences with the Viareggio or Pisa versions are often hotly debated — a true Lucchese will defend their recipe with pride.
Where to taste it today
To enjoy an authentic tordello lucchese, stop by a country trattoria or a historic osteria inside Lucca’s walls. Many places also offer cooking classes where you can learn to make them by hand — the perfect way to bring a little taste of Tuscany home.
The Lucchese tordello is more than a dish: it’s a family story, a bond with the land, and a celebration of togetherness. Sitting down to a plate of tordelli is like stepping into the history of the Lucca area… one bite at a time.
If you’d like to discover Lucchese cuisine while enjoying an authentic Tuscan experience, Tuscanhouses will guide you in choosing villas, farmhouses, and apartments where you can not only taste tordelli, but also learn how to make them, surrounded by the unique landscapes of our region.
The tordello lucchese was born in the countryside around Lucca between the late 19th and early 20th century as a Sunday and holiday dish. It was the perfect way to reuse leftover boiled or roasted meat, stale bread and garden greens, turning them into a hearty filling.
The name “tordello” is a local dialect variation of “tortello,” a pronunciation that gives this pasta its distinctive Lucchese identity. Unlike other Tuscan or Emilian versions, the pasta sheet is slightly thicker so it can stand up to cooking and sauce.
The traditional recipe
It starts with fresh egg pasta rolled by hand, filled with a mixture of beef and pork, Swiss chard or spinach, bread soaked in broth, eggs and spices (often nutmeg or marjoram). After being cooked in salted water, the tordelli are served with a meat ragù and topped with Parmesan or Pecorino. Every family guards its own “secret” recipe: some prefer more greens, others more meat, and some add a touch of herbs.
Curiosities and anecdotes
• Star of many village festivals, such as those in Camigliano and Segromigno.
• Local saying: “If there’s no tordello, it’s not Sunday.”
• Differences with the Viareggio or Pisa versions are often hotly debated — a true Lucchese will defend their recipe with pride.
Where to taste it today
To enjoy an authentic tordello lucchese, stop by a country trattoria or a historic osteria inside Lucca’s walls. Many places also offer cooking classes where you can learn to make them by hand — the perfect way to bring a little taste of Tuscany home.
The Lucchese tordello is more than a dish: it’s a family story, a bond with the land, and a celebration of togetherness. Sitting down to a plate of tordelli is like stepping into the history of the Lucca area… one bite at a time.
If you’d like to discover Lucchese cuisine while enjoying an authentic Tuscan experience, Tuscanhouses will guide you in choosing villas, farmhouses, and apartments where you can not only taste tordelli, but also learn how to make them, surrounded by the unique landscapes of our region.
Relax and Events in the Hills of Camaiore
Saturday, August 9, 2025,
With rolling hills, charming historic villages, delicious cuisine, and traditions to experience, Camaiore is the perfect destination for those seeking relaxation, culture, and unique events in Tuscany.
Camaiore is a true gem in the Versilia area, combining the peace of rolling hills with the vibrancy of a town rich in history. As a stop along the famous Via Francigena, it welcomes pilgrims and travellers from all over the world. In September, the town will host the 10th edition of FrancigenAmica, an event dedicated to those who love to discover the area at a slower pace, through walks, cultural encounters, and authentic flavours.Camaiore is also a paradise for food lovers. Among our favourite spots are Ristopasta, perfect for homemade pasta enthusiasts, Alan, a must for meat lovers, and Le Cantine Angeli, which turns into a cosy restaurant on weekends.In August, the town comes alive for Camaiore d’Altri Tempi (11–17 August 2025), a historic market exhibition that brings the charm of the past back to life. The old town fills with antique, vintage, and collectibles stalls, live performances from the Gran Teatro dei Burattini, sports events such as the Camaiore–Pedona hill climb, and musical moments ranging from Queen and Renato Zero tribute bands. But the music continues until the end of August: on August 23, the Santo Stefano Magra Philharmonic & G. Puccini Philharmonic will perform, while on August 24, Enrico Ruggeri will take the stage.In a world that moves fast, “Camaiore d’Altri Tempi” is an invitation to slow down, enjoy the streets and squares as meeting places, and rediscover the traditions that make this corner of Tuscany so unique.If you’d like to discover the Camaiore area and experience the magic of these festive days, you can stay in one of our holiday homes – the perfect starting point to explore Versilia and its traditions.
Tenuta Dello Scompiglio: Art, Nature, and Cuisine in the Hills of Lucca
Sunday, July 20, 2025,
Dello Scompiglio represents an extraordinary and refreshing journey, serving as an ongoing laboratory in which art, agriculture, architecture, and nature converge within a shared and enduring vision.
Just a few minutes from the historic center of Lucca lies a place suspended between art, nature, and memory. It’s called Tenuta Dello Scompiglio, a project born from the vision of Italian-Swiss artist Cecilia Bertoni, who transformed an old country estate and its surrounding land into a space where creativity meets sustainability.Here, the landscape is not merely a backdrop: it is a central character. Every corner of the estate has been carefully restored by listening to the rhythms of nature and following a philosophy of slow, respectful regeneration. The first act of recovery was not architectural but poetic: walking, pruning, uncovering. Simple, physical gestures that marked the beginning of a new, grounded life for the estate.An immersive experience, between art and landWalking through the Tenuta Dello Scompiglio is a sensory journey. The body enters into dialogue with the landscape, with artworks scattered among the trees, and with architecture that honors and interprets the site’s history. Permanent installations and site-specific projects invite visitors to slow down, observe, and become fully present.This is not just a visit—it’s an experience to be lived with all the senses.The Cuisine of Dello Scompiglio: Seasons, Territory, ImaginationAlongside its agricultural production (wine, olive oil, vegetables, honey), the Cucina Dello Scompiglio offers seasonal and experimental dishes inspired by nature and guided by the philosophy of the place. Most ingredients are grown directly in the estate’s gardens and follow the natural cycle of the earth.Respect for the land also takes shape in sustainable practices: solar energy, rainwater recovery, wood chipping for heating, and traditional building techniques. Every choice reflects a vision of subtle and conscious luxury, where comfort meets environmental ethics.A place not to consume, but to inheritDello Scompiglio is not designed to last just one season. It is a living laboratory, an artistic and agricultural ecosystem created to speak to future generations. Far from commercial trends, it offers itself as a space to inhabit with care and intention.For those staying in Lucca who are looking to go beyond the typical tourist paths, this is a surprising and regenerative stop. Between a tasting, a walk through the installations, a concert, and a glass of wine, Dello Scompiglio is the ideal destination for anyone seeking a meaningful and authentic experience in the Tuscan countryside.Useful InformationLocation: Vorno, Capannori (LU), TuscanyWebsite: delloscompiglio.orgRestaurant: Cucina Dello Scompiglio – reservations recommendedEvents: Full cultural program available onlineLooking for a place to stay in Lucca or the surrounding hills?Discover our selection of carefully curated short-term rental homes: charming farmhouses, elegant villas, and cozy apartments immersed in the Tuscan landscape — the perfect base to explore places like Tenuta Dello Scompiglio and many other hidden gems.Browse our listings at tuscanhouses.com and start planning your Tuscan getaway.
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