Lucca: A Historic City of Walls, Towers, Music, and Legends
Lucca is one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in Tuscany, Italy. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, on the western coast of Italy, Lucca is a city steeped in history and culture. It is known as the city of a hundred churches, boasting a wealth of historical religious structures. In addition, Lucca is famed throughout Italy for its impressive medieval city walls, which still encircle most of the historic old town. Located about 80 kilometers northwest of Florence, the city is renowned for its impressive defensive walls, historic towers, beautiful palaces, charming streets, and rich cultural heritage. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top attractions and landmarks of Lucca.
1 - Wall Walks
The most prominent feature of Lucca is its magnificent walls. The walls rise 12 meters or 40 feet above the ground and encircle the entire old town, offering breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding countryside. The walls were built by the Romans, but the current version dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The latest walls were constructed to protect the town against cannons, so their base is massive, reaching 30 meters or almost 100 feet wide. The walls have eleven bastions and six town gates, and they played a crucial role in keeping Lucca independent for more than 700 years. Today, the walls have become a public park and a popular recreational area for locals and tourists. You can walk or cycle on the wall of Lucca today and the Wall Trail is popular with tourists and locals.
2 - Lucca Cathedral
Located in the historic old town in Piazza San Martino, Lucca Cathedral is a truly impressive structure, renowned throughout Italy for its stunning façade and design. The front façade features a series of opulent archways and an ornate portico framing the front doors. Construction began during the 11th century and the church was re-designed in its current form during the 14th century Renaissance. Inside the cathedral, there is a plethora of beautiful artwork, and one of the main features is the sublime shrine of the Sacred Face of Lucca.
3 - Piazza dell’Anfiteatro
This square is exactly as the name describes and was once a Roman Amphitheatre. The elliptical shape is still evident even if none of the original structure is remaining. The buildings surrounding the square have been created in the same elliptical shape and are all different heights and colors. The effect is quite astounding, and the shades of yellow, cream, and white create an inviting open space. Within the piazza, there is also a series of high-quality restaurants and cafes, all with outdoor seating.
4 - Historic Towers
Lucca is also famous for its historic towers, which were constructed during the medieval period as symbols of power, wealth, and personal protection. The most prominent towers in Lucca are the Clock Tower and the Guinigi Tower. The Clock Tower is the tallest building in the city, rising 50 meters or 165 feet high. The tower was originally built in the 1200s as a private tower, but later it was acquired by the government and converted into a clock tower. The tower features a legend of a woman named Lucida Mansi, who sold her soul to the devil in exchange for eternal youth and beauty. The Guinigi Tower, on the other hand, is unique because it has trees growing on its top. The tower belonged to the Guinigi family, a ruling noble family that brought a period of peace and prosperity to Lucca. The family created a roof garden with holm oaks on the top of the tower to show off their wealth and power. Today, the tower is a symbol of Lucca, and visitors can climb its 233 steps to enjoy stunning views of the city.
5 - San Michele in Foro
Another stunning church in the center of Lucca, the Basilica di San Michele in Foro features a unique front façade that is not like any other in the city. The original church was first mentioned in the 8th century but gained its current form during the 13th century. Above the main arches of the façade are four rows of ornate arches and columns that feature a number of different colors and designs. The interior of the church contains some important artworks by Luca
6 - Puccini Museum
Lucca is also a city of music, and its most famous son is Giacomo Puccini, one of the most celebrated composers of the 19th and 20th centuries. Puccini was born in Lucca in 1858 and spent his early years in the city before moving to Milan. His birthplace is now a museum located on a small square in the historic center of Lucca. The museum is situated on the second floor of a historic building and contains objects, letters, paintings, and other precious items that once belonged to the famous composer. The rooms have been restored to their original appearance, and visitors can learn about Puccini’s life and career.
7 - Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca
This beautiful botanical garden, established in 1820 by the Duchess of Parma, covers two of the bastions on the city walls and is home to a variety of trees, plants, flowers, greenhouses, an arboretum, a herbarium, and several ponds.
8 - Torre delle Ore:
This 14th-century tower served as a defensive fortification and a clock tower and offers breathtaking views of the city from the top.
9 - Acquedotto del Nottolini
This 3km long, 400-arched aqueduct was built in the 19th century to carry water from the mountains into the city and is a remarkable feat of engineering.
10 - Guinigi Tower
One of the most iconic towers in Lucca, the 14th-century Torre Guinigi features an exposed brick design with a series of arched windows and a rooftop garden with beautiful Holm Oak trees.
11 - Piazza Napoleone
This beautiful square is surrounded by important buildings such as the Ducale Palace, the ornate white statue of Maria Luisa, the Giglio Theatre, the Museo del Risorgimento, and the Prefettura Di Lucca.
12 - Museum of Villa Mansi
This historical villa constructed during the 16th century by the Benedetti family and later extended, features a fantastic landscape garden, pond, several stunning flower arrangements, and a series of marble statues.
13 - Basilica of San Frediano
This religious structure in the heart of Lucca is renowned for its beautiful mosaic, impressive ornate bell tower, and finely decorated 12th-century font complete with stone carvings.
14 - Charming Streets
Lucca is also home to several charming streets, squares, and buildings that showcase the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. One of the most beautiful streets in Lucca is Via Fillungo, a medieval street that runs through the heart of the historic center. The street is lined with many shops, elegant clothes and shoe boutiques, jewelry shops, cafes, and restaurants. In addition to the main Italian and international chains, there are also historic shops of artisans with handmade clothes and accessories. The street is also lined with churches and palaces, including the famous medieval clock tower.
Hungry? You're in luck because Lucca has some of the most delicious food in Italy! Take a look at the Top Foods to Eat in Lucca!
Want to explore Tuscany a bit more? Take a more indepth look at the links below
FLORENCE
All about Florence, Pisa and Lucca
The Top 10 Must Sees in Florence
The Florentine Sandwich Shop that Everyone Is Talking About
LUCCA
14 Delicious Things to Eat in Lucca
PISA
10 Delicious Things to Eat in Pisa
VOLTERRA