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What to Do in Lucca, Italy

What to Do in Lucca, Italy

What to Do in Lucca, Italy

We both agreed that while Lucca doesn’t have the highlights of some of the other Italian towns we visited, it is a relaxing, pretty town that makes for a good 2 day stopover. It is in complete contrast to nearby Pisa (which I would visit as a daytrip – without an overnight stay).

The Ramparts ringing the town were the highlight for us; a wide elevated pathway hedged on both sides by trees, it is a park-like setting that is great for biking and jogging. It has nice views over the town on one side and the fort walls on the other. It is green, pretty and the fort walls are very impressive. Walking the entire wall takes about an hour.

 


Accommodation: We stayed in Lucca in Villa Lucrezia. Very much recommended.


 

ramparts in Lucca, Italy
views from the ramparts.

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The old town is full of charming, narrow streets lined with shops, bars and restaurants.  Right in the center is Torre delle Ore, a highlight for its views over the town (below).

 

Torre delle Ore, Lucca

 


 

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Another of Lucca’s highlights, the Piazza Anfiteatro was a bit of a disappointment. The guidebook had described it as a ‘coliseum’ and I had visions from the movie ‘Gladiator’ in mind. What we saw was an oval plaza filled with stores and restaurants. “So where’s this coliseum?” asked Lissette. I re-read the entry in the guidebook – there was an old anfiteatro here, but it had been built over and was currently under about 9 feet of stones and tiles.

 

Piazza Anfiteatro, Lucca. What to Do in Lucca, Italy
Piazza Anfiteatro

 

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More impressive is Lucca’s Duomo, the Cattedrale di San Martino. Originally build in the 12th to 13th centuries, it’s Romanesque in style and has an intricately decorated marble facade.

 

Cattedrale di San Martino, Lucca
Photos of the Duomo

 

But the main draw of Lucca is that it is a relaxing place that still feels like a real town. “Charming” is a word that every guidebook seems to use when describing Lucca. It certainly is that. We spent 2 days here and felt that we had escaped to a quieter, more genuine corner of Tuscany.

 

Below: a few more photos from around town

What to Do in Lucca, Italy

drinking wine in Lucca Italy

What to Do in Lucca, Italy

 

Practical Information:

Accommodation: We stayed in Lucca in Villa Lucrezia. Excellent hotel with fantastic location next to Porta Elisa gate.

Organized Tour: If you don’t have the time for an overnight stay, this Full Day Tour from Florence takes you around both Lucca and Pisa (which I wrote about here).

 

 

Related: Why Cortona is our Favorite Italian Town

Related: 3 Days in Florence

Related: Forget everything you’ve read because Rome is Incredible

 
Ps. If you find our blog helpful, please consider using our links to book your flights, hotels, tours, and car rentals. Have a look at our Travel Resources page.

 

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Filed Under: EUROPE, ITALY

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dale

    May 17, 2022 at 2:32 pm

    We went to Lucca on a day trip from our stay in Pisa on the second day of our travel around the world, crazy to think that’s two years ago in a couple of weeks!

    I loved walking around the walls underneath the trees and watching the kids play football whilst all the while thinking that someone is going to dive for the ball and fly off!

    I also loved Piazza Anfiteatro too and it’s probably one of my favourites in Italy, though of course there are many, many others fighting for the title of best!

    Reply
    • admin

      May 17, 2022 at 2:41 pm

      Hi Dale, thanks for the comment. You’re right about flying off the wall, no protection there! I hope you got to see Piazza del Campo in Siena, most impressive piazza I’ve seen.

      Reply
  2. Jennifer

    June 25, 2021 at 11:51 pm

    Good to hear these views on Lucca. We actually haven’t been there yet, but fellow Americans that live nearby us rave about it. I think we’ll only stop if passing through the area. It doesn’t sound like we need to make a special trip just to visit Lucca.

    Reply
    • admin

      June 26, 2021 at 12:41 pm

      Yes, I think you’ve got it about right. I wouldn’t make a huge detour to visit Lucca – but it’s certainly worth a visit if in the area (and much more relaxed then Pisa).

      Reply

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Hi! We are Frank & Lissette from Canada. We sold our home in 2014 and have been travelling the world ever since.

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