Lucca
|
Latest page update: 18 September 2024
|
By Dion Protani
|
|
The walled city of Lucca is the capital of the province of Lucca with a population of approximately 88,000 inhabitants.
It's renowned for its intact Renaissance-era city walls, which encircle its historic city centre. Lucca is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the imposing Lucca Cathedral, and its charming cobblestone streets lined with ancient towers and palaces. Visitors flock to Lucca to stroll along its city walls, explore its historic churches and squares, and experience its vibrant cultural scene, including music festivals and events. |
|
Related links
Lucca: inside the Renaissance walls
Located in the heart of Tuscany, Lucca enchants visitors with its well-preserved medieval architecture and serene atmosphere. Encircled by 16th-century Renaissance walls, the city invites exploration along its charming cobblestone streets lined with ancient towers, elegant palaces, and quaint piazzas.
Admire the impressive Cathedral of St. Martin with its intricate facade and climb the Torre Guinigi for panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Delve into history at the Palazzo Pfanner and the Roman amphitheater, now a lively gathering place. For nature lovers, the nearby Garfagnana region offers picturesque landscapes and outdoor activities, including hiking and biking trails.
Additionally, Lucca's proximity to the Tuscan coast and the Apuan Alps makes it an ideal base for day trips to coastal towns like Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi, or mountain excursions to towns like Barga and Castelnuovo di Garfagnana.
Admire the impressive Cathedral of St. Martin with its intricate facade and climb the Torre Guinigi for panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Delve into history at the Palazzo Pfanner and the Roman amphitheater, now a lively gathering place. For nature lovers, the nearby Garfagnana region offers picturesque landscapes and outdoor activities, including hiking and biking trails.
Additionally, Lucca's proximity to the Tuscan coast and the Apuan Alps makes it an ideal base for day trips to coastal towns like Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi, or mountain excursions to towns like Barga and Castelnuovo di Garfagnana.
Comune di Lucca
|
Province: Lucca
Region: Tuscany Population: 89,156 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2024) Size: 185 km² Elevation: 19 metres Top sights: Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, Torre Guinigi, Lucca Cathedral Close by: Viareggio, Pisa, Barga, Livorno, Castiglione di Garfagnana Recommended accommodation: Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli |
|
Public transport: central train station, local buses
By car: Pisa - 27 mins (19 km), Pistoia - 36 mins (45 km) |
By air: Pisa Airport - 30 minutes by car (36 km)
By train: Viareggio - 23 mins, Pisa - 29 mins, Pistoia - 41 mins |
What are the most popular tours and activities in Lucca?
- Lucca City Walls: Walk or cycle along the well-preserved Renaissance-era city walls encircling Lucca, offering scenic views of the city and its surroundings. Visitors can rent bicycles or join guided tours to explore the 4-kilometer-long promenade atop the walls.
- Piazza dell'Anfiteatro: Explore the charming oval-shaped Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, built on the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater. Visitors can wander through the square's lively streets lined with cafes, shops, and historic buildings, soaking in its vibrant atmosphere.
- Lucca Cathedral (Duomo di San Martino): Visit the magnificent Lucca Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, and marvel at its striking façade adorned with intricate sculptures and reliefs. Inside, visitors can admire precious artworks, including the Volto Santo, a wooden crucifix revered as a miraculous relic.
- Torre Guinigi: Climb the Torre Guinigi, one of Lucca's tallest towers, crowned by a rooftop garden of holm oak trees. From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Lucca's rooftops, historic landmarks, and surrounding countryside.
- Bike Tours of Lucca: Explore Lucca and its picturesque surroundings on guided bike tours, cycling along scenic paths, through historic neighborhoods, and past notable landmarks such as villas, gardens, and vineyards.
- Opera del Duomo Museum: Discover the rich artistic heritage of Lucca at the Opera del Duomo Museum, home to a collection of sculptures, artifacts, and artworks from the city's cathedral and other churches. Highlights include medieval and Renaissance sculptures by renowned artists such as Matteo Civitali.
- Culinary Experiences: Indulge in Tuscan cuisine with food tours and tastings that showcase local specialties such as buccellato (traditional cake), olive oil, and wines. Visitors can sample delicacies at traditional trattorias, bakeries, and gourmet shops while learning about Lucca's culinary traditions and gastronomic heritage.
Where should I eat in Lucca?
- Buca di Sant'Antonio: Located in the heart of Lucca's historic center, Buca di Sant'Antonio is a renowned restaurant serving traditional Tuscan dishes with a modern twist. The menu features seasonal ingredients and highlights regional specialties such as zuppa di farro (spelt soup), ossobuco, and homemade pasta.
- Ristorante Giglio: Situated in a charming piazza near Lucca's famous amphitheater, Ristorante Giglio offers an elegant dining experience with a focus on authentic Tuscan cuisine. Dishes are expertly prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the restaurant's extensive wine list showcases the best of Tuscany's vineyards.
- Osteria Baralla: Tucked away on a quiet street in Lucca's historic center, Osteria Baralla is a cozy trattoria known for its warm hospitality and delicious food. The menu features classic Tuscan dishes such as ribollita, bistecca alla fiorentina, and pappa al pomodoro, all served in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Gli Orti di Via Elisa: Set in a charming garden setting just outside Lucca's city walls, Gli Orti di Via Elisa offers a tranquil dining experience away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. The restaurant specializes in creative interpretations of Tuscan cuisine, using organic ingredients sourced from local farmers.
- Da Giulio in Pelleria: A favorite among locals, Da Giulio in Pelleria is a family-run trattoria known for its friendly service and homely atmosphere. The menu features hearty Tuscan dishes made from scratch, including homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and succulent grilled meats.
Lucca Gallery
What are the best places to stay in Lucca?
- Hotel Ilaria & Residenza dell'Alba: Situated near the historic center of Lucca, Hotel Ilaria & Residenza dell'Alba offers comfortable accommodations in a peaceful setting. The hotel features elegantly decorated rooms and suites with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast served in the cozy breakfast room, relax in the garden courtyard, and take advantage of the hotel's bicycle rental service to explore the city.
- Villa La Principessa: Located in a beautiful 19th-century villa surrounded by lush gardens, Villa La Principessa offers a tranquil retreat just a short distance from the city center. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites with classic decor and modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. Guests can relax by the outdoor swimming pool, dine at the hotel's restaurant serving traditional Tuscan cuisine, and explore the nearby attractions.
- Albergo Celide: Situated within walking distance of Lucca's historic center, Albergo Celide offers comfortable accommodations with convenient access to the city's main attractions. The hotel features modern rooms and suites with stylish decor and amenities such as free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast served in the bright breakfast room, unwind in the hotel's garden courtyard, and take advantage of the fitness center and sauna.
- Hotel Villa Casanova: Nestled in the picturesque Tuscan countryside just outside of Lucca, Hotel Villa Casanova offers luxurious accommodations in a serene setting. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites with traditional decor and modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi and minibars. Guests can relax by the outdoor swimming pool, stroll through the landscaped gardens, and dine at the hotel's gourmet restaurant serving local cuisine.
- Palazzo Dipinto: Housed in a beautifully restored historic building in the heart of Lucca's historic center, Palazzo Dipinto offers boutique accommodations with a touch of old-world charm. The hotel features individually decorated rooms and suites with antique furnishings and modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast served in the elegant breakfast room, relax in the cozy lounge area, and explore the city's attractions on foot.
What's the closest airport to Lucca?
Pisa International Airport (Aeroporto di Pisa - Galileo Galilei) (PSA):
Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola) (FLR):
- Located in Pisa, approximately 20 kilometers southwest of Lucca.
- Pisa Airport is the closest major airport serving Lucca.
- From Pisa Airport, you can reach Lucca by rental car, taxi, or public transportation. Renting a car and driving to Lucca takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis are available outside the airport terminals, but they can be expensive for long journeys. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Pisa Central Train Station (Pisa Centrale) and then catch a train to Lucca. There are also direct bus services from Pisa Airport to Lucca.
Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola) (FLR):
- Located in Florence, approximately 80 kilometers east of Lucca.
- Florence Airport is another option, although it's located a bit farther away from Lucca compared to Pisa Airport.
- From Florence Airport, you can reach Lucca by rental car, taxi, or public transportation. Renting a car and driving to Lucca takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis are available outside the airport terminals, but they can be expensive for long journeys. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Florence's main train station (Santa Maria Novella) and then catch a train to Lucca.
What's the main train station in Lucca?
Lucca Train Station (Stazione di Lucca):
- Located in the city center of Lucca.
- Lucca Train Station is well-connected to major cities in Italy, including Pisa, Florence, and Milan.
- From Lucca Train Station, you can easily explore the city and its surroundings using local buses, taxis, or on foot.
What private transfer options are there for Lucca?
A private transfer from Pisa Airport to Lucca takes around 35 minutes.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
- Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Number of passengers
- Destination (either town or specific hotel)
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car in Lucca?
Hertz:
- Address: Via Benedetto Croce, 178, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
- Phone: +39 0583 494223
Europcar:
- Address: Via delle Tagliate, 84, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
- Phone: +39 0583 583575
Avis:
- Address: Piazzale Martiri della Libertà, 38, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
- Phone: +39 0583 484991
Sixt:
- Address: Piazza Bettino Ricasoli, 1, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
- Phone: +39 0583 310613
Budget:
- Address: Via delle Tagliate, 84, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
- Phone: +39 0583 469714
- Address: Via Benedetto Croce, 178, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
- Phone: +39 0583 494223
Europcar:
- Address: Via delle Tagliate, 84, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
- Phone: +39 0583 583575
Avis:
- Address: Piazzale Martiri della Libertà, 38, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
- Phone: +39 0583 484991
Sixt:
- Address: Piazza Bettino Ricasoli, 1, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
- Phone: +39 0583 310613
Budget:
- Address: Via delle Tagliate, 84, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
- Phone: +39 0583 469714
