Where In Italy Is Lucca?

Where in Italy is Lucca, you might wonder? This enchanting walled city sits in the heart of Tuscany, about 20 kilometers northeast of Pisa and 80 kilometers west of Florence.

Nestled in a fertile plain between the Apuan Alps and Monte Pisano, Lucca offers visitors an authentic Italian experience without the overwhelming crowds of more famous Tuscan destinations.

The city's strategic location makes it an ideal base for exploring northern Tuscany, while its own treasures provide days of discovery within its ancient walls.

Getting to Lucca is surprisingly straightforward, making it accessible for travelers from various starting points. If you're flying into Italy, Pisa International Airport is your closest option, just 30 minutes away by train or car.

From Florence, regular trains run to Lucca taking about 90 minutes, while driving takes roughly an hour via the A11 highway. The train station sits just outside the city walls, making it convenient to walk into the historic center with your luggage.

The front of Lucca station

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Where In Italy Is Lucca?

What makes Lucca truly special is its remarkably preserved Renaissance walls that completely encircle the old town. These aren't just ancient fortifications gathering dust – they've been transformed into a tree-lined promenade that locals and visitors alike use for walking, jogging, and cycling.

The walls stretch for 4.2 kilometers and offer stunning views over the city's terracotta rooftops and the surrounding countryside. You can rent a bike right at the walls and cycle the entire perimeter in about 30 minutes, though you'll want to stop frequently for photos.

The walls of Lucca

The heart of Lucca beats strongest in Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, one of Italy's most unique squares. Built on the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, this oval-shaped piazza maintains the exact footprint of the ancient structure.

The medieval buildings that ring the square follow the original amphitheater's curves, creating an intimate space filled with cafes and shops. Visit early in the morning when the light filters through the narrow entrances, or in the evening when the restaurants set up their outdoor tables.

Piazza dell'Anfiteatro in Lucca

Towering above the city's skyline, the Guinigi Tower stands as Lucca's most iconic landmark and offers the best panoramic views. What makes this 14th-century tower extraordinary isn't just its height of 45 meters, but the oak trees growing from its rooftop garden!

Climbing the 230 steps to the top rewards you with breathtaking views across Lucca's red rooftops to the Apuan Alps beyond. The trees at the summit create a magical atmosphere that's unlike any other tower experience in Italy.

Guinigi Tower in Lucca

San Martino Cathedral deserves a prominent spot on your Lucca itinerary, showcasing some of the finest Romanesque architecture in Tuscany. The cathedral's asymmetrical facade tells the story of medieval urban planning – one side had to accommodate an existing bell tower.

Inside, you'll find precious artworks including the Volto Santo, a wooden crucifix that's the object of great veneration, and beautiful works by Tintoretto and Ghirlandaio. The intricate marble inlay work throughout the cathedral demonstrates the wealth and artistic sophistication of medieval Lucca.

San Giovanni church in Lucca

Music lovers will find themselves drawn to San Giovanni Church, which houses a small but fascinating museum dedicated to Giacomo Puccini, Lucca's most famous son. The composer of "La Bohème," "Tosca," and "Madama Butterfly" was born just steps away from this church.

The museum displays original manuscripts, personal belongings, and the piano where Puccini composed some of his most beloved operas. During summer months, the city hosts the Puccini Festival in nearby Torre del Lago, celebrating the composer's legacy.

What to see in Lucca extends beyond its famous monuments to include the charming Via Fillungo, the city's main shopping street that winds through the historic center. This pedestrian-friendly street has been the commercial heart of Lucca for centuries, lined with medieval towers, Renaissance palaces, and Art Nouveau shop fronts.

Take time to admire the Torre delle Ore (Clock Tower) and pop into the traditional shops selling everything from handmade paper to local specialties like buccellato, Lucca's signature sweet bread.

The Torre delle Ore in Lucca

Where In Italy Is Lucca?

The Palazzo Pfanner and its magnificent baroque gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets. This 17th-century palace features an elegant staircase, frescoed rooms, and formal gardens that feel like a scene from a period film.

The gardens, with their geometric hedges, lemon trees in terracotta pots, and classical statues, provide one of the most photogenic spots in Lucca. The palace often hosts art exhibitions and cultural events, adding contemporary culture to its historical significance.

For a unique perspective on medieval architecture, visit the Church of San Michele in Foro, built on the site of the ancient Roman forum. The church's facade is a masterpiece of Pisan-Lucchese Romanesque style, with four tiers of delicate arcades topped by a statue of the Archangel Michael.

The interior houses beautiful paintings and sculptures, but it's the exterior's intricate details that truly captivate visitors. Each column capital tells a different story through carved figures and decorative motifs.

What to do in Lucca includes exploring the city's vibrant market culture, particularly the weekly antiques market held in Piazza Antelminelli every third Saturday and Sunday of the month. This market transforms the square into a treasure hunter's paradise, with vendors selling everything from vintage postcards and old books to antique furniture and jewelry.

Even if you're not buying, wandering through the stalls gives you insight into Italian collecting culture and the stories behind forgotten objects.

Lucca botanic gardens

The Botanical Gardens of Lucca, established in 1820, provide a green oasis within the city walls where you can discover both native Tuscan plants and exotic species from around the world.

The gardens feature a beautiful greenhouse, medicinal herb section, and peaceful walking paths that make it perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The gardens also host educational programs and seasonal exhibitions, making each visit potentially different from the last.

Cycling enthusiasts will find Lucca to be incredibly bike-friendly, with rental shops located near every entrance to the old town. Beyond cycling the walls, you can venture into the surrounding countryside to discover hidden villas, olive groves, and small villages.

The flat terrain around Lucca makes cycling accessible for all fitness levels, and many local companies offer guided bike tours that combine sightseeing with stops at local wineries or traditional restaurants.

Our trusted partner Viator offer a bike tour with wine and food tasting along the way.

Lucca Bikes and Bites with food tastings for Small Groups or Private

Do as the locals in Lucca do, and get around the city by bike. This half-day Lucca bike tour not only showcases the sights of the old town, but also the city’s food, too. During the ride, you’ll stop to savor a glass of wine along with regional treats such as cured meat and cheese, and learn about Tuscany from your guide. When you book, choose between a small-group tour or a private option just for your personal group.

Select the Lucca bike tour that suits your group and budget best
Learn as you ride and hear about Lucca old town and its city walls
Sample gelato and wine in places where the “Lucchesi” like to eat
Enjoy a fun way to sightsee in Lucca and keep fit as you explore

Read more about - Lucca Bikes and Bites with food tastings for Small Groups or Private or click on the banner below for further details and best price!

Where In Italy Is Lucca?

Insider tip: visit the Guinigi Tower just before sunset for the most magical experience. While most tourists climb during the day, the golden hour light filtering through the oak trees creates an almost mystical atmosphere. Plus, you'll have the rooftop mostly to yourself, making it perfect for photography and quiet contemplation of the city spread out below.

The best time to visit Lucca is during one of Lucca's festivals and events. The Lucca Summer Festival brings international music acts to perform within the city walls, creating an unforgettable concert experience.

September's Luminara di Santa Croce illuminates the entire city with thousands of candles, while the Comics & Games festival in late October transforms Lucca into a cosplay wonderland that attracts visitors from across Europe.

For the best coffee experience in Lucca, locals recommend starting your day at Caffè Di Simo on Via Fillungo, a historic cafe that has been serving excellent espresso since 1846. The original Art Nouveau interior and vintage coffee machines create an authentic atmosphere that modern chain cafes can't match.

Another local favorite is Caffè Santa Zita near the Fillungo, known for its perfectly crafted cappuccinos and fresh cornetti.

Caffe Santa Zita in Lucca

Where In Italy Is Lucca?

When it comes to aperitivo culture, Bar Centrale in Piazza Napoleone offers the perfect setting to watch Lucca's evening passeggiata while sipping a Negroni or Aperol Spritz. The outdoor seating provides prime people-watching opportunities, and the bar's extensive selection of local wines gives you a taste of Tuscan viticulture.

For a more intimate setting, seek out Vineria I Santi, a cozy wine bar tucked away in a medieval alley, where the knowledgeable staff can guide you through regional wine selections.

Dining in Lucca means embracing both traditional Tuscan cuisine and local specialties unique to the city.

Osteria Baralla, hidden in a narrow alley near the cathedral, serves authentic dishes like tordelli lucchesi (meat-filled pasta) and coniglio in umido (braised rabbit) in a rustic setting that feels like dining in someone's home. The portions are generous, the ingredients are locally sourced, and the atmosphere is genuinely welcoming.

Osteria Baralla in Lucca

For a more upscale dining experience, Ristorante Giglio offers refined interpretations of traditional recipes in an elegant setting within a historic palace. Their seasonal menu showcases the best of Tuscan ingredients, from wild boar in autumn to fresh vegetables from local farms in summer.

The wine list features excellent selections from small Tuscan producers, and the service strikes the perfect balance between professional and friendly.

Don't miss trying Lucca's signature street food at Pizzeria da Felice, where locals queue for pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) and cecina, a chickpea flour flatbread that's a regional specialty.

This unassuming spot near Porta San Pietro has been serving the same recipes for decades, and watching the pizza makers work their magic is entertainment in itself. Buy a slice and eat it standing up, like the locals do!

Pizzeria da Felice in Lucca

Top Tip: For authentic dining, follow the "trattoria rule" – if you see construction workers, office employees, and elderly locals eating at a particular spot, you've found a genuine eatery!

Trattoria da Leo fits this perfectly, serving hearty portions of traditional dishes at prices that won't break your budget. The handwritten menu changes daily based on what's fresh at the market, and the house wine is surprisingly good.

For gelato that rivals the best in Italy, locals swear by Gelateria Veneta on Via Vittorio Veneto. This family-run shop makes their gelato fresh daily using traditional methods and natural ingredients.

The pistachio and stracciatella flavors are particularly outstanding, and they often have seasonal specialties like chestnut in autumn or fresh fig in summer. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable.

Where In Italy Is Lucca?

Shopping in Lucca offers unique opportunities to find items you won't see elsewhere. Cartoleria Maggini has been selling beautiful handmade paper products since 1896, including journals, stationery, and artistic prints that make perfect souvenirs.

For food lovers, Antica Bottega di Prospero sells local specialties like farro della Garfagnana, extra virgin olive oil from nearby hills, and the famous buccellato sweet bread that makes an excellent gift.

Antica Bottega di Prospero, Lucca

The surrounding area offers easy day trips that enhance your Lucca experience.

Villa Reale di Marlia, just 8 kilometers away, features spectacular baroque gardens and hosts summer concerts in its outdoor theater.
The Garfagnana region to the north offers hiking opportunities, medieval villages, and traditional restaurants serving mountain cuisine. These excursions provide contrast to city sightseeing while keeping Lucca as your comfortable base.

Top Tip: Avoid the crowds by visiting major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The walls are particularly beautiful for walking or cycling at sunrise when the light is soft and you'll share the path mainly with local joggers. Many churches close for lunch from 12:30 to 3:30 PM, so plan your sightseeing accordingly.

Getting around Lucca is best done on foot or by bicycle, as the historic center is compact and largely pedestrianized. However, if you're staying outside the walls or have mobility concerns, local buses connect the train station with various points around the city. Taxis are available but not always necessary, given the walkable nature of the historic center.

Your visit to Lucca will leave you with memories of a city that perfectly balances historical preservation with vibrant contemporary life. From cycling atop Renaissance walls to discovering hidden trattorias serving recipes passed down through generations, Lucca offers an authentic Italian experience that feels both timeless and immediate.

Whether you spend a day or a week here, you'll understand why this remarkable city has captivated visitors for centuries while remaining relatively unspoiled by mass tourism!