Lucca, Italy
Situated on Tuscany’s third longest river, Serchio — Lucca is known as the city of art and the birthplace of many world class composers. Like many other towns in Italy, Lucca is also known for its many churches — most of which are medieval, basilica style. The city’s Renaissance era walls — easily identifiable in any photo are known to be the second longest in Europe. Beyond the walls, the old city has been well preserved, defining the charm of Lucca that we love today.
Attractions to See
Cathedral of Lucca - a Roman Catholic cathedral, seat of the Archbishop of Lucca.
Chiesa di San Michele in Foro - a church known for its intricate facade.
San Frediano Basilica - a Romanesque church with a golden mosaic facade.
Mura di Lucca - the walls around Lucca, beautiful green space.
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro - a bustling square for dining and shopping, formerly a Roman amphitheater.
Lucca is a “slow living” city, designed walking and biking. With everything easily accessible on foot, it’s hard not to embrace the tone of the atmosphere and experience the city like a local. It is estimated that there was once a total of 250 towers in the city. While many of Lucca’s towers have been destroyed over time, there are still a few remaining . Today, many of the city’s former towers have been converted into homes, restaurants and shops — giving Lucca it’s unique character.
Things To Do
Tour Palazzo Pfanner - a beautiful garden with a 17th century apartment.
Take a bike ride around Mura di Lucca - the historic walls around the city.
Climb Guinigi Tower — a tree topped tower with panoramic city views.
Climb Torre dell'Orologio — the city’s tallest tower with panoramic city views and an ancient mechanism inside.
Take a day trip to Pisa.
Where to Drink & Dine
Bistrot Paris Boheme - great service and great food in an “alice in wonderland” like setting.
L’Imbuto - creative, modern tuscan meals presented in a fine dining setting overlooking Palazzo gardens.
Peperosa - modern cuisine served in the city’s bustling Piazza dell'Anfiteatro. Michelin guide has named this one of most interesting restaurants in Lucca.
Ristorante Mecenate - high quality traditional and local cuisine in a casual setting.
Enoteca Vanni - a casual spot for light bites, an aperitivo and an endless selection of wine.
Charming Hotels
Palazzo Dipinto - modern, traditional rooms located in Piazza del Palazzo Dipinto — just a few steps from Piazza San Michele.
Hotel Ilaria - ancient tuscan styled rooms in a modern setting — perfectly located in the city center.
Albergo Celide - traditional, minimalist rooms located outside the city center with easy access to the city walls on foot.
Palazzo Alexander - charming rooms of “noble Lucchese style” in the heart of the city.