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Lucca

Tuscany, Italy

Italy Tuscany
Lucca

A green ring of city walls, behind it a maze of medieval lanes and towers with rooftop gardens. Here you cycle along the old bastions, visit Romanesque churches, and treat yourself to an espresso on Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. Whether a single day or a long weekend—the city is easy to explore yet varied enough to make you want to stay longer.

The city is also the birthplace of numerous world‑famous composers, including Giacomo Puccini, Alfredo Catalani, and Luigi Boccherini.

Top Highlights of Lucca

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Piazza dell'Anfiteatro
Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
At first glance, you see an oval square - but the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro stands on the remains of a Roman amphitheater, whose shape it has preserved to this day. Over the centuries, the place served as a salt warehouse, prison, and marketplace, until architect Lorenzo Nottolini uncovered the historical structure in the 19th century.
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Walls of Lucca
Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
The Mura di Lucca, Europe's largest fully preserved city wall built according to modern fortification principles, surrounds the Tuscan city for a length of 4.2 kilometers. Constructed between 1504 and 1648 as protection against the expanding Florence, the structure was never put to the test militarily—its only challenge was a flood of the Serchio River in 1812.
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Lucca Cathedral
Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
The impressive Cattedrale di San Martino combines Romanesque and Gothic architecture and has shaped the cityscape of Lucca as the mother church of the archdiocese since the 8th century. The magnificent exterior captivates with its intricately decorated façade featuring the famous relief of Saint Martin sharing his cloak with a beggar.
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Guinigi Tower
Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
The Torre Guinigi is one of the few remaining towers from the 14th century in Lucca and surprises with a unique rooftop garden where ancient oaks have been growing for centuries. The 44-meter-high tower was built by the powerful Guinigi family as a symbol of their power, at a time when the city had over 250 such towers.
San Michele in Foro
Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
The impressive Chiesa di San Michele in Foro has been overlooking the former Roman Forum in the heart of Lucca since the 8th century. Originally a Lombard church, it underwent extensive renovations starting in 1070 under Pope Alexander II and received its characteristic façade with four loggia levels, crowned by a large marble statue of the Archangel Michael.
Via Fillungo Main Street
Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
Piazza Napoleone
Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
The Piazza Napoleone, also known as "Piazza Grande" by the locals, is the central square of Lucca, created by Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi in 1806 during the Napoleonic rule. On its western side stands the impressive Palazzo Ducale, which now houses the prefecture and was built on the remains of the medieval Cittadella.
Basilica of San Frediano
Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
The Basilica di San Frediano is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Lucca and has a rich history that dates back to the 6th century. You'll immediately notice the large mosaic of the Ascension of Christ on its impressive Romanesque facade, while inside, the three-nave layout features ancient Roman columns and an ornate baptismal font from the 12th century waiting for you.
Clock Tower in Lucca
Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
At 50 meters tall, the Torre dell'Orologio towers over the other 130 towers of Lucca and offers you an impressive view of the city from its bell chamber. Built in the 13th century, the tower received its first clock in 1390, crafted by the renowned clockmaker Labruccio Cerlotti, whose family later owned the tower.
Tomb of Ilaria del Carretto
Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
In the sacristy of the Cathedral of San Martino in Lucca, you will find one of the most significant tomb monuments of the Italian early Renaissance: the intricately designed marble sarcophagus of Ilaria del Carretto, created by Jacopo della Quercia between 1406 and 1408.
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Itinerary for Lucca

Half-day trip

Many spend the morning in Pisa and then take the train to Lucca in 30 minutes. With 4–5 hours, focus on the key highlights:

  • Walk or cycle a stretch of the walls
  • Stroll along Via Fillungo
  • Visit San Michele
  • Coffee break on Piazza Anfiteatro
  • Climb the Guinigi Tower

That still leaves time for dinner in the old town before heading back to Florence.

Ticket tip: In high season, reserve Guinigi Tower tickets online; capacity is limited.

Day trip

Includes all of the above highlights. The difference is that you’ll have time to visit the city’s churches, boutiques, and markets—perfect for picking up small gifts to take home.

Lucca is known as the city of a hundred churches for good reason. From the Chiesa di San Michele in Foro to the Cathedral of San Martino and the Basilica of San Frediano, lovers of architecture and art history have plenty to discover.

Travel inspiration

Essentials

How much time do you need for Lucca?

Many combine Lucca with Pisa, but Lucca easily fills one to two days.

The city also makes an excellent base in northern Tuscany. You’ll find great infrastructure here, with plenty of trattorie, boutiques, and convenient rail connections.

When is the best time to visit?

For Lucca and Tuscany, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are best.

You’ll have pleasant temperatures between 18 °C and 26 °C, and the city is less crowded—ideal for cycling and sightseeing.

Summer (June–August)

Summer can be very hot, with temperatures up to 35 °C, which makes city sightseeing more tiring. There are also more tourists at this time.

Pros: Long evenings, lots of life outdoors, and concert dates in the city and by the lake at Torre del Lago.

Autumn (September–November)

Clear light, comfortable temperatures. In late October/early November, Lucca Comics & Games shapes the city—fantastic, but in very high demand. Secure accommodation early.

Winter (December–February)

Quieter streets, short days, and more frequent rain; good conditions for museums and churches. Prices are often more moderate in the off-season.

Getting there

Lucca sits between Pisa (20 km) and Florence (80 km) and is ideal for a trip with or without a car.

The nearest airports are:

  • Pisa Airport (Galileo Galilei)
  • Florence Airport (Amerigo Vespucci)

By train

Lucca is very well connected with frequent services. From the station (just outside the city walls) it’s only a few minutes to Porta San Pietro and into the old town.

  • Pisa Centrale: about 20–30 minutes
  • Florence: about 1.5 hours
  • Viareggio: around 20–30 minutes

Getting around the city

In the center you’re best off on foot; for the walls, a rental bike is worth it. The ring is flat, wide, and family‑friendly.

Car & ZTL

Lucca is well connected by motorways:

  • A11 (Firenze–Mare): Connects Florence with the coast and leads directly to Lucca.
  • A12 (Autostrada Azzurra): Runs along the coast and connects to the A11.

The old town is a restricted-traffic zone (ZTL). Park outside the walls in designated car parks and explore the center on foot.

By bus

There are bus connections to and from Florence, Pisa, and Viareggio. The bus station in Lucca is at Piazzale Verdi, inside the city walls.

Fancy a roadtrip?

Be inspired by our hand-picked road trips.

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Interested?
Start planning your next adventure!

Day trips from Lucca

Pisa

Half day · 25–30 min by train

The highlight is of course the Piazza dei Miracoli with the cathedral, baptistery, and the Leaning Tower. If you stay longer, stroll along the Arno or visit the Museo di San Matteo.

Viareggio & Versilia

Full day · 30 min by train

About 30 minutes by train brings you to the sea. Viareggio offers broad beaches and a long Art Nouveau promenade. In summer, the Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago lures with open‑air opera by the lake.

Montecarlo

Only 15 km east of Lucca lies the Montecarlo DOC zone. The small town perches on a hill with wide views, and wineries all around offer tastings. The white wines are especially renowned—a rewarding addition for connoisseurs.

Regional specialties

The city’s signature treat is Buccellato, a sweet anise bread with raisins to go with your espresso. Other classics:

  • Tordelli Lucchesi: stuffed pasta with ragù
  • Zuppa alla Frantoiana: hearty vegetable/bean soup with good olive oil

Wines from the surrounding area

  • Colline Lucchesi DOC white and red wines from the hills north/east of Lucca
  • Montecarlo DOC a nearby DOC, traditionally strong in white wines

Events

Lucca hosts festivals and events throughout the year.

In July, the Lucca Summer Festival brings international stars to the stage, while in autumn comic fans and gamers from all over the world come together for Lucca Comics & Games, one of the largest events of its kind in Europe.

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