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We found Lucca close to our idea of a perfect tourist destination, combining remarkable architecture, a beautiful urban landscape, and centuries of history within a compact historic centre. Yet it still feels surprisingly overlooked. Lucca is one of Tuscany's most impressive towns, but many travellers seem to pass it by without realizing how much it offers.
History of Lucca:
Lucca probably developed from an earlier Ligurian or Etruscan settlement and became a Roman colony under Latin law in 180 BC. Its Roman street plan remains visible in the historic centre, while the ancient amphitheatre survives in the shape of Piazza dell'Anfiteatro. In 55 BC, Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus met in Lucca. Read More [...]
After periods of Gothic and Byzantine rule, Lucca became one of the principal centres of the Lombard kingdom and, in the sixth century, the capital of the Duchy of Tuscia. Following the Carolingian conquest in 773, the city strengthened its commercial role and became widely known for textile production, especially its high-quality silk.
During the Middle Ages, Lucca prospered as an important stop on the Via Francigena, attracting pilgrims who came to venerate the Volto Santo in the cathedral. By the twelfth century, it had developed into a commune and later a republic. Under Castruccio Castracani, Lucca defeated Florence at the Battle of Altopascio in 1325.
After Castruccio's death, Lucca passed through a period of instability and foreign domination. The city recovered its freedom in 1370 through the intervention of Emperor Charles IV and restored a republican government. Lucca remained economically influential through banking and the silk trade, and successfully resisted major Florentine sieges in 1429 and 1430.
Except for brief periods of personal rule, Lucca remained an independent republic until French forces ended it in 1799. Napoleon later created the Principality of Lucca and Piombino, followed by the Duchy of Lucca after the Congress of Vienna. The city joined the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in 1847 and the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1860.
Geography of Lucca:
Today, Lucca is a city of about 90,000 inhabitants in northwestern Tuscany and the capital of the province bearing the same name. It stands on the Lucca Plain, between the Altopiano delle Pizzorne to the north and the Monti Pisani to the south, near the left bank of the Serchio River. Read More [...]
The city centre lies approximately 19 metres above sea level. The municipal territory covers about 186 square kilometres and presents considerable differences in elevation. Its lowest areas are only one metre above sea level, while its highest point reaches approximately 950 metres in the Altopiano delle Pizzorne, part of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.
Lucca borders the municipalities of Borgo a Mozzano, Camaiore, Capannori, Massarosa, Pescaglia, San Giuliano Terme, and Vecchiano. The first five belong to the Province of Lucca, while San Giuliano Terme and Vecchiano are in the Province of Pisa. The municipal territory therefore extends beyond the city's compact historic centre and surrounding plain.
Lucca is about 20 kilometres northeast of Pisa, 72 kilometres west of Florence, and 100 kilometres northwest of Siena. It is also approximately 130 kilometres southwest of Bologna, 140 kilometres northwest of Arezzo, 280 kilometres south of Milan, 325 kilometres northwest of Rome, and 545 kilometres northwest of Naples.
Transport to/in Lucca:
By train: Lucca railway station stands in Piazza Ricasoli, just outside the southern section of the walls. Regional trains connect the city with Pisa, Florence, and Viareggio. Services from Pisa generally take about 30 minutes, while from Florence usually require around 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on the connection. Read More [...]
By road: Lucca is accessible from the A11 Florence-Mare motorway through the Lucca Est and Lucca Ovest exits. Drivers arriving from the Ligurian coast can use the A12 motorway and the road connection from Viareggio. Most of the historic centre is a limited-traffic zone, so visitors should use designated parking areas outside the walls.
By bus: Autolinee Toscane operates urban and interurban bus services linking Lucca with surrounding districts and nearby towns. The main bus station is in Piazzale Verdi, inside the historic centre. Direct connections are available from Pisa Centrale, Florence's Porta al Prato-Leopolda area, and Piazza d'Azeglio in Viareggio, although schedules vary by day.
By air: The closest airport is Galileo Galilei Airport in Pisa, approximately 22 kilometres from Lucca. Travellers can continue through Pisa Centrale or Pisa San Rossore by regional train. Amerigo Vespucci International Airport near Florence is about 69 kilometres away and provides another practical arrival point, particularly for passengers using Florence's rail connections.
Getting around Lucca: The historic centre is compact, largely flat, and best explored on foot or by bicycle. A large limited-traffic zone restricts private vehicles within the walls. Local buses connect the centre, railway station, hospital, residential districts, nearby villages, and surrounding hills, while the broad path on Lucca's walls is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists.
Tourist Attractions in Lucca:
Lucca's best-known attraction is its intact Renaissance wall circuit, which surrounds the historic centre for approximately 4.2 kilometres. Built between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, the walls were later transformed into a broad pedestrian promenade. Another major landmark is Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, created over the remains of the ancient Roman amphitheatre by architect Lorenzo Nottolini. Read More [...]
Lucca is traditionally known as the "City of a Hundred Churches" because of the numerous religious buildings within its historic centre. The most important include the Cathedral of San Martino, the Basilica of San Frediano, and San Michele in Foro. Piazza San Martino forms the city's religious centre, while Piazza San Michele occupies the former Roman forum.
Among Lucca's most recognisable monuments is Torre Guinigi, a medieval tower distinguished by the trees growing on its summit. Other notable attractions include Torre delle Ore, Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Pfanner, and Palazzo Mansi. Via Fillungo is the historic centre's principal street, while Piazza Napoleone stands beside Piazza del Giglio and the Teatro del Giglio.
Events in Lucca:
Founded in 1998, the Lucca Summer Festival is one of Italy's leading music events. Held annually during the summer, it presents concerts by major Italian and international artists. Performances usually take place in Piazza Napoleone, in the historic centre, or at the Campo Balilla area beside the city's Renaissance walls. Read More [...]
Lucca's principal traditional events include the Luminara di Santa Croce, held on September 13, when a candlelit procession crosses the historic centre from San Frediano to the Cathedral of San Martino. On July 12, the Palio di San Paolino honours the city's patron saint with ceremonies, historical processions, and a crossbow competition.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lucca:
Where is Lucca located?
Lucca is located in northwestern Tuscany, approximately 20 kilometres northeast of Pisa and 72 kilometres west of Florence, on a plain near the Serchio River. Read More [...]
What is Lucca famous for?
Lucca is famous for its intact Renaissance walls, medieval towers, historic churches, Roman street plan, elegant squares, silk-making tradition, and well-preserved historic centre.
Can visitors walk on Lucca's walls?
Yes. The approximately 4.2-kilometre wall circuit is covered by a broad, tree-lined promenade used by pedestrians and cyclists throughout the year.
What is special about Piazza dell'Anfiteatro?
Piazza dell'Anfiteatro preserves the elliptical shape of Lucca's ancient Roman amphitheatre. Its present appearance was created during the nineteenth century by architect Lorenzo Nottolini.
How can travellers reach Lucca from Pisa?
Regional trains connect Pisa Centrale with Lucca in approximately 30 minutes. Drivers can also reach the city by road, while buses operate on selected routes.
When is the best time to visit Lucca?
Spring and autumn generally offer comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors. Summer brings major events, including the Lucca Summer Festival, but can be warmer and busier.
What are the most important events in Lucca?
Major events include the Lucca Summer Festival, the candlelit Luminara di Santa Croce, the Palio di San Paolino, and the internationally known Lucca Comics & Games.
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