Lucca

A charming walled city famous for its intact Renaissance walls and Romanesque churches. Lucca is one of Tuscany's most elegant and relaxed towns.

Things to do

Walk or cycle the city walls — Rent a bike at the walls base and enjoy the tree-lined promenade above the city.
Visit Piazza dell'Anfiteatro — This elliptical piazza is built over a Roman amphitheatre and is perfect for a coffee stop.
Climb Torre Guinigi — Climb the medieval tower crowned with oak trees for panoramic views over Lucca.
Explore the Duomo di San Martino — Admire the asymmetric Romanesque facade and the Volto Santo crucifix inside.
Attend a Puccini concert — Lucca is the birthplace of Puccini; evening concerts are held in his honour regularly.

Tordelli Lucchesi — Stuffed pasta similar to tortelli filled with meat and herbs, a local Sunday staple.
Buccellato — A sweet ring-shaped bread with anise and raisins, sold in bakeries across the city.
Zuppa di Farro — Hearty emmer wheat soup slow-cooked with local vegetables and legumes.
Lardo di Colonnata — Cured fatback aged in marble basins, served thin on warm bread.

Respect quiet streets at midday — Lucca locals observe a long lunch break; many shops close between 1 and 3 PM.
Book Lucca Comics tickets early — The annual comics festival in October draws huge crowds and hotels fill months in advance.
Dress for churches — Shoulders and knees must be covered when entering the Duomo and other churches.