Holiday in Lucca

What makes Lucca special as a destination?

Lucca is perhaps the most charming city in Tuscany — a hidden gem away from the hustle and bustle of Florence and Siena. The fully preserved Renaissance city wall (4.2 kilometers) was transformed in the 19th century into a wide, tree-lined promenade where locals jog, cycle, and picnic — with views of church towers and the Apuan Alps in the background. The Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on the foundations of a Roman amphitheater, has retained its oval shape and is surrounded by pastel-colored houses — a square straight out of a picture book. The Torre Guinigi, a medieval tower with seven holm oaks on the roof, offers the best panoramic view. The Romanesque churches of San Michele in Foro and San Frediano impress with their intricate facades. Lucca is the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini: His birthplace is a museum, and every summer his operas resonate at the Pucciniano Festival near Torre del Lago. The city is remarkably bike-friendly — renting a bike on the wall and through the car-free alleys is the best way to discover Lucca. Culinary highlights include Tordelli alla Lucchese (stuffed pasta), Buccellato (sweet yeast wreath), and the olive oil of Lucchesia. It’s only a 20-minute train ride from Pisa — perfect for a day trip or a quiet Tuscan base.