Lucca City Guide
The beautiful Tuscan city of Lucca in northern central Italy is alive with 2,000 years of history. Transport yourself back to ancient times with a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre, discover more about Lucca’s famous son, Puccini at the Giacomo Puccini House Museum and relax in the tranquil surroundings of Lucca’s Botanical Gardens.
What to do and see in and around Lucca
Old Town Walls
Lucca is surrounded by 4km of city walls, originally built to defend the city in the 16th century. For a different perspective of the city, visitors can walk on top of the walls around Lucca.
The Ducal Palace
Dating back to the beginning of the 14th century the Palazzo Ducale was started by the Duke of Lucca. It has been developed and reconstructed over the years and today is known as Lucca’s political and cultural centre. Highlights of the Ducal Palace are the elegant royal staircase and the beautiful frescoes of the Guard Room.
Palazzo Pfanner
Dating back to 1660 this magnificent palace was built for the wealthy silk merchant Moriconi family. Since that time the Palazzo Pfanner has changed hands many times and now belongs to the Pfanner family, descendants of the Austrian brewer Felix Pfanner. The classic Italian style garden is a beautiful sight only rivalled by the 18th century frescoes of the palazzo’s large central hall.
Basilica of San Frediano
The first thing that strikes you about this beautiful Cathedral is the resplendent golden mosaic lighting up its simple façade. This lovely piece of Romanesque architecture can be found on the Piazza San Frediano.
Giacomo Puccini House Museum
This fascinating museum is dedicated to the famous Italian composer Puccini and is where he was born on 22nd December 1858. The house has been a museum dedicated to Puccini since 1973 and gives a fascinating insight into the man who wrote Madame Butterfly and La Bohème.
San Michele in Foro
This spectacular church graces the Piazza San Michele with its apparently free-standing façade. The first records of this church date as far back as the 8th century and it is well worth a visit.
Botanical Garden of Lucca
Lucca’s Botanical Garden was first established in 1820 and consists of 2 hectares of plant life from exotic trees and shrubs to edible wild plants of native Tuscany.
The Roman Amphitheatre
The remains of Lucca’s Amphitheatre, which was built during the 1st century AD, survive as testimony to the city’s Roman history when the amphitheatre was the site of gladiatorial battles and other significant events.
The National Museum of Palazzo Mansi
This fabulous museum first opened its doors to the lucky public in 1977. The building itself is a beautiful baroque palace and there are plenty more treasures inside such as the beautiful frescoes and tapestries that adorn the first floor and the 19th century paintings that are displayed on the second floor.
Duomo di San Martino
Lucca’s elegant cathedral is accompanied by an equally elegant bell tower. The cathedral with its beautifully sculpted façade can be found on the Piazza San Martino.
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