Lucca: Explore Tuscany’s Perfect Walled City

Lucca is one of Tuscany’s most enchanting towns — a beautifully preserved city surrounded by massive Renaissance walls.

Unlike many historic towns, these walls were never destroyed.

Instead they have become one of Lucca’s greatest attractions: a wide, tree-lined promenade encircling the entire historic centre.

Inside the walls lies a charming world of medieval streets, elegant piazzas and timeless Italian atmosphere.

Why Lucca?

Lucca offers everything travellers love about Tuscany but with a calmer, more intimate feel.

The city’s historic centre remains almost unchanged for centuries.

Cars are largely restricted, making it a peaceful place to explore on foot or by bicycle.

Music also plays an important role in Lucca’s identity.

The city was the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, one of Italy’s greatest opera composers.

Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

Lucca’s most distinctive square is Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.

Built on the site of a Roman amphitheatre, the oval-shaped piazza follows the exact outline of the ancient arena.

Today cafés and restaurants fill the square, creating one of the most picturesque settings in Tuscany.

Walking the Renaissance Walls

Lucca’s walls were built in the 16th century to defend the city.

Today they form a shaded park nearly four kilometres long.

Visitors can walk or cycle along the walls while enjoying views over the rooftops and surrounding countryside.

It’s one of the most relaxing experiences in Tuscany.

Churches and Towers

Lucca’s skyline is dotted with medieval towers and historic churches.

Highlights include:

• San Michele in Foro, with its ornate marble façade

• Lucca Cathedral, home to the famous Volto Santo crucifix

• Guinigi Tower, crowned with oak trees growing at the top

Climbing the tower rewards visitors with beautiful views over the city.

Tuscan Flavours

Lucca’s cuisine reflects the traditions of northern Tuscany.

Local dishes include:

• Tordelli lucchesi, stuffed pasta with meat ragu

• Farro soup, made with ancient grains

• Local olive oils and Tuscan wines

Meals here are slow, generous and deeply satisfying.

Day 1: Inside the Walls

Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

Start your visit in Lucca’s most unique square.

Lucca Cathedral

Explore this impressive cathedral and its artistic treasures.

Wander the Medieval Streets

Browse small shops, cafés and quiet squares.

Day 2: Towers and Walls

Guinigi Tower

Climb to the top for views across the historic centre.

Walk or Cycle the Walls

Spend time enjoying Lucca’s peaceful green promenade.

Afternoon Cafés

Relax with a coffee or gelato in one of the town’s charming piazzas.

Ideal Two-Day Structure

Day 1 – Historic centre and churches

Day 2 – Towers, walls and relaxed exploration

Lucca offers one of the most charming and peaceful experiences in Tuscany.

Getting to Lucca by Train

Lucca is well connected by regional trains.

From Florence

• Direct trains

• Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes

From Pisa

• Direct trains

• Approx. 30 minutes

The train station sits just outside the historic walls, making it easy to walk into the city centre.

For more rail-based journeys across Italy, explore Touring Italy by Train:https://mybook.to/TouringItalybyTrain