Have you ever dreamed of exploring the charms of an ancient Italian city in the hills of Tuscany? Visiting Lucca, Italy is a unique and captivating experience that should not be missed. Located in Tuscany, Lucca is a beautiful walled town that offers stunning medieval architecture, tranquil square gardens to meander around, fascinating historical palaces to explore, and even music festivals among its famous walls.
Lucca, Italy has earned a reputation as a smaller and more affordable alternative to Florence, Italy, captivating the hearts of tourists and expats alike. Lucca has a growing community of English-speaking expats who have made this pretty Tuscan town their home. Moreover, Lucca is among the best cities in Italy for families, thanks to its green spaces, varied activities, and excellent international school.
Where is Lucca, Italy?
Located in northern Tuscany, the ancient city of Lucca Italy is an hour and a half drive from Florence and a half hour away from Pisa. Lucca is conveniently located on the train lines that connect Florence with Viareggio and Pisa, so there are many daily trains available to and from Lucca. The train connections make it an idyllic location for travelers who wish to explore Lucca alongside other Tuscan towns.
This cozy city has stunning architecture, impeccable local cuisine, friendly inhabitants, and numerous enriching cultural attractions that will leave no visitor disappointed if they chose to visit it as their destination. Lucca’s population is around 90,000. The population is mostly made up of Italians alongside tourists that flock to the picturesque area all year round.
Living up to its former Roman roots, the city’s unique geography and culture have kept it as one of Italy’s top tourist attractions. Visitors will be truly amazed at what Lucca has to offer, both in terms of culture and scenery. Be ready to spend your time with sightseeing excursions filled with serenity, gastronomy feasts, and stunning panorama views.
What is Lucca, Italy famous for?
1. Lucca Cathedral in Lucca, Italy
The ancient and majestic city of Lucca is home to one of its most iconic landmarks, Lucca Cathedral. Dating back to 1063 AD, this impressive structure contains centuries-old architectural features that draw thousands each year from around the globe. The facade illustrates a harmonious mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles with alternating pilasters and a huge bell tower decorated with intricate carvings.
Today Lucca Cathedral remains a highly popular tourist attraction and is usually open from 10 am to 6 pm, with an admission fee of $10. As such, it has become the centerpiece for many nearby pilgrimages as devotees make their way through the streets of Tuscany on foot or bike. This is where they stop to take a look at its beauty and grandeur before traveling onward toward other parts of Italy.
2. Piazza dell Anfiteatro in Lucca, Italy
Piazza dell Anfiteatro in Lucca, Italy is a unique public square that encapsulates everything stunning and special about the city. At first glance, visitors can observe Piazza dell Anfiteatro’s elliptical shape that runs in an accurately designed circle. This is a result of its design originating from elements of medieval geometric engineering principles, used to ensure sound acoustics for gladiatorial events during Roman times. Nowadays, there are vibrant cafes lining its perimeter that lets locals enjoy eating dinner outside with families and friends.
The interior structure consists primarily of two concentric tiers involving arches that serve as frontages for the key buildings that surround it. Additionally, there are many regular cultural events with tourists flocking to appreciate religious festivals held within Piazza dell Anfiteatro.
There is no denying that Piazza dell Anfiteatro has built a formidable reputation today as one of the most beautiful public squares in Lucca, Italy due to its historic nature and charm. The boundaries which have been preserved since Roman times, not only show Piazza dell Anfiteatro’s proud passage through time but also its impact on Lucca’s culture until this day.
3. San Michele in Foro in Lucca, Italy
San Michele in Foro is an ancient church located in Lucca, Italy. This stunning architecture is a beaming reminder of old Lucca, with its neoclassical facade adorned by two imperial columns topped off with a statue of St Michel the archangel. San Micheletto holds a very special place in Lucca, it was initially constructed on top of an ancient Roman forum. The church hosted pilgrims bound for Jerusalem as well as a provided haven to Catholics persecuted by anti-catholic authorities throughout the Renaissance period and is still considered one of the most important religious sites in all of Italy.
The exterior of the San Michele in Foro combines classic Romanesque and Tuscan elements with modern touches, creating a unique architectural style that matches its beautiful interior. With a noteworthy history, this basilica holds pride in place as one of Lucca’s proudest landmarks. The church is widely celebrated for its numerous memorabilia, which make it truly stand out, so be sure to explore all its wonders while sightseeing the city today.
All in all, San Michele in Foro is a majestic slice of architectural history that should not be missed during any trip to Lucca. This splendid monument offers something for every type of traveler, from the spiritually inclined to those just looking for aesthetic value. There are infinite ways to get lost among its nuances and have your spiritual journey when visiting San Michele in Foro.
Best things to do in Lucca, Italy
1. Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca in Lucca, Italy
Located in the walled city of Lucca, Italy is Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca. This botanical garden holds a vast collection of native and exotic plants from around the world along with its impressive specimen trees that date back many decades. Established in 1820, this Italian landscaped park invites visitors to explore more than 5 acres of nature’s beauty through an array of fountains and pools surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation.
The Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca offers a revelation to its visitors through two separate sections. At the botanical gardens, one can find two distinct areas. There is an area with sprawling greenery consisting of arboretums winding pathways lined with diverse plantings and a tranquil pond – truly offering visitors a place of beauty and serenity in which to wander and marvel at nature’s bounty.
The other section contains important aspects such as a greenhouse, an educational schoolroom for furthering horticultural knowledge, along with various scientific labs that aid research. So no matter what kind of visit one is seeking here amid this lush paradise they are sure to be struck by the sheer majesty it has to offer. This amazing botanical garden allows visitors to explore its beauties while learning about the history and culture surrounding these impressive specimen trees.
2. Torre delle Ore in Lucca, Italy
Torre delle Ore is a magnificent historical monument situated in the walled city of Lucca, Italy. Secured by the government in the 14th century, this iconic tower continues to evoke admiration among visitors today. The Tor delle Ore boasted a stunning view of Lucca’s winding streets and provides an advantageous lookout point.
Today Torre delle Ore serves both as a tourist attraction, informing visitors of its rich Italian history and cultural importance, while also being part of the structural modernity that distinguishes Lucca. The impressive structure is now owned by the Comune di Lucca.
Although not much is known about how it looked in its original form, other clocks from this period typically had markings for hours displayed on their faces. Over time, through renovations as well as preservation efforts from the Comune di Lucca, this landmark stands proud at the center of the city. There are plenty of visitors marveling at its intricate carvings while listening to the bells chiming periodically out of the historic tower.
3. Acquedotto del Nottolini in Lucca, Italy
Acquedotto del Nottolini is an impressive structure in the historic city of Lucca, Italy. Designed by renowned Italian architect Lorenzo Nottolini and completed in 1851, this aqueduct was intended to provide clean water for the city’s population. Its construction demonstrates remarkable engineering feats given its age.
From inside the archways of the aqueduct, stunning views of Lucca can be seen. Its arches provide an especially beautiful sight for visitors who appreciate its historical and aesthetic value. Since it was completed almost 200 years ago, Acquedotto del Nottolini continues to stand grandly despite being bathed by torrential rainstorms and other harsh weather conditions as time has gone on.
Currently, the aqueduct serves a much more peaceful purpose than its original design. Now it provides cyclists and pedestrians with a unique opportunity to observe lovely views of Lucca from within its walls as they traverse across it. This is especially popular at night when Acquedotto del Nottolini stands illuminated in all its glory for passersby to admire with awe. Whenever you’re in Lucca, Italy, don’t miss out on getting close and personal to this monumental example of Italian architecture.
Cost of living and real estate in Lucca Italy
The average home price in Lucca Italy is around $415,000 for a 2,000 square foot house. This is almost half the price of a similarly sized house in Florence, which is closer to $800,000. Lucca is also more affordable for buying property than Pisa, where the average home price is around $490,000. Tuscany is one of Italy’s most expensive regions to buy real estate, so living here is not cheap, but if you have your heart set on Tuscany, Lucca is certainly a relatively affordable location.
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