Lucca, Italy - A Tuscan Retreat
Updated: Aug 17
For a quieter side of Tuscany, head north to the charming city of Lucca. Often overlooked in favor of Tuscany’s better-known destinations, Lucca is filled with inviting piazzas, beautifully preserved Renaissance walls, and easy access to the Tuscan coast.
Lucca’s historic center is surrounded by an impressive system of Renaissance-era brick walls. Constructed during the 16th and 17th centuries to protect the city from potential attacks, particularly from Florence, the fortifications were never actually tested in battle.
Today, a wide, peaceful road runs along the top of the walls. The road stays cool in the shade of towering chestnut trees and encourages visitors to walk or cycle around the city. You can see the old town from the street. It is lush with beautiful architecture, old-fashioned buildings, and spectacular gardens. The view from the top of the city allows a glimpse into the daily lives of those lucky enough to be citizens of Lucca.
Lucca’s food traditions are deeply rooted in Tuscany's flavors and ingredients. The dishes are renowned for using local vegetables and fragrant herbs to make homemade soups like the famous minestrone and zuppa di farro, a thick soup made with borlotti beans. Lucca is also known for foods like tortelli lucchesi with ragout sauce, served on festive occasions. Other typical dishes from Lucca include pork roasted on the grill with aromatic herbs, rabbit cacciatore with olives, chicken al mattone, and roasted cod with chickpeas or fresh leeks. While the city is home to many delicacies, its specialty is its olio di oliva delle Colline Lucchesi, known as one of the world's best olive oils.
Lucca has no shortage of breathtaking attractions that draw in visitors from around the country and world. The city features Romanesque and Gothic-style architecture. Many of these structures are churches, such as the Duomo, dedicated to San Martino, and the Church of San Michele in Foro, made of white limestone. One of Lucca's most distinctive monuments is the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, a Roman amphitheater with a maximum capacity of 10,000. Lucca's commercial district's heart is Via Fillungo, a medieval street lined with trees and exclusive shops, cafes, and restaurants.
One of Lucca's oldest towns, Bagni di Lucca, is home to popular attractions, including thermal baths. The baths treat many ailments like arthritis, diseases of the bronchi and lungs, and rheumatologic disorders.
While there are many reasons to visit beautiful Lucca, its historic landmarks and preserved heritage embody Italian culture. Every location in the city is packed with culture and history, with the perfect amount of modernism to fit comfortably into the 21st century. It is easy to get mesmerized by the city's antiquity. It offers several towers, churches, and museums to visit, and it will spoil visitors with endless views and plenty of incredible photo opportunities.
If Lucca sounds like a place you’d like to include in your Italy itinerary, I can help you create a customized trip that combines destinations like this with the experiences that matter most to you.
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