Why stay in Lucca?

The city walls of Lucca took more than 100 years to build and comprise some 6,000,000 bricks. They were constructed between 1544 and 1650, and were extensively restored in the early 1800s. They are one of the most symbolic and important structures in Lucca and are largely responsible for the city retaining its charm and character. Lucca is one of the few cities to have the total walls intact. Because of their physical presence, the urbanisation and modernisation of the city of Lucca has taken place outside the city walls leaving a charming and authentic Italian city. Walking or cycling around the walls provides an excellent vantage point to view the old city and take in the majestic vista of mountains dotted with Villas. Mainly comprised of boulevards and avenues of old trees, the walls provide a haven from the everyday life and a relaxing environment to unwind after a days sightseeing.

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The City Walls

The 21st century seems hardly to have encroached on the appearance of the centro storico (historic centre). Delving a little deeper into the city it is delightful to find all of the modern conveniences in such harmony with an ancient city. Lucca has managed to blend the requirements of contemporary living into an historic centre. Imagine using an Internet café in a former convent from the 14th Century. The Lucca summer festival hosts a series of concerts of current pop stars in centuries old piazzas, while highlights of Puccini’s operas are performed in the Church of Saints Giovanni and Reparata where the original foundations of a church dating to the 1st Century AD can be found.

The cobbled streets and squares of the old city of Lucca are full of atmosphere. With their Gothic and Renaissance palaces, the towers of the nobility, old shops and tree lined piazzas, it is a place to be taken in at leisure. Strolling through the town, one will find new delights at every turn. Following century old traditions, some of the alimentari (delicatessens) have been operating in the same locations for more than 100 years by several generations of the one family. Locally produced cheeses, olive oil and wine are a specialty of many of these.

Given the age of the city and it’s development before the current walls were built, the streets are often quite windy and cobbled. Houses follow the crooked line of the street and as such, most of the city is given over to a pedestrian walkway. This provides great security in strolling or cycling through the city and seeing all it has to offer. The streets can often get quite crowded on an afternoon with locals doing their shopping and the tourists going about their sightseeing. Via Fillungo is one of the most famous shopping strips and has many stores specialising in international designer clothing labels and world renown jewellery and antique silverware.

Lucca amphitheatre

Lucca offers lovers of history an overwhelming range of options.. There are several churches of note. These are the most famous of the 97 churches within the city’s walls. There are palaces, piazzas, and museums to satisfy everyone.

On the third weekend of every month, there is an antique market in which many of the streets of Lucca are turned into an eclectic mix of antiques and old things ranging from marble statues and antiquities from the 15th century to replacement crystals for chandeliers from the 1950s. There is something for everyone and people come from all over Italy and Europe for this monthly event. Also popular is the arts and crafts market on the last weekend of every month. Once again, the streets are turned into a bazaar offering all kinds of interesting hand made articles.
All of this seeing and doing in and around Lucca can leave one extremely hungry and thirsty. Fortunately, like most Italian cities, there is an enormous range of interesting paces to eat and drink. Local specialties feature on many menus as well as typical Tuscan treats. Italian food bases much of its success on the freshness of its ingredients and many of the restaurants in Lucca change their menu daily based on what is available from the local markets.
Not only is Lucca a great location to enjoy the true Italian experience, it also has the whole of Tuscany at its doorstep. Click here to see what Tuscan attractions are close by.
Summary of Lucca’s attractions:

• Original mediaeval city walls intact and restored
• This ancient city has 97 churches within the city walls
• It is a Province renowned for its food, wine and olive oil
• Original palaces dating back to the 16th century
• The town has five towers all accessible to tourists
• Spectacular mountain scenery all around Lucca
• Museums – Lucca has three main museums
• Piazzas in the town
• Local markets – antiques, arts and crafts, and fresh produce
• Pedestrian city – most of the city is closed to traffic and the large and inviting Piazzas are a great place to linger
• World class shopping; especially along the famous via Fillungo
• The festive and inviting nature of the city
• Amphitheatre