Choose a holiday in Lucca and lose yourself among the narrow streets of one of Italy's oldest and best preserved historic city centres, stroll around the famous walls, enjoy the local cuisine in the many taverns and take part in artistic and cultural initiatives involving the city. Anyone visiting Lucca will be struck by the quality and simplicity of daily life offered by the old town and its surroundings. And our holiday packages to Lucca will make your stay even more comfortable.
A visit to the city can start with a walk around its walls, built in the 16th century and subsequently used as a municipal park from the 19th century onwards. The walls surround the city centre and are the internationally recognised symbol of the city. Preserved intact to this day, in addition to being the greatest example of a modern fortification in Europe, the 2.5 mile city wall is of great importance to the people of the city, who spend their leisure time strolling, doing sport and socialising in the shade of its ancient trees. This combination of peace and vitality does not go unnoticed to the many tourists who find the walls an ideal place for a relaxing break every day. The leafy trees create green spaces in the urban environment, in addition to picturesque views over the bell towers of churches and the other famous towers emerging from the rooftops, including the Torre Guinigi, built in 1390 and known for the tree that grows inside it, as well as the Torre delle Ore, dating from medieval times.
The city of Lucca is traditionally nicknamed the “city of a hundred churches” because of the numerous places of worship from different eras present in the town centre. The nickname is quite fitting when you consider that, in addition to the large number of churches you'll come across as you stroll along the ancient walls, each mansion still has its own private chapel. While many churches have been deconsecrated over time, there is no lack of religious buildings of great interest, including undoubtedly the Duomo or cathedral of Lucca. Dedicated to San Martino, it stands on the square of the same name, in a secondary area of the city, based on the urban plan dating back to the Roman era. The Duomo faces a small square, with other buildings huddled around it. The façade is inspired by the Duomo in Pisa, but is enriched with independent and distinctive elements associated with the Romanesque style of Lucca. Polychrome marbles recall Pisan architecture, with three arches supported by carved and decorated pillars. The Duomo contains masterpieces by Nicola Pisano, Jacopo della Quercia and Tintoretto. Inside you can admire the ancient crucifix of the image of Christ and the tomb of Ilaria del Carretto.
Continue your visit along Via Fillungo, Lucca's main street, which is lined with medieval buildings. This has always been the heart of Lucca's commercial and artisan activity and it cleverly combines the ancient and the modern, giving visitors an interesting perspective of ancient crafts. Another sight you cannot miss is Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, where the ancient Roman Forum once stood. Access to the piazza is gained through one of the four gates located at the ancient entrances. Piazza dell'Anfiteatro is a jewel for the city of Lucca, home to cosy restaurants and the workshops of painters and artists.
While offering visitors a wealth of history and culture, in recent years Lucca has decided to modernise, promoting cutting edge festivals and exhibitions of great interest, which have attracted global attention. In addition to Lucca's antique market, there are other important contemporary initiatives of great appeal, including Lucca Comics&Games, the international comic festival, and the Summer Festival, a well-established musical event that turns Piazza Napoleone into a stage for international artists during the month of July.
Plan a holiday to Lucca and be captivated by the vibrant atmosphere of the city and its wide range of things to do, you won't regret it.