Lucca and Its Surroundings
Lucca is, together with Pisa, the northwestern city of Tuscany that is more attractive for a traveler who wants to get to know this area of the region. A visit to Lucca can be carried out following different types of routes: artistic, scenery or even gastronomic.
Therefore, I'll go straight in to talking about the main routes through the historic centre of Lucca:
1. From Piazzale Verdi’s Cathedrale (Map Point A)
A first route through the city of Lucca can start from the parking lot near Sta Anna with direct access to Piazzale Verdi. Upon entering the square to your left you can observe the majestic red brick building which dates back to 1500 which has been for many years the Tuscan tobacco plant that produces the famous Sigari Toscani.
Following Vittorio Emanuale street you will pass in front of several buildings and palaces, which reflect the wealth of the city, then you will reach the Napoleone’s square where stands the Palacio Ducal, a beautiful building in perfect Renaissance style. Today this is the headquarters of the province of Lucca. A few steps ahead along Vittorio Emanuele you will also find the museum of the comic strip. For fans of the genre you have to know that Italy, along with Japan and the US, is one of the biggest producers and consumers of comics. In fact, in the city of Lucca, every year one of the most important comic fairs in the world takes place.
Once outside the Napoleone’s square you have to follow the signs to the Duomo, the cathedral of the city, which is located in Piazza St. Martino. If you are interested in a little bit of historical documentation on this fantastic building I recommend that you read the article that Slyvia wrote about this monument and the city of Lucca. The visit must continue to the amphitheater of the city which I will discuss in the following itinerary.
2. From the Cathedral to the Amphitheatre
Our tour of Lucca can continue via Trombe. At the end of this street when you cross Via Santa Croce you have to follow directions to the Church of Santa Giulia. This perfect little Romanesque church dates from 1000. A visit to the interior is certainly interesting because in it are Lombard tombs of the tenth century. After the visit to the church of Santa Giulia the journey should continue in the direction of the amphitheatre square, as the name suggests, is located on the ancient Roman amphitheatre. Its peculiar shape is certainly unique in the world.
3. A walk along the walls
From the Amphitheatre it is possible to continue on foot to the city walls of Lucca. Perfectly conserved, this defense construction in the city is now a beautiful stroll where young couples can take a romantic city walk. From the top of the walls you can enjoy the view of the city and the countryside surrounding it.
4. Luuca Villas
As I was saying a few lines above Lucca has historically been a rich city. Seeing as I have already said much about the history and its past glories to gain a better idea of the wealth that the merchants of this city have accumulated over the centuries it’s essential to go for a walk along the famous villas.
The villas of Lucca were built between 15th and 19th centuries as summer homes for the upper classes within a few miles of the centre in the hilly areas. These villas are today mostly in the hands of wealthy families in the city. Some villas that, from my point of view, are worth checking out are Villa Oliva, San Pancrazio, Mansi, Segromigno a Monte and Villa di Camigliano.
An itinerary for Lucca and its Villas requires at least a full day.
I hope as always that this information will be of use!
Best wishes,
Giorgio.
Therefore, I'll go straight in to talking about the main routes through the historic centre of Lucca:
1. From Piazzale Verdi’s Cathedrale (Map Point A)
A first route through the city of Lucca can start from the parking lot near Sta Anna with direct access to Piazzale Verdi. Upon entering the square to your left you can observe the majestic red brick building which dates back to 1500 which has been for many years the Tuscan tobacco plant that produces the famous Sigari Toscani.
2. From the Cathedral to the Amphitheatre
Our tour of Lucca can continue via Trombe. At the end of this street when you cross Via Santa Croce you have to follow directions to the Church of Santa Giulia. This perfect little Romanesque church dates from 1000. A visit to the interior is certainly interesting because in it are Lombard tombs of the tenth century. After the visit to the church of Santa Giulia the journey should continue in the direction of the amphitheatre square, as the name suggests, is located on the ancient Roman amphitheatre. Its peculiar shape is certainly unique in the world.
3. A walk along the walls
From the Amphitheatre it is possible to continue on foot to the city walls of Lucca. Perfectly conserved, this defense construction in the city is now a beautiful stroll where young couples can take a romantic city walk. From the top of the walls you can enjoy the view of the city and the countryside surrounding it.
4. Luuca Villas
As I was saying a few lines above Lucca has historically been a rich city. Seeing as I have already said much about the history and its past glories to gain a better idea of the wealth that the merchants of this city have accumulated over the centuries it’s essential to go for a walk along the famous villas.
The villas of Lucca were built between 15th and 19th centuries as summer homes for the upper classes within a few miles of the centre in the hilly areas. These villas are today mostly in the hands of wealthy families in the city. Some villas that, from my point of view, are worth checking out are Villa Oliva, San Pancrazio, Mansi, Segromigno a Monte and Villa di Camigliano.
An itinerary for Lucca and its Villas requires at least a full day.
I hope as always that this information will be of use!
Best wishes,
Giorgio.
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