Lucca in one day

It goes without saying that Lucca, the city of 100 churches, can not be visited in a single day, although one day may be enough to enjoy its essence, admire its artistic beauty and awaken the desire to return, to discover the most hidden and mysterious that this wonderful city of Tuscany offers.

The itinerary that I propose requires a full day therefore the ideal would be to spend the night before in a B & B or a hotel in the city (even outside the walls), to leave early and have a minimum of 8 hours to know and enjoy Lucca.  Our Lucca itinerary begins with what are, from my point of view, the most beautiful in the city; the historic walls. The Walls are an inseparable element of the city that make it unique and known throughout the world. In fact, they are the only walls in the world that are completely walkable, both on foot and by car (although circulation to road traffic is currently prohibited).

Four kilometers is the duration of the panoramic walk from where incredible views of the city of Lucca are contemplated. From the top it is possible to appreciate its hidden corners always in the shade of centennial trees that accompanied you during the whole walk. Secret passageways, hiding places and bastions enclose the historical memory of a city that has a lot to tell, as well as marvelous incredible places such as Botanical Garden, a kind of public garden that, in addition to being a floristic heritage of the Walls of Lucca Park, hosts a library, a herbalist and much more.

 After the walk through the walls you reach the heart of the city. Lucca is also known as the city of 100 churches because of the large number of religious buildings present, beautiful artistic and architectural examples that are difficult to visit in a single day. I recommend, therefore, focus on the main thing that includes especially the Duomo (the Cathedral of San Martín), where some beautiful works of art are preserved, such as the tomb of Ilaria carretto by Jacopo della Quercia and a wooden crucifix of the Santa Faz - ancient symbol of the city. Another church that deserves to be visited is the Basilica of San Frediano - from where the most important processions of the city come out, such as the one that takes place on the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Cross.

From San Frediano you can get to any part of the historic center and if the weather is fine I recommend enjoying a pleasant walk that will make you discover the best places in the city such as the Plaza del Anfiteatro. The square is an authentic Roman gem of Lucca (in fact, here was the old forum, and it is precisely in the original elliptical structure typical of the Roman amphitheatres where the current square was built). The buildings surrounding the square are full of small restaurants typical of the Lucca area and shops with local crafts.

 Leaving the Amphitheater, you can visit the famous Guinigi Tower well known for having a giant albor at its top. If you do not have much time you can avoid the climb to the top as you will have enjoyed the views of the city from the walls. At the top of the tower for those who decide to visit it there is a tree and a hanging garden very beautiful and unique since it is located in a medieval tower.

Before leaving the historical center, I recommend that you make a break to Piazza Napoleone, known as Piazza Grande, especially if you visit the city during the Christmas period since in this square an ice rink is installed where it is possible to skate. If you like museums my advice is that you visit the National Gallery of Art located in the Palazzo Mansi from the 17th century, where you will find important works by Italian artists, mostly from the Renaissance.  If you are interested in gastronomy, during the walk through the streets of Lucca I recommend a stop, even short, in one of the many shops that sell the famous "buccellato", the bread with raisins, try it because it is one of the most characteristic local products from the city. And in this way we have reached the end of our virtual visit to the city of Lucca, we have recommended what we believe are the fundamental places without which you could not say you have been in Lucca, but the attractions that you can see obviously do not end here .  It is true that accumulating too many places to see would make the visit an anxious race against time, so the advice is to savor and enjoy calmly a city that still retains the appearance of past time and stop and try the typical products. Renting a bicycle or a tandem could be a good alternative to accelerate the tour of the city, you will find them at every corner at affordable prices. I hope this little explanation of the city of Lucca will help you in your visit of the city and of Tuscany.  If you consider this article of interest please share it to make this blog can continue to help other travelers like you who have found in these lines a guide for the holidays.  Thanks Giorgio