Discover Lucca along its city walls

The Mura di Lucca remain fully intact to this day and stretch for more than four kilometres as an urban park. You can explore them on foot for free or cycle along them. The walls thus combine a defining part of the city’s history with a route that can be enjoyed in different ways. If you would first like to discover Lucca outdoors, the park offers a vivid introduction to the city.

The Ciclopedonale Puccini also passes through the walled city and includes the Puccini Museum as a stop. Culture and exercise are not separate here: the museum is part of the route. Check current route conditions before setting out. Lucca railway station is at Piazza Ricasoli, just outside the city walls, and is only a few minutes’ walk away.

Towers and squares offering different views of the city

The Torre Guinigi combines a striking landmark with an unusual rooftop garden: holm oaks grow atop the 45-metre-high tower. Together with the nearby Torre delle Ore, it is one of just two surviving towers among Lucca’s approximately 130 medieval towers. The terrace of the Torre Guinigi is reached by 25 flights of stairs, with a total of 230 steps. On a clear day, the view extends across the city, the green hills and mountains, and to the Apuan Alps in the northwest, the Apennines in the northeast and Monte Pisano in the south.

The bell towers also offer different perspectives on Lucca. After restoration work, the bell tower of the Cattedrale di San Martino opened to the public in August 2016. It is about 60 metres high; the climb comprises 217 steps, and the belfry offers a 360-degree panorama of Lucca and the plain. In June 2023, visitors were able to climb the 55.20-metre-high bell tower of the Basilica di San Frediano. Its 31 openings provide a distinctive view of the old town and the plain of Lucca. It is advisable to check current access arrangements before visiting the towers.

The Cattedrale di San Martino is also notable for its asymmetrical façade; it was consecrated by Pope Alessandro in 1070. Inside is the Renaissance sarcophagus of Ilaria del Carretto. Piazza Anfiteatro offers a glimpse into a different historical period: today’s piazza was created by the architect Nottolini from 1830 onwards. It was built over an elliptical Roman amphitheatre dating from the 1st or 2nd century AD.

Experience gardens, music and history

The Orto Botanico di Lucca covers two hectares on the southeastern side of the historic old town. The garden was established in 1820 as a scientific garden. Today it preserves endangered species and varieties and supports botanical research and education. So alongside the historic buildings, you will also find an institution focused on plant collections and botanical knowledge.

At the Puccini Museum – Casa Natale, discovering Lucca leads to the composer’s biography. The museum is located between Piazza Cittadella and Corte San Lorenzo. Giacomo Puccini was born on 22 December 1858 in the apartment at Corte San Lorenzo, where he spent his childhood and early youth. On display are original furnishings and handwritten scores. The museum also houses the Steinway & Sons piano on which Puccini composed his unfinished final masterpiece, Turandot.

Another way to explore the city’s history is the Via Francigena Entry Point Museum in the former Casa del Boia. It offers an interactive multimedia tour. In the barracks area of Baluardo San Salvatore, the hospitality area includes a cafeteria as well as facilities for refreshments and rest, so you can pause and recharge before continuing. The Luminara di Santa Croce, meanwhile, is a tradition deeply rooted in Lucca’s history.

A speciality from the Lucca area

Local cuisine is another reason to take a closer look: in the Lucca area, filled pasta parcels with meat and meat ragù are called tordelli. Their classic shape is a ridged crescent. The name, filling and shape make this dish a distinctive regional discovery—and a culinary contrast to the towers, gardens and historic squares that define Lucca.

Discover more destinations: Bagni Di Lucca, Barga, Borgo A Mozzano, Castelnuovo Di Garfagnana, Coreglia Antelminelli, Fabbriche Di Vallico, Giuncugnano, Lucca, Minucciano, Pieve Fosciana, Sillano, Vagli Sotto, Villa Basilica, Villa Collemandina, Altopascio, Capannori, Massarosa, Montecarlo, Porcari, Segromigno, Camaiore, Forte Dei Marmi, Pescaglia, Pietrasanta, Seravezza, Stazzema, Camporgiano, Piazza Al Serchio, Viareggio, Gallicano, Vergemoli, Careggine, San Romano In Garfagnana, Molazzana, Fosciandora, Corsanico, Castiglione di Garfagnana, Vallico di Sotto, Partigliano, Ghivizzano, Marlia, Casatico, Cerageto, Campolemisi, Gorfigliano, Trassilico, Piaggiori, Verciano, Pugliano, Capezzano, Motrone, Cardoso, Renaio, Gramolazzo, Sant'Anna di Stazzema, Torre, Antisciana.

To the overview of the wider region: Tuscany.