Lucca - enchanting place in Tuscany
Whether it is the search for cultural enrichment, culinary experiences, historical discoveries or simply the beauty of the Tuscan countryside – Lucca offers something for everyone and remains an unforgettable destination.
Lucca is a small, enchanting town in Tuscany. The old town is a labyrinth of narrow medieval streets, cobbled squares and hidden courtyards that invite you to explore. It is one of the most beautiful old towns I have ever seen.
The city offers its visitors an incredible number of historic buildings, especially the impressive churches such as San Michele in Foro and San Martino Cathedral. The city is known for its characteristic towers such as the Torre Guinigi, which is famous for its hanging gardens. The Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is a square built on the ruins of a Roman amphitheater.
The fortifications of the Tuscan town date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. They have been preserved to this day. These walls, which once served as protection against invaders, are now a public park where visitors can walk, cycle or simply relax and enjoy the view.
Tuscan cuisine is world-famous, and Lucca is no exception. Visitors can savour traditional dishes such as Tordelli Lucchesi (stuffed pasta), local olive oils and the famous wines of Tuscany. Numerous restaurants, cafés and markets offer the opportunity to sample local specialities.
The city regularly hosts a number of cultural events and festivals. Particularly well known is the famous Lucca Summer Festival, which attracts international music acts, and Lucca Comics & Games, one of the largest festivals for comics, games and animation in Europe.
Lucca is the ideal starting point for exploring other parts of Tuscany. The city is well connected to the transport network and you can quickly reach famous cities such as Pisa and Florence.
Lucca excursion tips
We walk through the beautiful old town of Lucca and come to a large square enclosed by chains. In Piazza San Michele, popularly known as Piazza della catene (Square of Chains), stands the imposing church of San Michele in Foro.
We are strolling through the narrow streets of Lucca when we come across one of the four gates that lead us to Piazza dell'Anfiteatro (Square of the Amphitheater).
Some time has passed before I came back to Lucca. This time without crutches and with Patrick - so we could catch up on everything I couldn't experience during the last visit. At the top of my wish list was a visit to the Torre Guinigi.
The AIDAperla has docked in Livorno. Passengers stream off the ship and take the buses to Florence or Pisa. I also disembark, get on a bus and let me drive to Lucca. A Lucca short visit in 2 hours, which in retrospect were much too short.
Book fantastic excursions in Lucca
Book a hotel
Booking.comTravel information for Lucca
Arrival in Lucca
By plane
The nearest major airport is in Pisa, only about 30 kilometers from Lucca. From Pisa there is a direct train connection to the city.
About 70 kilometers away is the airport of Florence.
By train
The train station Stazione Ferroviaria di Lucca is about 400 meters in front of the city walls.
By car
The A11 highway runs a few kilometers south of the city. It connects the city with numerous major cities in the vicinity
On the way in Lucca
Local public transport
The local public transport connects the Old Town with the surrounding districts. There is no bus service through the Old Town.
By car
The old town is almost entirely a traffic-calmed zone. Even the hotels can be approached only with a special permit. There is paid parking in front of and behind the city walls.
-
- Parking Mazzini: opening hours 0-24 daily
-
- Carducci parking: opening hours 8:00-20:00 daily
-
- Parking Palatucci: Opening hours 8:00-20:00 daily
On foot
The old town is small and compact. It covers an area of about 800×600 meters and is easy to explore on foot. Since there are no cars in the
Parking
In the historic centre of Lucca, parking spaces marked with blue stripes are subject to charges. The car parks marked with yellow stripes are reserved for residents.
There are also free car parks just outside the city centre.
Best time to Travel to Lucca
Spring (March to May)
Spring is one of the best times to visit Lucca. Temperatures are mild, with average values ranging from around 10°C in March to a pleasant 20°C in May. The number of rainy days decreases, from an average of 10 days in March to around 8 days in May.
Summer (June to August)
Summer in Lucca can be quite hot, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C in June to 30°C or higher in July and August. The number of rainy days is relatively low at around 5 to 6 days per month, making summer a favourite time for tourists.
Climatic peculiarities during this time are above all the hot temperatures, which can make city visits strenuous at lunchtime. Many locals and visitors therefore seek refreshment on the nearby beaches of Tuscany.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn brings cooler temperatures, dropping from an average of 25°C in September to around 15°C in November. Rainy days increase, with an average of 9 days in October and November, making autumn a wetter season.
Winter (December to February)
The winter months are the coolest, with average temperatures ranging between 5°C and 10°C. The number of rainy days is around 10 days per month. Snow is rare in Lucca.