Weekend in Lucca: a dremy itinerary between art, flavors and Tuscan charm

Lucca is located in the heart of the Lucca plain, in northern Tuscany, surrounded by green hills and a few kilometers from the Ligurian coast.

Spending a weekend in Lucca is therefore easy because it can also be reached from other Tuscan cities such as Pisa, Florence and Viareggio, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.

A city that has been able to preserve its historical, cultural and artistic heritage, Lucca is also known as the "city of 100 churches" and by visiting it you will realize it!

Founded by the Etruscans and developed during the Roman era, Lucca has managed to keep its medieval and Renaissance soul intact by preserving its historic center and medieval walls.

Arriving on Friday, Visit Italy offers you to start your discovery of the city, with a relaxing walk, by bike or on foot, on the majestic Renaissance Walls, perfect for admiring the view and visiting the Guinigi Tower, with its holm oak trees on the top.

In the afternoon of this weekend in Lucca, visit the Cathedral of San Martino, where you can admire, among other works, the "Madonna with the handbag" by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, in which the Madonna is depicted with an unusual iconography and the "Holy Face".

The Church of San Michele in Foro is also beautiful and full of works. Finally, a nice stop for an aperitif in Piazza dell'Anfiteatro.

For dinner we suggest a local tavern, trying the Lucchese tordelli, which are a typical traditional stuffed pasta, similar to ravioli, but larger and with a crescent shape. The filling is tasty and rich, made up of mixed meat, aromatic herbs, chard or spinach, bread, cheese, egg, garlic and onion.

They are traditionally served with a rich ragù sauce and a sprinkling of Parmigiano Reggiano.

Concluding dinner by asking for a typical dessert means tasting buccellato, a sweet bread enriched with raisins and anise seeds, which give it its characteristic aroma, the perfect way to end the evening.

In Lucca, every corner is rich in art and history, so let's start the day with a walk in the center and a visit to the National Museum of Palazzo Mansi, which, located in an elegant 17th century palace, houses a rich collection of works of art, period furnishings and objects that tell the aristocratic history of the city.

Furthermore, you can visit the Palazzo Pfanner Museum which, housed in a wonderful palace, offers a suggestive collection of paintings, furniture and period objects, immersed in splendid gardens that make the experience even more fascinating.

At lunch time, stop in one of the typical taverns, perhaps enjoying a delicious Tuscan soup this time.

Then sitting at a table in a historic café will allow you to observe with curiosity the daily life of the people of Lucca.

This weekend in Lucca you cannot miss, in the afternoon, a visit to the Basilica of San Frediano which is located in the heart of the historic centre. It is located in a position easily reachable on foot and represents one of the places of greatest artistic and historical interest in the city, famous in particular for its golden portal.

In the evening, Lucca offers several venues with live music or small cultural events. Look for a venue that conveys the authentic atmosphere of the city and let yourself be surprised by a concert or show.

After a rich breakfast, take advantage of the Sunday calm to visit the artisan shops and make some purchases in the local boutiques.

Since Lucca has a long tradition in silk processing, you can purchase scarves, ties and accessories made with artisanal techniques that recall the glorious past of Lucca's textile production. These unique, high-quality pieces make an excellent luxury souvenir.

And you can still find artisanal ceramics, woodwork and silver jewellery.

Continuing the itinerary, we suggest a visit to Giacomo Puccini's birthplace in Piazza Cittadella, where you can discover the life and works of the famous Italian composer and finally, just ten minutes away on foot, explore the Orto Botanico di Lucca, a botanical garden full of rare plants, a very pleasant destination for a walk along its shaded avenues.

Before leaving, treat yourself to a last coffee in a place with a view of the walls or in a square, to take with you the memory of the flavors and unforgettable atmosphere of this city.

Lucca is easily accessible both by car and by train, plane or bus.

By car, for example from Florence: A11 Firenze-Mare motorway, exit Lucca Est or Lucca Ovest.
From Pisa: SS12 state road, about 30 minutes
From La Spezia: A12 to Viareggio, then A11 towards Lucca

Parking in Lucca is not a problem because there are several car parks outside the walls.

By train From Florence: Direct train about 1 hour and 20 minutes, from Pisa Direct train, about 25 minutes.
The train station is located near the city walls, a few steps from the historic center.

By plane: Pisa Airport (Galileo Galilei) approximately 35 km
From here you can take a direct train or bus to Lucca.

Here are some extra tips to make the most of your weekend in Lucca: 

- Book a guided tour to discover hidden details about the city's history.

- Rent a bicycle: Lucca is amazing cycling. 

- Search the shops of the historic center for typical products to take home such as: Lucca extra virgin olive oil D.O.P. , buccellato (local dessert), Pecorino della Garfagnana (sheep's cheese).
 
- If you have the desire and time, on the way back pass through Pisa and visit La Torre and Piazza dei Miracoli, it is only 20 km from Lucca.

Discover the combined tour Lucca + Pisa ❯