Lucca and its many attractions can satisfy all kinds of cultural, musical and naturalistic interests.
Lucca is the city of 100 churches, countless splendid examples of the Romanesque style, including the famous sculpture ‘Ilaria del Carretto’ by Jacopo della Quercia. It is surrounded by 4 km of perfectly preserved ancient city walls. It can only be explored on foot, admiring sumptuous palaces and buildings in a labyrinth of narrow streets that alternate with unexpected views onto squares, wine bars, small restaurants, old cafes and shops.
Enjoy an “aperitivo” in the famous oval square Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, built on the ancient Roman remains. A pleasant, cheerful and lively moment. In the museum of Palazzo Mansi you can admire masterpieces by Pontormo, Bronzino, Beccafumi, Pompeo Batoni and other important Italian artists.
Lucca is also the birthplace of musician Giacomo Puccini who left an indelible mark on world’s musical history. Don’t miss a visit to the Botanical Garden, one of the most important in Italy, where summer concerts are held under a huge Ginkgo Biloba tree.
Two renowned international events take place in Lucca: the “Music Summer Festival” in July, and the “Lucca Comics & Games” in November. The first weekend of each month an antiques market takes place, full of the most varied objects, watches, prints, lamps and vinyls and much more.
In the surrounding areas, a few kilometres away from Lucca, are the wonderful villas Torrigiani, Oliva, Mansi and Villa Reale di Marlia (which can be visited) with their amazing parks and Italian gardens.
The village of Orbicciano, during the summer, has a special fresh climate offering a peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by nature.
Montaigne, enchanted by this wondrous countryside during his Italian tour, remembers it in his Essais.
Versilia’s beaches can be easily reached in under 30 minutes by car, same as the Apuan Alps, which offer beautiful trekking routes and guided tours inside the marble quarries. The elegant nearby village of Pietrasanta, for example, is where Michelangelo overnighted while searching for the best marble for his sculptures. Pietrasanta is still home to a fervent community of international sculptors.
Forte dei Marmi will welcome you with its endless beaches, excellent fish restaurants and night clubs.
Sporty people and hikers will be able to reach the ancient Via Francigena, which crosses Lucchesia, or take a walk in the uncontaminated woodlands of Garfagnana.