The phrase “Lucca is Tuscany’s best-kept secret” became, over the years, a cliché. However, that doesn’t make it any less accurate. This unassuming town tends to charm its visitors for life. It sits at the foot of Apuan Alps, less than an hour from the golden beaches of Versilia. Since it’s not a hilltop town, Lucca is easily accessible by car, bus, or bicycle, and, besides the enchanting surroundings, offers a wide variety of activities and attractions. Most of the Lucca landmarks are the reminders of its long and winding history: from the traces of the Roman amphitheater at the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro to the towers and villas from the 12-16th centuries. Furthermore, San Michele church with its confection of loggias, twisted columns, and blind arcades;
Lucca Duomo with one of the most touching sculptures in all of Tuscany or San Pietro Somalis church is also part of the local heritage. What makes Lucca all the more special, however, are the ancient walls circling the old town. Unlike other Tuscan cities, Lucca preserved its city walls as it grew and modernized. Once the walls no longer bore military importance, they became a lovely pedestrian promenade beloved by tourists and locals alike.
For a place with so many churches, the craft that made Lucca wealthy was neither religious nor humble. The town has a centuries-lasting monopoly on the supply and production of silk underwear. In fact, silk lingerie is Lucchese money-spinner to this day! Though, churches and silk aside, Lucca will endear you the most with the many incidental pleasures. Strolling down the crooked streets, sipping drinks in quaint piazzas, shopping in antique craft workshops, or sleeping off a delicious authentic Lucchese lunch in a local garden are wonderful treats in themselves. Curious to know more? Scroll below to learn more about what to see and do in Lucca!
