Italy » Tuscany » LUCCA

Sights to see:

The walls: The Town of Lucca is characterized by the large fortified walls transformed to a shaded walkway. The walls were turned into a public garden. The beauty of the trees on the ramparts, the striking view of the city, the surrounding countryside, and the architectural structure all contribute to make the park a unique work. The entire walk all around the 4km ramparts takes roughly two hours.
 
Piazza Napoleone, is dominated by the imposing Palazzo Ducale. Shady place by tall plane-trees, it hosts a neo-classic memorial to Maria Luigi di Borbone, by L. Bartolini.

SS. Giovanni e Reparata: Built in the 12th century this church preserves the original relief portal. It has has a nave and two aisles on ancient columns by Romanesque capitals, with transept and great abside.

The Cathedral: is the most important building of Lucca with its Romanesque marmoreous façade and beautiful portico and by the 13th century bell tower embellished with merlons. Many works of art by the sculptor Nicola Pisano, Tintoretto and Giambologna. On the altar "Madonna with saints" by Domenico Ghirlandaio. The sacristy preserves the famous masterpiece "Monumento funebre di Ilaria del Carretto", (1408) by Jacopo della Quercia.

Museum of the Cathedral: It preserves church ornaments, works of art, many paintings, sculptures and some illuminated manuscripts. Of note are "Apostolo" by the sculptor Jacopo della Quercia and "San Giovanni decollato" by Matteo Cividali, belonging to the Romanesque Cathedral.

Palazzo Mansi: Seat of National Art gallery, it exhibits beautiful interiors with frescoes. Of note is the "Salone della Musica" ( Hall of Music ). The art gallery hosts many paintings of famous Italian and foreign painters. Works by Beccafumi, Bronzino, Salimbeni, Andrea del Sarto, Veronese, Tintoretto, Salvator Rosa, Domenichino, Guido Reni etc. On the second floor is a collection of textile materials dating back to the end of the 18th century.

Villa Guinigi National Museum: It is hosted in a 15th century villa and exclusively preserves works produced for the town of Lucca and its territory by local or foreign artists. The collection offers the chance to go over the artistic history of Lucca throughout the centuries. In its interiors many archeological finds are on display dating back from prehistory to the Roman age: writings, mosaics, ceramics and lots more.

Via Guinigi: is one of the most typical and suggestive streets of Lucca, is a fabulous shopping street, with several jewelry stores, boutiques and other nice shops. On the two sides are the fourteenth century brick towers and palazzos. Of note is the big building on the Sant' Andrea street corner with its high tower characterized by holm-oaks on the roof top.

Piazza San Michele: It is right in the town center, offering a great panorama of medieval homes.

San Michele in Foro: The church has high façade richly decorated. Many works of art. Of note in the right nave the glazed 15th century terracotta sculpture, " Madonna and child", by Andrea della Robbia.

Piazza Anfiteatro or Piazza del Mercato, is characterized by its round shape and surrounded by medieval brick buildings, creating a setting full of history. Many spectacles, shows and concerts take place in the square in summer.

Casa natale di Giacomo Puccini: The birthplace of the famous composer of "La Bohème" and "Turandot". Very interesting collection of old letters and manuscripts. It houses also the well conserved piano of the composer.

Lucca's Antique Market ; Near Cathedral San Martino (Duomo)
It is full of beautiful antique furniture and other great old and rare items, jewelry, works of marble, collectings. This outdoor market takes place on the 3rd weekend of every month, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00am - 7:00pm. - Participate about 200 exhibitors.

Arti e Mestieri (Arts and Crafts); near Cathedral San Martino (Duomo)
Outdoor monthly market (last Sunday) of arts and crafts by local crafts people. Back to top