SURROUNDINGS
Welcome to Lucca, a jewel of Tuscany and unique in the world for its tree-lined walls.
Located close to all other major towns in the region (Pisa, Florence, Siena), the sea at Viareggio and the extraordinary Apuan Alps, Lucca offer visitors one of Italy’s best preserved historical centres.
A great way to start exploring Lucca is to start with a walk along the old city walls, Lucca’s most distinctive element known worldwide since they are the only ones that can be completely accessible on foot or by car (even if cars are now forbidden). This means over 4 kilometers of panoramic walkway overlooking the city of Lucca and those secret corners that you won’t be able to discover by walking through the tiny streets of the old city center. Hidden beneath the leafy shade of secular trees, children’s playgrounds and recreation areas equipped with tables perfect for a picnic appear here and there. Secret passages, hideaways and ramparts hold the historical memory of a city that has much to tell, and hide wonderful slices of heaven such as the Botanical Garden, a public garden home to the the rich variety of plant life of the Lucca Botanical Park, as well as a library, herbaria, laboratory-museums and much more.
The old town is commonly referred to as the city of one hundred churches for the large number of religious buildings.
The most important one is called “Il Duomo di San Martino“. The Duomo is home to some of the most beautiful art masterpieces, such as Ilaria del Carretto’s Tomb by Jacopo della Quercia and the Volto Santo (a wooden crucifix of the Holy Face, ancient symbol of the city).
St. Michael’s Church, located in the square of the same name in the heart of the historic center, is set along the most famous street of Lucca, called Il Fillungo, where you’ll find all the most important and prestigious stores and shops in the city (a must if you’re in the mood for shopping!), in between you can have a look also at the Basilica di San Frediano (where the procession of the Holy Cross Celebrations departs).
Meanwhile, just few steps further up you can visit Piazza dell’Anfiteatro or the Amphitheatre Square, a true jewel from Roman times, an oval square with buildings, restaurants and shops.
Coming out from the amphitheater, you may walk toward the famous Torre Guinigi sitting nearby, the one you’ll have noticed for the trees at the very top.
You can not end the visit in the Old Town without having a ride with a bike or a taden on the city walls.
Surrounding Lucca:
12km on the east side you can have a few hours break at the little ancient Village of Montecarlo with the characterist road called Strada del Vino e dell’Olio, with wine yards and olive groves.
About 25 km north from Lucca, Garfagnana is bordered to the north by the Lunigiana, to the west by the Versilia and Massa and to the east by Emilia Romagna.
The waters of the Serchio and its tributaries make for a lush green area. The imposing Apuan Alps and the Apennines dominating the valley offer stunning views.
About 30 miles west of Lucca, Versilia is the coastal area of Tuscany that falls within the municipality of Lucca and takes its name from the river. Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, Pietrasanta, Camaiore, Massarosa, Stazzema and Seravezza are all towns within Versilia.
Since the 1960s the Versilia has become a holiday destination and there are still many clubs and discos.