Visit the Impressive Lucca Cathedral

Lucca Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours in Lucca, Italy.

It is the seat of the Archbishop of Lucca. Construction was begun in 1063 by Bishop Anselm. Duomo di Lucca is one of the must-see sites.

This impressive 11th-century cathedral is dedicated to Saint Martin.

There is a legend that explains why all columns of the cathedral’s facade are different.

There was a contest for choosing an artist. Every artist took part in it with a handmade column.

In the finals, the inhabitants of the city decided not to choose a winner, but to use all the column made for the contest.

To visit the cathedral you have to pay a small fee, €3.

You can also buy the combined ticket, that includes the Cathedral, Belltower, Museum, Baptistery and Church of Saints Giovanni and Reparata (archaeological area and belltower).

Piazza Napolen

Given how compact the city center of Lucca can seem, it may come as a surprise the first time you step into the Piazza Napoleone.

This broad square seems too large for the city center that it belongs to.

Lined with trees and often boasting a merry-go-round or various seasonal festivals or events, the square is usually a lively place for locals to meet.

On the square, it’s also hard to miss the Palazzo Ducale Di Lucca, a Renaissance palace that now houses multiple administrative bodies.

Climb the Guinigi Tower

Guinigi Tower (Torre Guinigi) is one of the most quaint sites in the city.

There are a few hundred year old trees growing on top of it.

One of Lucca’s most distinctive features is the many medieval towers within its historic center.

Many of these towers can be climbed and have panoramic terraces that afford you a view across Lucca’s rooftops.

Each of these towers is special and has its own heritage, but none are anywhere near as iconic as the Torre Guinigi.

What makes the Torre Guinigi so interesting is that you can find oak trees sprouting from the roof of the red brick tower.

It’s a rather peculiar sensation to sit in the shade of these trees on this narrow rooftop as you look out over Lucca.

But, the Torre Guinigi is best appreciated from a little farther away.

To get a good city view which also includes the Torre Guinigi, it’s best if you climb the Torre delle Ore instead.

This 45 meters tower belonged to the powerful Guinigi family.

Climb the 232 steps to the top of the tower for a closer look at the trees. 

Church of San Michele in Foro

Walking the streets of Lucca you may get the impression that the city isn’t quite as grand as its Tuscan neighbors.

That all changes when you reach the Piazza San Michele.

This L-shaped square is bursting with graceful architecture, including the Praetorian Palace, converted banks, and the square’s focus, the Chiesa di San Michele in Foro.

Taking center stage, this white marble church has a steep front facade packed with columns and statues.

Chiesa di San Michele in Foro was built over an ancient Roman forum.

A statue of St. Michael the Archangel decorates the top of the church.

Although its exterior is truly impressive, the interior deserves no more than 10 minutes.

Try to visit the church before noon, as it is closed from 12 PM to 3 PM.

Climb the Clock Tower

The Clock Tower (Torre delle Ore) is the highest one in the city. As the Guinigi Tower, it dates from the 14th century.

Legend has it that Lucca’s 13th-century clock tower – at 50m tall, the highest of the city’s 130 medieval towers – is inhabited by the ghost of Lucida Mansi, a Lucchese lass who sold her soul to the devil in exchange for remaining young and beautiful for three decades.

On 14 August 1623 the devil came after her to pay her debt, only for Lucida to climb up the clock tower to try to stop time.

The devil caught her and took her soul.

Climb it, even only to see the Guinigi Tower from a distance.

Count 207 wooden steps to the top.

Palazzo Pfanner

The Moriconi family, famous silk merchants, built Palazzo Pfanner in 1660.

Later it was acquired by the Controni family. For almost 200 years the palace was owned by noble Italian families.

In 1846 the Austrian brewer, Felix Pfanner, bought the property to open the first brewery in Lucca.

Lucca is home to many palaces within its historic quarter, a few of which you can actually visit.

Perhaps the one most worth visiting is Palazzo Pfanner at the northern end of town.

On a visit there, you not only get to see the interior of this 17th century palace, but also the palace’s garden that people most often rave about.

Coming out of the palace you descend an ornate covered staircase that brings you down into the elegant sculpture garden with a fountain and lush foliage.

Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

Of the many piazzas in the old town of Lucca, none are quite as distinctive as the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.

This is because this piazza rather unusually, has an oval shape similar to that of an arena.

Around it are houses creating a complete ring.

It’s not so unusual once you find out that this is piazza is actually on the spot where an ancient Roman amphitheater once stood.

This lively square used to be an amphitheater during the 1st century BC.

The amphitheatre could hold more than 10,000 spectators.

Nowadays the area is full of small cafes and restaurants. The ideal place to chill with a glass of wine and watch the world go by.

Entering the piazza through one of the tunnels at either end, you pass outdoor seating for cafes and restaurants which fill the space.

It’s hard not to be intrigued by the way the traditional buildings gradually curve right around you and it can be a fun challenge to try and fit it all in one photograph.

Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi

Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi is a little gem in the heart of the city.

The Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi is one of the two main art museum hosting tapestry collections and mainly post-19th century art collections owned by the city of Lucca, Italy.

The collection is displayed in the Baroque palace, formerly belonging to the Mansi family, and located in central Lucca.

The silk merchant Ascanio Mansi built the palace in the 17th century.

The house is well-preserved and many of the apartments are restored.

You can see the original furnishings, tapestries and some art collections.

Admire the Basilica of San Frediano

Basilica di San Frediano is one of the city’s oldest churches.

It is named after an Irish bishop of Lucca, Fridianus (Frediano), who is buried here.

Pay attention to the fantastic golden mosaic facade above the entrance of the church.

If you want to go for a stroll, do it on the walls of Lucca (Le mura di Lucca).

The 4 km long Renaissance city walls are turned into a lovely area planted with trees. It provides an exceptional panoramic point over the city.

Palazzo Dipinto

Cool. Beautiful. Comfortable beds.

Popular among couples. Set in Lucca’s historic centre, 650 metres from Piazza Anfiteatro, Palazzo Dipinto offers spacious rooms with free WiFi.

Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Rooms come with a flat-screen TV and private bathroom.

Some also feature a seating area to relax.

San Frediano Basilica is 150 metres from Palazzo Dipinto, while Lucca Cathedral is a 10-minute walk away. 

Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli

Charming. Unique. Superb breakfast. 

This warm and friendly hotel is within the ancient walls of Lucca, a 10-minute walk from the cathedral.

Highlights at Hotel Alla Corte degli Angeli include free Wi-Fi and elegantly decorated rooms. 

They feature frescoes on the walls and some have wood beamed ceilings.

You can expect a host of modern amenities in your room, including an iPod docking station and an LCD TV with Sky channels.

Alla Corte degli Angeli has a bar and a 24-hour reception. 

Hotel Villa La Principessa

Hip. Highly elegant. Great views. 

Set in a private park, Villa La Principessa is an elegant hotel with a relaxing pool area.

Located in the hills around Lucca, it has a Tuscan restaurant and traditionally-furnished rooms.

Rooms come with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a minibar, while some have wood-beamed ceilings and luxurious wallpaper. 

This 13th-century manor house was once the home of the Duke of Lucca.

Attentive staff provide an international buffet breakfast each morning, served on the terrace in fine weather.

Guests enjoy discounted rates at partner restaurants nearby.

La Principessa is 5 km from the centre of Lucca.

Pisa is a 20-minute drive away, and parking is free at the hotel. 

Hotel Albergo Villa Marta

Delightful property. Charming.

Comfortable beds. Popular among women. 

Set at the foot of the Monti Pisani hills, this 19th-century hunting lodge offers a summer outdoor pool and a Renaissance garden.

The historic centre of Lucca is 5 km away. Rooms at Villa Marta boast traditional Tuscan furnishings and a fully equipped private bathroom.

Each room includes a satellite TV, and some also have lovely countryside views.

Guests can also enjoy dinner at the restaurant, open from May until October.

It serves specialities from Tuscany, such as homemade Tortelli pasta, while the bar offers salads and snacks.

Hotel Albergo Villa Marta is a 15-minute drive from Pisa.

Thermal baths at Montecatini Terme are 30 km away. 

San Luca Palace

Elegant. Historic. Great location.

Popular among couples. Enjoy a personaliZed service and total comfort at San Luca Palace.

It is set within the ancient walls in the historic centre of Lucca, just 800 metres from the Cathedral. 

San Luca Palace is a modern hotel, which opened in 2007. It is set in an ancient building from 1540. Y

our room features a work and study area, Satellite TV, Wi-Fi and ADSL internet connection.

A meeting room is available with a maximum capacity of 50. Breakfast is served in the dining room or, if you prefer, in your room.

The lounge bar is a great place to relax with a drink and listen to music after a busy day.

The hotel features a small garden and car park.

The world famous city of Pisa is just a 15-minute drive away.