Lucca, A Tuscany Day Trip

Magnolia trees line the streets of Lucca, Tuscany.

Lucca is a wonderful day trip in the heart of Tuscany, and an easy journey if you’re based near Florence, or in my case, Viareggio.

I was there in Winter so there were a fair few places closed, but don’t let that deter you, in fact it was so wonderful to have space to breath and wonder around with no crowds and still so much to see and do for a day of meandering.
Lucca is famous for its preservation as a medieval walled city, retaining its magic as a step back in time to the Renaissance Period.

These walls offer a unique experience as you can walk or bike along them and enjoy stunning views of the city. Step through the circular stone city walls and be captivated by the narrow cobblestone streets, ancient architecture, and traditional Italian squares filled with Italians leisurely kicking back in the winter sunshine.

To visit while in Lucca!

1. Guinigi tower

The signature oak trees on the top of Guigini's tower in Lucca.

Vistas of the surrounding town and mountains from Guigini's Tower, Lucca.

2. Duomo di San Martino

One of the highlights of Lucca is its stunning Duomo di San Martino, a magnificent cathedral with intricate façades and a breathtaking interior.

3. The Piazza dell'Anfiteatro

The Piazza dell'Anfiteatro is another must-visit spot, where you can soak in the lively atmosphere and grab a delicious gelato from one of the many gelaterias around.

The archways leading to the charming oval "square" of the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro

4. Puccini’s Museum and House

Lucca is also famous for its music heritage. It's the birthplace of the renowned composer Giacomo Puccini, and you can visit his childhood home, which has been turned into a museum dedicated to his life and works. The city hosts an annual music festival called Lucca Summer Festival, attracting world-class artists and music lovers from all over.

5. The Orto Botanical Gardens

This botanical gaden is over 200 years old, an open air musum and an island of greenery that houses the biodiversity of ancient trees, rare and precious plants curated by botanists dedicated to the garden since the 19th century.

6. Botanical Cesare Bicchi Museum

The museum was developed after the botanical garden could offer so much information to researchers, and became an opportunity to preserve the information and teach future botanists. Its and evocative places detdicated to the conservation of botanic collectons and the naturalistic heritage of the area.

7. Palazzo Pfanner

This fairytale mansion has an enchanting garden, both of which have been featured several times as film sets. The house has an exhibition of medical surgery instriments and andcient meical documents preserved by the family who still own the building today.

Palazzo Pfanner as seen from the city walls of Lucca

8. L’Isola che Non C’era

Lunch was great here – very Italian, very local, gorgeous setting and great wine. They had bunches of Mimosa Flowers n the tables, which looked stunning against the yellow walls of the cobbled stone lane.