Getting here is easy. The nearest airport is in Pisa, from where there is a regular train connection directly to the city. Trains also run from Florence, which is just 80 kilometres away. If you prefer to travel by car, Lucca is close to the A11 motorway, with parking available outside the historic centre.
The first thing that strikes you when you arrive in Lucca is its imposing walls. These Renaissance fortifications encircle the entire old town and now serve as a park and pedestrian area. A walk through them is an experience not to be missed - especially at sunset, when the city and surrounding countryside are bathed in warm hues. Particularly popular is the northern part of the walls around the Basilica of San Frediano, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Apuan Alps.
At the heart of the city is the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, a unique oval square built on the site of an ancient Roman amphitheatre. Surrounded by historic buildings, it offers an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else. The square is home to many cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Italian specialities.
And what's worth seeing here? Definitely St. Martin's Cathedral. This imposing structure, a fine example of Tuscan Romanesque architecture, houses one of the mostmost precious relics - the Holy Face, a wooden statue of Christ that has great spiritual significance. The interior of the cathedral is richly decorated and houses works by famous artists such as Tintoretto.
If you like mosaics, visit the Basilica of San Frediano, which will impress you with its impressive façade. Inside, you'll discover Romanesque frescoes and architectural details worthy of attention.
Another essential part of a visit to Lucca is the Torre Guinigi, one of the city's most famous towers. It is unique because of its top, where a small oak grove grows. Climb the more than 200 steps and you'll get a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding countryside.
Lucca is also a city of music, as the famous composer Giacomo Puccini was born here. His birthplace is now a museum that traces his life and work. If you visit the city in summer, you can experience the Lucca Summer Festival, which attracts world music stars. In autumn, one of the biggest pop culture festivals in Europe, Lucca Comics & Games, is held here.
And what's a must-try here? Don't miss the local buccellato, a sweet bread with raisins and aniseed, which is a typical speciality of the city.
