Lucca

Easily accessible from Casa Caterina by car, train or bus, Lucca is a perfectly preserved medieval town, encircled by Renaissance-era walls. Beginning as a Roman settlement in 180 BC, the city flourished during the Middle Ages as an independent republic, becoming one of Italy’s most prosperous silk-trading centres. Unlike many Tuscan cities, Lucca managed to maintain its independence for centuries, only joining the unified Kingdom of Italy in 1861. This unique history has left the city with a distinctive character and remarkably well-preserved architecture that tells the story of its golden age. Today, the city is a cultural hub of Tuscany, bustling shopping streets and markets, frequent concerts and festivals, and wonderful restaurants, bars and cafés.

Eating and drinking

Whether seeking a fine dining experience or a simple panini, Lucca has a wealth of culinary delights on offer, with many quality restaurants, cafés and bars of various price categories, many featuring traditional Tuscan and specifically Lucchese dishes. Its location between the sea and the mountains means the local cuisine features both influences. Worth checking out are:

Buca di Sant’Antonio: A historic restaurant serving authentic Lucchese cuisine in a medieval setting
Osteria del Manzo: Known for its excellent meat dishes and warm, welcoming atmosphere
Da Leo: A family-run trattoria beloved by locals for its traditional recipes and reasonable prices
Trattoria da Giulio: one of the best restaurants in the city to get high quality, traditional Lucchese cuisine
Vinarkia: A cozy wine bar offering an extensive range of Tuscan wines paired with local nibbles
Caffè Di Simo: A historic literary cafe where writers and artists have gathered since 1846
Aperitivo al Baluardo: Perfect for sunset drinks along the city walls
Strabuono: A popular sandwich shop serving up a huge range of delicious paninis
Piazza dell’Anfiteatro: The charming piazza dell’Anfiteatro is ringed with a number of restaurants and bars that offer refreshments, aperitifs and more substantial meals. A great place to sit, relax and watch the world pass by.

A medieval festival in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

Shopping and markets

The city’s main shopping street is Via Fillungo, which winds through the historic centre, and is lined with elegant boutiques, artisan workshops, and traditional stores selling everything from local crafts to high-end fashion. Via Buia and Via Santa Lucia also have numerous interesting shops.It’s also worth exploring the surrounding alleyways and side streets for hidden stores and artisan workshops.

In addition to its fantastic array of shops, every third Saturday and Sunday of the month, Piazza San Giusto, Piazza San Martino, and other parts of the city host a sprawling antiques market, offering everything from stylish hand-made furniture, to old books, vintage jewelry and craft items.

Concerts and festivals

Lucca Summer Festival

This internationally renowned music festival brings world-class artists to perform in the stunning Piazza Napoleone each July, attracting music lovers from around the globe. In July 2025, the event featured artists such as Santana, Robert Plant, Nick Cave, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Pet Shop Boys, Jennifer Lopez, Alanis Morissette, Simple Minds, Morrissey, and Bryan Adams.

Opera

For lovers of opera, the annual Puccini festival is held throughout the summer months, with outdoor evening performances held on the shores of the nearby Torre del Lago. In the winter months (and throughout the year), opera performances are held frequently in the beautiful Chiesa dei San Giovanni e Reparata.

Luminara di Santa Croce

On September 13th, the city illuminates with thousands of candles and torches for this magical evening procession, creating an enchanting atmosphere throughout the historic center.

Comics Games Festival

Late October/early November transforms Lucca into a paradise for comic book and gaming enthusiasts, with cosplayers filling the streets and numerous events throughout the city.

Sagra del Cecina

This autumn festival celebrates the traditional chickpea flour flatbread with street food stalls and local vendors showcasing regional specialties.

Bike Hire

While Lucca’s compact size makes it perfectly walkable, cycling provides a delightful way to explore the city and its environs. Pedalling along the tree-lined ramparts of the medieval walls offers stunning views, and venturing beyond the ancient fortifications reveals the picturesque Tuscan countryside surrounding the town. Rental shops are conveniently scattered throughout the area; you’ll find one directly across from the train station, plus several others tucked within the historic centre. Many of these establishments also organise guided cycling excursions through both the city and the rolling hills of the broader Tuscan landscape.

Check Availability

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