Lucca
A perfectly preserved walled city where Renaissance walls have become a tree-lined promenade.
About Lucca
Lucca is Tuscany at its most liveable. This elegant city is completely enclosed by Renaissance walls—4 kilometres of them—that have been converted into a tree-lined promenade where locals walk, cycle, and jog above the rooftops. Inside the walls, a compact centro storico of medieval towers, Romanesque churches, and handsome piazzas retains a genteel atmosphere that contrasts with Florence's intensity. The oval Piazza dell'Anfiteatro preserves the shape of the Roman amphitheatre that once stood here. Lucca was home to composer Giacomo Puccini, and his birthplace museum is a pilgrimage for opera lovers. The food is pure Tuscan comfort: tordelli (meat-filled pasta), farro soup, and the famous buccellato sweet bread.
Best Time to Visit
April to October. The Lucca Summer Festival (July) brings major international music acts to the piazzas. September is perfect for cycling the walls and exploring without summer crowds.
Local Tips
- Cycle the walls.
Lucca's 4km tree-lined walls are the city's living room—perfect for a leisurely bike ride. A local will rent you a vintage bike and plan a route that includes the best viewpoints and a gelato stop.
- Climb the Torre Guinigi.
This medieval tower has a garden of oak trees growing on top. A local will tell you to climb it late afternoon for views over the terracotta rooftops to the Apuan Alps, painted gold by the setting sun.
- Visit Puccini's Lucca.
The composer's birthplace is now a museum, but Puccini's presence is felt throughout the city. A local can trace his footsteps to the church where he played organ, the café he frequented, and the annual festival in his honour.
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Manuela
Palermo, Florence +13
Born and raised in Rome, with family roots in Sardinia, I developed a deep appreciation for Italy’s regional diversity and cultural identity from an early age. For years, I have accompanied my guests across Italy, gaining hands-on knowledge of the country’s landscapes, traditions, and local communities. My approach is rooted in authenticity, meaningful connections, and a true understanding of how Italy works beyond the surface.
Amanda
Lucca, Pisa +1
Foreign Language Teacher and National Tourist Guide officially authorized by the Italian Ministry of Tourism. I combine my experience in language education with a deep passion for cultural heritage and historical interpretation. My main areas of interest include Florence, Pisa, and Lucca, as well as the theme of shifting boundaries in history, culture, and landscapes. I have been living in Tuscany for over 32 years, although I am originally from Southern Italy. This personal and professional background allows me to offer a broader perspective on Italian culture and to help travelers discover not only Tuscany but also Naples and the surrounding area. If you are planning a trip to Italy, feel free to contact me. It will be a pleasure to help you design a meaningful and memorable journey.
Massimo
Florence, Pisa +3
My name is Massimo Coppo, I live in Florence, I am a tourist guide in English and French, I also work as a driver and sommelier, I have a degree in philosophy and a degree in literature, I love being able to introduce my country to those who come from far away and always learn something new.
Eleonora
Palermo, Syracuse +10
Hello, I’m Eleonora. I was born in Tuscany, just outside Florence, where growing up surrounded by history, shaped my curiosity and love for art. I studied Art History at the University of Florence, specializing in the Renaissance. I began guiding students early on, and it was there that I developed a passion for storytelling — because there is nothing more challenging than engaging teenagers and young adults. I later expanded my focus to the broader history of Italy, leading groups throughout the country, from Venice to Sicily. Eventually, I moved to Rome, where I now work as an expert tour guide, leading visits to the city’s most iconic sites, including the Vatican and the Colosseum, as well as off the beaten path, to some of its hidden gems. In my free time I love to drive around Italy to its myriad hilltop medieval towns, where each one is a new discovery, both architectural and natural and also, of course, culinary! Over the years, many travelers have asked me for advice and suggestions to help plan the rest of their itineraries. That is why I’m happy to connect with you even before your trip begins, sharing my insights and helping you make the most of your time in Italy.