What to See in Lucca in Just 1 Day

Is it possible to see Lucca in just a day?

There is no need to say that Lucca, the city of 100 churches, can’t be really visited in just one day, but it may be enough to taste its essence and glimpse its artistic treasures to make you want to return and spend more time exploring its more hidden attractions.

Let's start with our one day to the discover the charming town of Lucca. A smart choice would be to spend the night before there, in a B&B or a hotel so that you start your day early and fully rested, ready to visit the town. If you can't, try to arrive as early as you can.

Walk or Bike its 16th Century Walls

A great way to start exploring Lucca is to start with a walk along the old city walls, Lucca's most distinctive element known worldwide. Why are they famous? They are the only ones in all of Italy to be completely accessible on foot, bike or by car (even if cars are now forbidden, the local police does go on their rounds by car). This means over 4 kilometers of panoramic walkway overlooking the city of Lucca - both in and out - and those secret corners that you won’t be able to discover by walking through the small streets of the old city center.

Hidden beneath the leafy shade of secular trees, there are several children's playgrounds and recreation areas equipped with tables perfect for a picnic that appear here and there as you walk along. Secret passages, hideaways and ramparts hold the historical memory of a city that has much to tell, and hide wonderful slices of heaven such as the Botanical Garden, a public garden home to the the rich variety of plant life of the Lucca Botanical Park, as well as a library, an herbaria, several laboratory-museums and more.

The City of a Hundred and One Churches

As you cross the walls into the city, you enter the heart of the town and what is commonly referred to as the "city of one hundred churches" for the large number of religious buildings which represent marvellous examples of architectural Italian styles. Since you’ll hardly be able to visit them all in just one day, I suggest you focus on the cathedral, here named after St. Martin but also commonly referred to as “il Duomo” in every town, and on St. Michael's Church (San Michele al Foro).

To get to the cathedral of St. Martin, located in the square of the same name, just pass through the wall closest to the train station. The Duomo is home to some of the most beautiful art masterpieces, such as Ilaria del Carretto’s Tomb by Jacopo della Quercia and the Volto Santo (a wooden crucifix of the Holy Face, ancient symbol of the city). In September, the city honors this interesting crucifix with the procession of the Holy Cross Celebrations, starting from San Frediano Basilica.

St. Michael's Church, located in the square of the same name in the heart of the historic center, is set along the most famous street of Lucca, called Il Fillungo, where you’ll find all the most important and prestigious stores and shops in the city (a must if you're in the mood for shopping!).

The Roman Amphitheater

From Fillungo, you get almost everywhere in the town center: if weather is good, a nice walk will lead you to the discovery of Lucca's most charming spots and places you can’t absolutely miss, including Piazza dell’Anfiteatro or the Amphitheatre Square, a true jewel from Roman times.

As you stand inside the oval square, you can clearly see the buildings were built around the original elliptical structure typical of Roman amphitheatres long ago. While the amphitheater no longer exists, the square has maintained its particular shape and takes us back in time to when the Roman colony sat here. Many local restaurants and shops look onto the square where, especially during summer, events and concerts usually take place.

The Guinigi Tower ... what a strange place for trees!!

Coming out from the amphitheater, walk toward the famous Torre Guinigi standing tall nearby — the one you may have already noticed because of the trees at the very top.

Although it stands out over other city center buildings, you can't use it as a point of reference since all the narrow streets here are surrounded by historic buildings (which are home to antique shops, traditional arts and crafts) often limit your general view. If you don’t have enough time on your day tour, you might not climb to the top of the tower but it is an interesting sight to see in any case from below. The roof garden is a popular attraction and was built when the Guinigi family created a garden as a symbol of the town's rebirth while under their control.

Napoleon, Palazzo Mansi and Buccellato

A short break in Piazza Napoleone - commonly known as Piazza Grande - before leaving the center is a nice idea. This is especially true during Christmas time: if you love skating, you should try skating around the ice rink set up for the entertainment of children and grown-ups alike! This square has always been a point of reference for Lucca's inhabitants, its name comes from the restructuring efforts that Elisa Bonaparte ordered to pay homage to her brother, Napoleon.

If you like museums, I recommend you visit the National Art Gallery situated in the seventeenth-century Palazzo Mansi, where you’ll find renowned Italian artists works, especially from the Renaissance period.

If you get tired or hungry after walking along the streets of Lucca, a short stop at one of the many shops that make and sell the famous buccellato (a semi-sweet bread with raisins) would be the perfect occasion to rest and taste one of the most typical products of Lucca.

Events in Lucca

Lucca is also home to several annual events and manifestations that always attract people from everywhere, such as the Lucca Summer Festival. Concerts by internationally renowned artists enliven different locations of the city usually on July, while another renowned event, Lucca Comics & Games, usually takes place in late October/early November. This is the most important international fair and market exhibition dedicated to comics in Italy, but it is much more: the entire city becomes a sort of cartoon-land, where famous, and less famous, characters come to life at the hands of everyone, young and grown-ups alike, that are fond of dressing up (called cosplay, in fact) in costumes to bring to life their favorite characters from the world of comics and cartoons. There is nothing like it in all of Italy. Take a look at some more major events in Lucca throughout the year.

While I've signaled out the main attractions you MUST see if you get to Lucca with limited time, this city has much more to offer. If you don't have the time, this itinerary will give you an idea of the real essence of the town which still preserves its ancient aspect, its old traditions and habits: stop and taste its typical products, ask an inhabitant for some secret anecdote, walk and look around the tiny streets.

Getting around Lucca

Bicycle is the best means of transport for getting around Lucca: other than being eco-friendly, it is the ideal way for nimbly moving through the foot traffic around the old city center's tiny streets without the risk of driving into the limited traffic area (you will get a fine if you do!)

Besides being the city of one hundred churches, Lucca is also the city of bicycles par excellence: wherever you go, you’ll find rental bikes at reasonable prices, from €3 per hour to 15€ per day, depending on the rental place. Do not be afraid to park your car outside the walls or get to Lucca directly by train and then rent a bike to ride around the center, literally around on its 16th century walls!

More Essentials

Make sure to read more about how to get to Lucca and, if you drive, where to park in Lucca.

If you're staying in Lucca...

If you're in the area, consider also visiting the Villa Reale, or Royal Villa outside of Lucca and the other mansions and villas that surround the town. It would be another interesting way to spend an entire day in the area.