Walking Tour and Exploration of Lucca
Lucca, Italy
Rating: 
Trip Type: Walking Tours
Duration: 2 hours
See all that Lucca has to offer in this tour of Tuscany's town with Renaissance touches. This complete guided tour will be led by a licensed tour guide. Embark on a 2-hour journey to see main tourist sights and monuments of the city center of Lucca.
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See all that Lucca has to offer in this tour of Tuscany's town with Renaissance touches. This complete guided tour will be led by a licensed tour guide. Embark on a 2-hour journey to see main tourist sights and monuments of the city center of Lucca.
Meet at Piazzale Verdi at the old Porta San Donato where the tourist information center is located, adjacent to the historic Renaissance walls. Walk along Via San Paolino which corresponds to the ancient Roman street (Decumanus Maximus). Pass by the Renaissance church dedicated to the patron saint of the town, Saint Paolino.
Along the way, encounter influences from Lucca's most famous celebrity, Giacomo Puccini, and see the exterior of the building where he was born. His operas continue to fascinate audiences from all around the world. At the end of the street, behold Piazza San Michele, the area where the ancient Roman forum was located. There will be time to stop and photograph the spectacular facade of the 12th century church of the same name.
Stroll along to reach Via Fillungo, the main and busiest shopping street of the town where both traditional shops and medieval tower houses live. The two highest civic towers will also be covered: Torre delle Ore (the tower with the clock) and the very particular Torre Guinigi, which is crowned by seven holm oak trees.
More surprises await, such as the stunning Byzantine-style mosaic on the facade of one of Lucca's best-loved churches: San Frediano. Visit its interior (subject to the hours of religious service) and experience the powerful spiritual atmosphere associated with the local inhabitants’ devotion to 13th century Santa (Saint) Zita, whose mummified body rests in a glass casket within the Fatinelli Chapel. The church also houses an extremely suggestive 12th century Baptismal Font.
Just a few steps away from the church is Piazza Anfiteatro, one of the most beautiful squares in Lucca. The elliptical shape of the characteristic piazza is due to subsequent construction of buildings over the foundations of the ancient Roman amphitheater. Walk along more Medieval streets before reaching the Cathedral of San Martino with its unusual and striking Pisa-Lucca Romanesque facade. This is where the tour ends, however, if you are not too tired, the guide will be very happy to continue the tour inside the Cathedral. There is an additional € 2.00 entrance fee.
In the interior, find the Volto Santo (the Holy Face), an evocative wooden crucifix highly venerated for centuries that is the symbol of Lucca. See an incredible Last Supper painted by Tintoretto, and, in the sacristy, the beautiful marble sarcophagus of Ilaria del Carretto, the early 15th century masterpiece sculpted by Jacopo della Quercia of Siena.
Along the way, encounter influences from Lucca's most famous celebrity, Giacomo Puccini, and see the exterior of the building where he was born. His operas continue to fascinate audiences from all around the world. At the end of the street, behold Piazza San Michele, the area where the ancient Roman forum was located. There will be time to stop and photograph the spectacular facade of the 12th century church of the same name.
Stroll along to reach Via Fillungo, the main and busiest shopping street of the town where both traditional shops and medieval tower houses live. The two highest civic towers will also be covered: Torre delle Ore (the tower with the clock) and the very particular Torre Guinigi, which is crowned by seven holm oak trees.
More surprises await, such as the stunning Byzantine-style mosaic on the facade of one of Lucca's best-loved churches: San Frediano. Visit its interior (subject to the hours of religious service) and experience the powerful spiritual atmosphere associated with the local inhabitants’ devotion to 13th century Santa (Saint) Zita, whose mummified body rests in a glass casket within the Fatinelli Chapel. The church also houses an extremely suggestive 12th century Baptismal Font.
Just a few steps away from the church is Piazza Anfiteatro, one of the most beautiful squares in Lucca. The elliptical shape of the characteristic piazza is due to subsequent construction of buildings over the foundations of the ancient Roman amphitheater. Walk along more Medieval streets before reaching the Cathedral of San Martino with its unusual and striking Pisa-Lucca Romanesque facade. This is where the tour ends, however, if you are not too tired, the guide will be very happy to continue the tour inside the Cathedral. There is an additional € 2.00 entrance fee.
In the interior, find the Volto Santo (the Holy Face), an evocative wooden crucifix highly venerated for centuries that is the symbol of Lucca. See an incredible Last Supper painted by Tintoretto, and, in the sacristy, the beautiful marble sarcophagus of Ilaria del Carretto, the early 15th century masterpiece sculpted by Jacopo della Quercia of Siena.
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