Lucca

Lucca is one of those Italian cities that hasn’t changed in centuries. Tucked away in Tuscany, a short train ride from Florence or Pisa, it’s often missed by travelers heading to more famous spots. But those who wander its streets find a place where history isn’t just preserved—it’s part of daily life.

The city is surrounded by Renaissance walls, now a broad, tree-lined promenade for walking or cycling. From above, the walls offer a view over red-tiled roofs, church towers, and the Apennine foothills. The scene shifts with the seasons but never loses its sense of time.

The old town is a maze of narrow streets. Every corner holds something unexpected.

Piazza dell’Anfiteatro sits on the ruins of an ancient Roman amphitheater. The oval shape of the original structure is still visible in the curve of the buildings. Today, the piazza is lined with cafés and small shops, lively in the evenings.

Nearby, the Torre Guinigi has oak trees at the top. Climbing its 230 steps rewards you with a panoramic view of the city. The tower reflects Lucca’s medieval past, when merchant families built such structures to display their wealth.

The Cathedral of San Martino has an asymmetrical façade and carvings. Inside, the Volto Santo, a wooden crucifix, draws visitors. The church of San Michele in Foro stands in the former Roman forum. Its white marble façade gleams in the sunlight. These churches feel intimate, serving the community rather than tourists.

Lucca moves at its own pace. No crowds gather at landmarks. No souvenir vendors crowd the streets. Instead, life unfolds slowly: locals drink espresso at sidewalk cafés, children play in piazzas, church bells mark the hour.

The city has a cultural scene. The Lucca Summer Festival brings musicians to historic venues. The Lucca Comics & Games festival attracts fans from across Europe. Food here is simple: tortelli lucchesi, a pasta stuffed with meat and herbs, or buccellato, a sweet raisin-studded bread.

Beyond the walls, the countryside offers its own charm. The Garfagnana region has rolling hills, chestnut forests, and small villages. The Serchio River winds through olive groves and vineyards. The Apuan Alps rise in the distance, their marble peaks contrasting with the gentle hills.

Lucca makes you feel at home. You might start the day with a cappuccino in a sunlit piazza, get lost in the backstreets, and end up at a trattoria where the owner remembers your name. No grand monuments needed—just the quiet pleasure of a city as it is.