LUCCA
One of the most underrated towns to visit in Tuscany is Lucca. Extremely accessible via public transportation, tours from Livorno, Pisa, or Florence, Lucca will amaze you with its dazzling, cobblestone streets and notably historic walls surrounding the city centre.
Lucca is the perfect town to stroll calmly and admire the history preserved all around, from the ancient city walls to the historic buildings. It's especially noted for being flat, so it's a great option for those needing an easy walk, with no hills. Luca's walls, also known as Le Mura, are so special because after losing their military presence, the walls were still maintained unlike most other Tuscan towns. These walls, created between the middle of the 16th and 17th century as a defense mechanism, are the best known image that signifies Lucca. Walking among the walls is a definite way to enjoy a serene, peaceful afternoon. A great time in Lucca always starts with a stroll or bike ride, along the pedestrian promenade, atop the walls. This panoramic walk provides the chance to see the entire city of Lucca from a very distinctive standpoint. With Shore Emotion, book a tour that allows you to spend a full day seeing the historic sites of both Lucca and Pisa, on a private excursion to enhance your visit.
Adorned by lush, green trees, Lucca is a beautiful site to see and not too cumbersome in size, so it is very achievable to discover all of the city's beauty. To get a view from up above, climb to the garden atop the Torre Giungi (Giungi Tower) and gaze out into the beautiful panorama of the city and mountains. Standing 45 meters high, the height of the tower signifies the wealth and importance of the merchant family, the Giungis, who owned it. The garden that sits on top of the tower is what makes this climb much more unique than other towers in Italy.
As one of the more green towns in Tuscany, the Botanic Gardens are celebrated as another hidden gem for any visit. Founded in 1820, by the Duchess of Luca, Maria Luisa of Bourbon, as a scientific institution to preserve and commemorate a collection of plants from all around the world, the gardens are cherished by all. Some say the origins of the name "Lucca" came from the Celtic-Ligurian word Luk, meaning "marsh", paying tribute to its leafy atmosphere.
After wandering through the green paths of Lucca, explore deep into the "City of One Hundred Churches", a name Lucca is often referred to by for its numerous religious sites. The Cattedrale San Martino is one notable stop, in the heart of the city center. The Duomo sits in a wide, open piazza, just past the main street, Il Fillungo. This street is known most for its upscale shopping options, a stark contrast to the historic, religious site nearby. A short walk from Il Fillungo will bring you to Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, an oval piazza that was once a Roman amphitheater many years ago.