{"id":6494,"date":"2014-03-24T10:50:44","date_gmt":"2014-03-24T09:50:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/walks.friday.ie\/?p=6494"},"modified":"2024-11-20T14:16:25","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20T14:16:25","slug":"visiting-lucca","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/visiting-lucca","title":{"rendered":"Visiting Lucca, a Hidden Gem in Tuscany"},"content":{"rendered":"<div><\/div>\n<div>For a more off-the-beaten-path experience in Tuscany, head 20 minutes north to lovely Lucca, known for its charming piazzas, ancient walls and quick access to some of the region&#8217;s most beautiful beaches.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Here are 6 reasons why visiting Lucca makes for the perfect Tuscan vacation!<\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/visiting-lucca\/#Romanesque_Churches\" >Romanesque Churches\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/visiting-lucca\/#Take_Walks_Through_Centuries_of_History\" >Take Walks Through Centuries of History<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/visiting-lucca\/#Less_Tourists_and_Lower_Prices\" >Less Tourists and Lower Prices<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/visiting-lucca\/#A_great_base_for_Tuscan_travel\" >A great base for Tuscan travel<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/visiting-lucca\/#Lucca_serves_up_some_of_the_best_food_in_Tuscany\" >Lucca serves up some of the best food in Tuscany<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/things-to-do\/visiting-lucca\/#An_ideal_place_to_get_lost\" >An ideal place to get lost!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Romanesque_Churches\"><\/span><strong>Romanesque Churches\u00a0<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div>Similar to the style of Pisa&#8217;s iconic duomo and bell tower, Lucca boasts several romanesque churches constructed from gorgeous white and grey marble.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Started in the early 1000&#8217;s, Lucca&#8217;s San Martino cathedral is home to the\u00a0<em>volto santo\u00a0<\/em>(holy face), a crucifix believed to have miraculously completed the design of its face overnight while the artist was sleeping. For more romanesque architecture while visiting Lucca, be sure to check out San Michele in Foro and San Giovanni.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"attachment_6507\" style=\"width: 489px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/5713879641_62a09a31f0_z.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6507\" class=\"size-full wp-image-6507\" src=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/5713879641_62a09a31f0_z.jpg\" alt=\"Lucca Duomo (flickr: Jeff Hart)\" width=\"479\" height=\"640\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-6507\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lucca Duomo (flickr: Jeff Hart)<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Take_Walks_Through_Centuries_of_History\"><\/span><strong>Take Walks Through Centuries of History<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div>\n<div>Not only does Lucca have lots of charm&#8230; it also has lots of history! The city&#8217;s Roman walls enclose centuries of art and architecture, with many characteristic piazzas and older buildings.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Music lovers \u00a0flock to Lucca for the famous Piazza dell&#8217;Anfiteatro, an ancient Roman amphitheater converted into a perfect oval piazza with amazing acoustic, and to visit the historic birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/Lucca-view-of-StLucca-Piazza-Anfiteatro-at-night.-Tuscany-italy.-Martins-Cathedral-.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-1481 aligncenter\" src=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/Lucca-view-of-StLucca-Piazza-Anfiteatro-at-night.-Tuscany-italy.-Martins-Cathedral-.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/Lucca-view-of-StLucca-Piazza-Anfiteatro-at-night.-Tuscany-italy.-Martins-Cathedral-.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/Lucca-view-of-StLucca-Piazza-Anfiteatro-at-night.-Tuscany-italy.-Martins-Cathedral--768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Less_Tourists_and_Lower_Prices\"><\/span><strong>Less Tourists and Lower Prices<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div>When tourists dream of Tuscany, they typically head to Siena, Pisa and Florence, unaware of the gems found in Lucca.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>With less crowds and fewer tourist traps, visiting Lucca is a more authentic experience. Plus you&#8217;ll avoid hotels and restaurants well-practiced at ripping off travelers &#8211; so it&#8217;s cheaper too!<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_great_base_for_Tuscan_travel\"><\/span><strong>A great base for Tuscan travel<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div>Easily reachable from major Tuscan cities by bus and train, Lucca is the perfect &#8220;home away from home&#8221; for travel in the region (and beyond). Its idyllic location is close to Viareggio and the nearby beach resorts, as well as the lush countryside for picturesque panoramas and wine tasting. Learn more about our tours in <a href=\"https:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/florence-tours\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Florence &amp; Pisa<\/a>\u00a0and the <a href=\"https:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/florence-tours\/tuscany-day-trips-from-florence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tuscan countryside<\/a>,\u00a0perfect for half-day and\/or day trip excursions.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"attachment_6496\" style=\"width: 650px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/6139311217_b537f44c6d_z.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6496\" class=\"size-full wp-image-6496\" src=\"http:\/\/walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/03\/6139311217_b537f44c6d_z.jpg\" alt=\"Tortelli lucchesi (flickr: Around Tuscany)\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-6496\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tortelli lucchesi (flickr: Around Tuscany)<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lucca_serves_up_some_of_the_best_food_in_Tuscany\"><\/span><strong>Lucca serves up some of the best food in Tuscany<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div><i>Cucina lucchese (<\/i>cuisine from Lucca) is considered to be some of the finest food in the region &#8211; and usually served cheaper than many restaurants in Pisa.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Look for these specialities for an authentic culinary experience: <em>tortelli<\/em>\u00a0(pasta stuffed with meat, vegetables and cheese topped in a meat rag\u00f9 sauce),\u00a0<em>garmugia\u00a0<\/em>(bean soup with pancetta and vegetables) and the unique<em> torta coi becchi<\/em>\u00a0dessert pie made with rice, swiss chard, parmigiano cheese, sugar and spices.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"attachment_21813\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-21813\" class=\"wp-image-21813 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Walks_Rome_Tuscany-from-Rome_0379.jpg\" alt=\"A seasonal Tuscan pasta dish on a white ceramic plate.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Walks_Rome_Tuscany-from-Rome_0379.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Walks_Rome_Tuscany-from-Rome_0379-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-21813\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Eating your way through traditional dishes in Lucca is a great way to spend your day.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_ideal_place_to_get_lost\"><\/span><strong>An ideal place to get lost!<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div>Many who visit Lucca say the best thing to do in the city is just\u00a0<em>explore!\u00a0<\/em>That means getting lost inside the walls of the ancient city along the narrow and winding streets, all while getting a feel for the beautiful Tuscan city. With very few hills, Lucca is great for a long stroll or bike ride.<\/div>\n<div>\n<div id=\"attachment_22347\" style=\"width: 1210px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22347\" class=\"wp-image-22347 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Tour-walking-around-Italian-city.jpg\" alt=\"Group of people walking a Italian street, tour\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Tour-walking-around-Italian-city.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Tour-walking-around-Italian-city-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-22347\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Just walk around and enjoy the charm of the city.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For a more off-the-beaten-path experience in Tuscany, head 20 minutes north to lovely Lucca, known for its charming piazzas, ancient walls and quick access to some of the region&#8217;s most beautiful beaches. Here are 6 reasons why visiting Lucca makes for the perfect Tuscan vacation! Romanesque Churches\u00a0 Similar to the style of Pisa&#8217;s iconic duomo [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":6497,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[112,67],"ppma_author":[160],"class_list":["post-6494","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do","tag-lucca","tag-tuscany"],"authors":[{"term_id":160,"user_id":28,"is_guest":0,"slug":"walksofitaly-2","display_name":"Elena Ciprietti","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9faa64906a691c0581a37e3599ce455d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","user_url":"","last_name":"","first_name":"Elena Ciprietti","job_title":"","description":""}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6494"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/28"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6494"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6494\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22390,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6494\/revisions\/22390"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6497"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6494"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6494"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6494"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.walksofitaly.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=6494"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}