The 10 Best Points of Interest & Landmarks in Province of Lucca, Tuscany

July 8, 2021 Karren Gelb

The Province of Lucca (Italian: Provincia di Lucca) is a province in the Tuscany region of Italy. Its capital is the city of Lucca.
Restaurants in Province of Lucca

1. Fortezza delle Verrucole - Archeopark

Frazione Verrucole, San Romano in Garfagnana Italy +39 379 241 5958 [email protected] http://www.fortezzaverrucolearcheopark.it
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 553 reviews

Fortezza delle Verrucole - Archeopark

It goes without saying that the word Verrucole, coming from the Italian verruca (wart), easily explains the choice of the rocky and unapproachable spot for the building of the fortification. A few ruins dating back to the Bronze Age and to a medieval hamlet have been found on the whinstone mountain where the fortress was raised. During the Middle Ages the territory of the “Curia delle Verrucole” was administered by the counts Gherardinghi, the local feudatory, then it was passed to the Republic of Lucca, the Malaspina family and since the sixteenth century to the Este family.The present features of the fortress probably go back to two periods governed by the Este dynasty, the age of Marquis Leonello (about 1450) and Alfonso II (about 1564). For more than four hundred years this fortress, which had a strategic location for the whole valley, was part of the duchy of Modena and the ancient province of Garfagnana. It is said that originally this complex had two towers, each one having its own castellan with guards protecting the two rocks, named the Round Rock and the Square Rock, placed at two opposite ends of the hill. The Round Rock with its still visible Ghibelline battlements, supports the present polygonal tower, which replaced a cylindrical tower, which is now visible after the recent excavations. The Square Rock is still evident in some traces in the vicinity of the north-eastern bulwark and it was defended by a semicircular tower and a north-oriented building. Coming from the old “Porta Piana”, which still retains its gatehouse and embrasure, it is now possible to visit the left battlement, the casemate and the bulwarks facing the majestic mountain “Pania di Corfino”. On the opposite side, next to the entrance of the casemate the scene continues with the ruins of the storehouse and the recently reconstructed quarters of the guard. Furthermore, rising on the hill of the Round Rock it is not possible to miss the old chapel and the partially restored tower. Any diligent observer will notice on the left hand side of the stone stairs the narrow “Porta del Soccorso”, a traditional emergency exit for the castles. From the north gate it is possible to enter into the “Orto del comandante”, containing a few service buildings, a rainwater tank and the gunpowder tower, struck by a thunderbolt and exploded in 1683.

2. Pozzo della Madonna

Malbacco, 55047, Seravezza Italy
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Pozzo della Madonna

3. Piazza Anfiteatro

Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, Lucca Italy +39 0583 492116 http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/piazza-dell-anfiteatro
Excellent
51%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,168 reviews

Piazza Anfiteatro

This city square is built on an ancient Roman amphitheater situated in the heart of Lucca's historical center.

Reviewed By 53wanderer - Gold Coast, Australia

The current anfiteatro is based on the former Roman amphitheatre dating back to the 1st or 2nd centuries. The ring of buildings surrounding the space follows the shape of the ancient amphitheatre. Most of these buildings now contain restaurants or shops that sell souvenirs of Lucca. The central area is lined with restaurants that are well patronised and serve drinks and meals aimed at the tourist market. We went there one afternoon for an aperitivo and ended up staying for pizza which we all enjoyed. These restaurants tend to be open till late in the evening. There are usually markets there on Wednesdays and special occasions. We visited there after midnight on a festival evening and the markets were still buzzing. You will find tourist groups meandering through the anfiteatro throughout the day. A piece of artwork in the centre appears to be a popular place for group photos and selfies. There are 4 large gateway allowing entry to the anfiteatro. It is just off Via Fillungo, the main shopping street and very easy to locate.

4. Ponte della Maddalena (detto Ponte del Diavolo)

Strada Statale 12 9, 55023, Borgo a Mozzano Italy +39 0583 888881 http://www.borgoamozzano.org
Excellent
67%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 816 reviews

Ponte della Maddalena (detto Ponte del Diavolo)

Constructed during the era of the Countess Matilde di Canossa (1046-1115,) this medieval bridge that spans the Serchio River is said to have been built with the aid of the devil himself.

Reviewed By tash-l-h - Suffolk, United Kingdom

You can pull up at the side of the road just before this bridge as there are parking spaces. The bridge and surroundings are stunning and make a great photo or backdrop for a photo. The bridge is quite steep to climb (I think one side did have steps, but the other is just essentially a steep hill ????). Once you are at the top it is worth it though as you will get a fab picture of the river and landscape beyond. Free to do and well worth the stop!

5. Villa Reale di Marlia

Via della Fraga Alta 2, 55014 Marlia, Capannori Italy +39 0583 30108 [email protected] http://villarealedimarlia.it/
Excellent
74%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 461 reviews

Villa Reale di Marlia

One of the most striking historic residences in Italy: Villa Reale – which includes Elisa Bonaparte’s luxury 19th century home, Parkland and a Chapel – has been brought back to its former glory thanks to a large scale restoration project. Situated in a centuries-old park, hiding shyly behind a perimeter wall, Villa Reale in Marla is a wonderful destination – the epitome of charm and elegance. Rescued from deterioration by a family generously committed to an ambitious and lengthy programme of renovation, the Villa is open from March 2020. It’s a perfect location for a visit - a real hidden gem, away from the usual tourist locations. This extraordinary example of refined architecture and landscaping includes three villas, two neoclassical entrance buildings, 16 hectares of parkland, 2 chapels, a lemon house and buildings designed for stables, sawmills and services. A must see in Tuscany.

Reviewed By susan652 - Canterbury, United Kingdom

As close to Paradise as gardens get........we were recently staying in Lucca for a fortnight and decided to visit a villa with some gardens. The tourist information info suggest a variety of villas to visit but said if you only have time for one, visit Villa Reale. So we caught the 59 bus from the bus station and went. We loved it so much we ended up going back another two times (visited Villa Oliva and Villa Grabau which were close enough to walk to from Villa Reale’s bus stop) just to walk in the gardens and have lunch at Villa Reale’s delightful cafe. The lunch menu was perfect, delicious focaccia and cakes etc as well as a bar. All in perfect surroundings with a view of the lake. Federico served us on two occasions. She was an absolute delight and such an asset/ambassador for Villa Reale. She made the visit for us and introduced me to Villa Reale’s cocktails which were worth sampling. The Villa itself has been refurbished and is absolutely beautiful. Spend a half a day there and immerse yourself in the history and the beauty. It truly is a very special place. Congratulations to the owners who have done such a wonderful job on the renovation. Finally, my husband and I thought this was equally as good as Villa Carlotta on Lake Como and in what seemed to be a much larger space and far less congested. Go before the secret is out and enjoy the tranquility.

6. Le mura di Lucca

55100, Lucca Italy 05834422 http://www.comune.lucca.it/turismo/mura_di_lucca
Excellent
75%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
2%
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4.5 based on 9,271 reviews

Le mura di Lucca

Reviewed By Amethyst627 - York, United Kingdom

Whether you walk or cycle around the walls you will get a real feel for the scale and attractions of Lucca. Some of the underground areas are also worth dropping down for a view.

7. Torre delle Ore

Via Fillungo 20, 55100, Lucca Italy +39 0583 48090 http://www.lemuradilucca.it/torri/torre-delle-ore
Excellent
46%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 682 reviews

Torre delle Ore

8. Area Archeologica Massaciuccoli Romana

Via Pietra a Padule, 55054 Massaciuccoli, Massarosa Italy +39 0584 974550 http://www.massaciuccoliromana.it
Excellent
56%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 66 reviews

Area Archeologica Massaciuccoli Romana

9. Pontile Bellavista Vittoria

Lungomare Pistelli, Lido Di Camaiore, Camaiore Italy
Excellent
52%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
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1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 716 reviews

Pontile Bellavista Vittoria

Reviewed By tonyn589 - Morecambe, United Kingdom

We visited Lido di Camaiore in July for the first time, it has a wonderful ( and clean ) promenade and beach. The pier is great to stroll out to with fabulous views to the sea and mountains, its a nice welcome breeze too in the summer. there is a handy cafe / bar at the end which opens at around mid day and into the evening.

10. Eremo Di Calomini

Localita Eremo di Calomini 5, 55020 Vergemoli, Fabbriche di Vergemoli Italy
Excellent
47%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 141 reviews

Eremo Di Calomini

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