Location: Lucca
Top Things to do in Lucca
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Things to do in Lucca, Tuscany: The Best Architectural Buildings
Lucca's array of wonderfully intact historical sites makes it a must-see stop on any Tuscan itinerary. The medieval city walls still stand—you can hike or bike on top of them. Also visit the Duomo di San Martino and the Roman amphitheater.
Restaurants in Lucca
1. Villa Bernardini
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Situata nella campagna lucchese a Vicopelago, la villa risale al XVII secolo ed appartiene ancora oggi alla famiglia Bernardini. Oltrepassato il cancello di ferro, si viene accolti dal Giardino Romantico, ricco di molte varietà di piante e fiori. Seguendo i viali e superando il portone d'ingresso, si viene catapultati in un'epoca passata grazie all'arredamento originale e alla maestosità della dimora stessa. Le stanze e i vari arredi suscitano un senso di ricchezza e splendore, riportando alla mente una vita lontana. Sul retro della villa si erge il Teatro di Verzura, costruito nella prima metà del XVIII secolo. Altre meraviglie del parco sono il Giardino Segreto, con quattro statue rappresentanti le stagioni, e la Limonaia. Oltre ad essere una casa-museo (le visite sono su prenotazione in determinati giorni al fine di non sovrapporre i vari eventi), la villa si presta magnificamente anche come luogo per matrimoni, ricevimenti o feste.
2. Lucca's Duomo (Cattedrale di San Martino)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,516 reviews
Reviewed By LePatioDordogne - France, null
We paid €9 each for the ticket which allowed you to climb to the top of the bell tower (you need a good head for heights), into the spectacular cathedral and into the museum. We thought it was great value for money, the views were amazing, the stained glass windows and paintings were beautiful and the museum was great. We highly recommend this.
3. Acquedotto del Nottolini
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
Reviewed By 1Yvonne1
Duchess Maria Luisa of Bourbon commissioned the project to build the aqueduct in 1823; it was designed by architect Lorenzo Nottolini. The structure begins just behind the train station, at the Cistern of San Concordio, once used to carry water from the mountains into the city and contained 400 arches made from stone stretching for 3.5kms. Today the aqueduct stands in its entirety. I followed the dirt path beside the aqueduct completely captivated by the peaceful surroundings. The full length from the Temple cistern to its end at the Parco dell’Acquedotto takes about 20mins. Words cannot express how truly magnificent this feat of engineering is, just stunning. The path is also a popular cycling track. After every 17 arch there was a decorative buttress constructed to take care of the strength of the structure. However, during the 20th century, 6 arches were removed, and water supply was interrupted for the passage of A11 Motorway that connects Lucca and Capannori. The footbridge over the autostrada felt a bit dodgy, the low railings allowing gusts of wind as large lorries rolled underneath. I was very pleased to reach the other side in one piece. From the overpass I followed the aqueduct a further 2kms where Nottolini’s spectacular arches ended near the town of Guamo. The cistern at Guamo Whence was the first tank that supplied water to the city. It is also where we see the first arch of the aqueduct. The water of the aqueduct was drawn from several springs on the northern slope of Mount of Vorno, then passed through a number of layers of gravel and stone, purifying it before arriving to the temple-cistern of Guamo. From there the water was channelled inside the conduit that you can still admire today. From this point on, the arches are interrupted and the underground conduits begin. The presence of the aqueduct is still easily identifiable thanks to the numerous brick filtering wells (the ancestors of modern manholes) and other cisterns. Following the direction of the underground aqueduct, I reached an enchanting spot, the place where the waters coming from the Serra Vespaiata pass under a small bridge. The architectural innovation of Nottolini is evident in construction of the manufactured waterways that cut gentle curves through the hills between San Quirico and Vorno. From here the waterways give way to forest, then to olive groves and ancient stone houses. Follow the path up through the forest for another 2.3km to the road. From here turn right, 100m down the road is the panoramic point of Gallonzora where you can enjoy views of the Lucca plain to the Apuan Alps. Winding my way down the road the sun is shining, olive trees are bearing fruit, poppies are in bloom. On the way to Lucca you will pass through the villages of Vorno and Guamo. There are a couple of nice churches to check out and one or two cafes worth stopping at.
4. Palazzo Pfanner
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 753 reviews
A visit to this 17th-century villa with its magnificent gardens is well worthwhile.
Reviewed By TravelerMikePlano
The palazzo is beautiful, from the gardens to the interior design. The history of the doctor who lived here was amazing. The most interesting items on display were his medical instruments as well as numerous books he had written or collected on medica issues and anatomy.
