Location: Province of Lucca
Top Things to do in Province of Lucca
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Province of Lucca That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Sant'Anna di Stazzema
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 149 reviews
Built on the structure of the old elementary school, it was inaugurated as a picture gallery in 1982 by the President of Republic Sandro Pertini. It was transformed in the actual Museum of the Resistance in 1991. The exhibition offers a panorama of the events which unfolded in Versilia, Tuscany and Italy during the Nazi occupation. The exhibition (historic- documentary) covers chronologically the fases of Resistance in Versilia, putting in evidence the important aspect, episodes and personalities most significant, on the basis of documents, pictures, objects and newspapers drawn from the archive of the Historical Institute of the Resistance, Provincia of Lucca. Ample space is dedicated to the massacres of the Nazi- Fascists in the Tirrenico sector of the Gothic Line, among which the massacre at Sant’Anna of 12 August 1944 was the most tragic. The multi -media hall is equipped with touchscreen. Outside there's the Ossuary Monument, the place where the Martyrs of St.Anna were buried.
2. Fortezza delle Verrucole - Archeopark
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 553 reviews
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.
3. Fattoria al Dotto
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 347 reviews
RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST! Since 2005 a small family run winery growing and hand picking our own grapes for exceptional structured wines, also producing our own Extra Virgin Olive Oil, all of which can be purchased in the Cantina or on our website & shipped internationally. The closest winery to the walls of Lucca (4.5KM) & we invite you to enjoy our wines (2 whites - Vermentino & a Vermentino with 5% semillon, a Rose' along with 5 reds - (San Giovese, Merlot & Syrah - in purity, a blend of the 3 & a "Lucchese Chianti") each paired with excellent locally produced foods in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. Feel free to visit us & learn more about our fantastic wines & their production. Closed on Sundays & all Italian holidays: Jan 1, 6, Easter Sunday & Easter Monday, Apr 25, May 1, Jun 2, Aug 15, Nov 1, Dec 8, 25 & 26. Large groups feel free to contact us for prices and special hours.
Reviewed By berthaixar - Barcelona, Spain
The day was too hot , we called the host and changed the time of the visit and he did it with no problem at all We got there around 6 pm, there were already some couples ... we had an incredible 6 wine tasting and it All came with bread and cold meats and cheeseto enhance the flavor of vine, the honey and olive oil also made for them We spent a wonderful evening
4. Camping Rio Vaiano
5. Villa Reale di Marlia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 461 reviews
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. Ponte della Maddalena (detto Ponte del Diavolo)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 816 reviews
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!
7. Grotta Turistica Antro del Corchia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 865 reviews
Reviewed By OnAir694313
What an amazing place. I have been in caves before but nothing like this. I would happily have spent hours there, it feels like stepping back into the dawn of the world. Our tour guide Noemi was brilliant, incredibly knowledgeable, talking about the discovery and exploration of the caves, enthusiastic and thoughtful, making sure all the group was managing, chatting to the children, and working in photo stops. You will definitely need a fleece and proper shoes with grip. It is cold but not freezing, we were all ok in shorts. As it lasts 2 Hours, It is ESSENTIAL to be reasonably fit for this; there are nearly 2000 steps, lots of the ground is uneven, some of it is slightly slippery. I wouldn’t recommend for children under age 5 unless they are very sure footed, or for anyone who finds stairs tricky. We saw one pensioner having to be escorted out after only the first set of steps. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting a change from more usual tourist spots. It really is incredible. Well worth the entry fee. Had we realised how long the tour was we would have come earlier in the day so we had time to go on the various mine tours and to the museums as well.
8. Buonamico Tenuta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By 929mick
Just been to this lovely place where Chiara gave us an unforgettable wine tasting. We just fell in love. Thanks a lot for this extraordinary experience ❤
9. Museo Villa Puccini
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 387 reviews
Reviewed By 187047PeterR - Gloucester, United Kingdom
This is a total delight. The audio tour is very good and the rooms are so atmospheric and you can just imagine Puccini sat at his piano composing his great operas. I am so so glad that I visited the house and do hope that in the future the upstairs (still with original furniture) can be opened.
10. 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.
