What to do and see in Lucca, Tuscany: The Best Free Things to do

July 5, 2021 Moriah Teneyck

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. Antica Tipografia Biagini

Via Santa Giustina 22 3 minutes close to San Michele's Church, 55100, Lucca Italy +39 0583 316271 [email protected] http://www.anticatipografiabiagini.it
Excellent
78%
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5.0 based on 32 reviews

Antica Tipografia Biagini

Antica Tipografia Biagini is a museum of antiques lettterpress machines

2. Centro storico

55100, Lucca Italy
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5.0 based on 19 reviews

Centro storico

Reviewed By AlbertSalichs - Manresa, Spain

Centro storico is literally the old town of this Renaissance city: Lucca, in Tuscany Region, in Italy. This old town is surrounded completely by a wall and inside it you can see wonderful buildings like Duomo (Cathedral), the square and the bell tower, from where you can see charming views of the town. Also, you can walk around all old town, see the churches, important buildings or only go to a bar/restaurant and enjoy with food and views. For me, the best place in this wonderdul city is Piazza Anfiteatro, a close square surrounded by buildings and with the form of an amphitheatrt. Inside here, you can eat or drink something (we went to Bollicina Bar, which was very good) and children can play in a place without cars, so it is very good for all people. (See also Le Mura di Lucca, Lucca's Duomo, Piazza Anfiteatro, Piazza Napoleone, Porta Sanpietro and Bollicina)

3. Piazza Anfiteatro

Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, Lucca Italy +39 0583 492116 http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/piazza-dell-anfiteatro
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51%
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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. Basilica of San Frediano

Piazza San Frediano, 55100, Lucca Italy +39 0583 493627 http://www.sanfredianolucca.com
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4.5 based on 978 reviews

Basilica of San Frediano

Reviewed By Ylandre - Cape Town Central, South Africa

As with a few other Lucca attractions this Basilica calls for a visit. Artwork, carvings, displays are worth every minute of the visit. The monumental golden mosaic on the facade is breathtaking. The 12th century baptismal font is a must see. This is also the resting place for Santa Zita (1212-1272) and she is on display inside the Basilica. Please be respectful when visiting the Basilica and dress appropriately.

5. San Michele in Foro

Piazza San Michele, 55100, Lucca Italy +39 0583 91991 http://www.visittuscany.com/en/attractions/church-of-san-michele-in-foro/
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4.5 based on 1,399 reviews

San Michele in Foro

Reviewed By luciana222016 - Bucharest, Romania

San Michele in Foro is a Roman Catholic basilica church in Lucca, Tuscany, central Italy, built over the ancient Roman forum. It is dedicated to Archangel Michael. admission is free. it is noticed by the facade which is very beautiful and which ends at the top with the Saint Michael station. The interior is intensely decorated with monolithic marble columns and among the works of art are Madonna with the Child of Andrea della Robbia and the four saints of Lippi.

6. Le mura di Lucca

55100, Lucca Italy 05834422 http://www.comune.lucca.it/turismo/mura_di_lucca
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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. Acquedotto del Nottolini

Via Tempietto, 55100, Lucca Italy
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4.5 based on 201 reviews

Acquedotto del Nottolini

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.

8. Caniparoli cioccolateria

Via San Paolino 96, 55100, Lucca Italy +39 0583 53456 http://www.caniparolicioccolateria.it/
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4.5 based on 112 reviews

Caniparoli cioccolateria

9. Pieve di S. Giorgio a Brancoli

Pieve di S. Giorgio a Brancoli, Lucca Italy +39 328 533 1903
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4.5 based on 25 reviews

Pieve di S. Giorgio a Brancoli

10. Via Fillungo

Via Fillungo, Lucca Italy
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4.5 based on 873 reviews

Via Fillungo

Reviewed By david_marshall30 - Lucca, Italy

Best street in Lucca for all your shopping, clothing, shoes, I've creams, bars and a great art store. This where it all happens. In the evening they have the passagiata, where the the locals walk up and down the street, posing in their best clothes.

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