I will be honest, before my friend invited us to her wedding here, I had never heard of Lucca. Italy brought to mind Rome, Venice, Florence, the usual top tourist destinations. However I am grateful for the education as it was simply stunning. Surrounded (as the title of my blog suggests) by a huge wall, inside is there are so many attractions to see. Here are my suggestions for when you visit the interesting ancient walled city of Lucca.
Where Is Lucca?
How To Get To Lucca
The nearest airport to Lucca is Pisa, therefore very accessible from most countries. Once here grab a train and make your way to the walled city. Trains in Europe are very reasonably priced so if flying isn’t your favourite thing then just ‘train it all the way’!
Climb The Many Towers
You cannot fail to notice the number of towers there are within the walled City of Lucca. They are everywhere. However if you fail to look up you will certainly hear the many chimes from all the bells. It is possible to climb up several of them where you can enjoy the view out over the wall to the nearby hills.
Go On A Walking Tour
If you love your history and gorgeous buildings why not get involved in an organised Walking Tour? Wander around the streets admiring the stunning architecture whilst learning a little bit about it as you go. Find some excellent walking tours here at reasonable prices.
Beautiful Gardens of Palazzo Pfanner
This beautiful old Palace is open to the public and is set just inside one section of the outer wall. Statues adorn the stunning garden, and the palace itself isn’t too shabby either. If you manage to get up on to the wall you are able to see sections of the garden from above.
Cycle the Wall
After a spot of exercise with a view? Head up on to the wall where you can hire a variety of modes of transport. We went for the leisurely 4 wheeled bike with a canopy, well it was very hot! You can either hire one and set off by yourself or get involved in an organised one for example like this.
Walk Under & Around The Wall
There are so many places you can experience going under and through the old outer wall of this City. We found three of them, some have designs on the ceiling. Beautiful!
Piazza dell’Anfitheatro
With several courtyards to choose from to chill out in you will not get weary in Lucca. This piazza was our favourite, shaped like an amphitheatre it was fantastic for people watching.
Guinigi Tower
Trees at the top!
This was my favourite of the towers we climbed due to the trees which have been planted right at the top! Very unusual don’t you agree? Mr C is not a fan of heights so he hated the climb up, hated the view and hated the climb down more! The 360 degree views from above were gorgeous and well worth the many steps you need to climb to enjoy them.
Visit the Botanical Gardens
With the climate being hot and quite humid, this is the ideal place for a botanical garden. With a small entrance fee to pay you can while away a few hours here in this relaxing space. Many species of plants are grown in and out of greenhouses. There is also a terrapin pond.
Get up in the hills
As beautiful as the walled city is, the surrounding hills are also simply stunning. The wedding we attended had their reception at a vineyard in the hills which was magical as the sun set. Vineyards dotted around the hills organise wine tastings, vineyard walks and even cooking classes. Check out this link for a huge variety of experiences which are on offer all year round.
Try the local lemons
Different from the usual lemon you get in the supermarket, these are a must to try whilst you visit. Enjoy a slice on its own or in a cocktail.
Enjoy the local architecture
Around every corner is yet another stunning building for you to marvel over. This is the San Michele in Foro just around the corner from our apartment. We must have seen a dozen other beautiful buildings on the short walk to this. I wasn’t joking when I said that inside the wall was jam packed with amazing things to see.
Love Europe? Want To See More?
Venture to Seville, one of Spains finest cities and eat your body weight in the best cheese and cured meats.
Marvel at the golden fields of sunflowers in the south of France, the Dordogne.
Stunning in the winter and the summer, give Iceland some of your time. With magnificent waterfalls, naturally heated spas and the famous black lava landscape, you won’t be disappointed.