Lucca is only a half hour drive away from Bagni di Lucca, or 40 – 50 minutes in the bus, so I go often. The bus stop is right in front of Bar Italia, so I just cross the bridge and I am on the bus. Lucca is big enough to have lots of interesting things to see and do and small enough to be easily navigated. Take a wander around with me.
the anfiteatro in Lucca
The large arched entrance to the piazza was one of the orignals from its anfiteatro days.
look for the big arch
The oval piazza is what is left behind after the amphitheatre that used to be there was pulled down and the ring of houses around it formed a piazza. In summer it is full of tables and people enjoying the sun. There is often something happening in the piazza – flowers shows or collections of old cars. It is a fun place to be. The sign in the middle is advertising the music festival to be held in Lucca in summer. There is always music in Lucca, just ask at the information centres.
a very cute apartment overlooking the anfiteatro
I love the top floor of this apartment in the anfiteatro. The Italian flag was out to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the unification in Italy.
looking out from the wall around Lucca
The town is surrounded by a wall – left over from the time when Lucca, Florence and Pisa were constantly battling each other over one thing or another.
one of the churches outside the walls
on a Lucca door
front view
the facade of San Giovani church
There are Puccini concerts in this church every night. Click here to find out more.
the entrance to a Lucca deli
Palazzo Pfanner from the wall
on a Lucca grill
a Lucca footpath
I stood in the middle of the road to get this shot
the old canal
one of the old entrances at night
looking up
Lucca at night
say hi to Luis
Don’t leave Lucca without calling in to see Luis and David at Paris Boheme. Click here to find out more about lovely Luis and David.
Lovely tour, thanks Deb! It seems like a great place to while away some time…
By: Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial on July 3, 2011
at 5:13 am
I go to Lucca several times a week when I am in Italy. I never tire of it.
By: bagnidilucca on July 3, 2011
at 5:46 am
Just as you said, Lucca is such a lovely city and so close to Bagni that we are very lucky, indeed. We particularly enjoy going there on the 3rd Sunday of the month when the Antique and Vintage Fair takes over the town. I always recommend it to my friends and they never get disappointed!
By: Mulino Dominillo on July 3, 2011
at 6:29 am
The market is enormous – it takes over a lot of Lucca. I gathered many good things there when I was setting up my apartment. Even if you don’t buy anything it is fun to wander through the market stalls.
By: bagnidilucca on July 3, 2011
at 6:38 am
What a beautiful place. Yet another.
By: Anna Harrison on July 3, 2011
at 6:58 am
Lucca is one of the lovliest towns in Italy. I am so lucky to live so close – for part of the year at least.
By: bagnidilucca on July 3, 2011
at 7:46 am
Lovely tour, thanks! very brave to stand in the middle of the road like that, Just squinting at those trees; not quite a pleached walk but very close, lime trees? I would love to have a little promenade round Lucca one day…
By: Joanna @ Zeb Bakes on July 3, 2011
at 7:09 am
I think they are Tiglio or Linden trees.
By: bagnidilucca on July 3, 2011
at 7:46 am
I am glad you stood in the middle of the road to get that shot. I am also glad you survived. Gorgeous photos.
By: Liz Golding on July 3, 2011
at 7:48 am
It would have been better if I had a lookout, but I did live to tell the tale.
By: bagnidilucca on July 3, 2011
at 8:16 am
It looks beautiful!!
By: Minna on July 3, 2011
at 7:57 am
It is a beautiful town, especially on a sunny day.
By: bagnidilucca on July 3, 2011
at 8:16 am
Lovely photos! It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Lucca, but it’s a beautiful place.
By: Nerys on July 3, 2011
at 8:45 am
Perhaps you need another visit. You can’t get too much of Lucca.
By: bagnidilucca on July 3, 2011
at 8:49 am
Great Deb! Lucca is why we decided to buy a small apartment in Crasciana-i also never tire of Lucca. This Spring I loved all the flags out around town and the spirit of the people. I read Lucca was named 2nd best EU city to relocate too! It is authentic Tuscan but still plenty to do-such a great mix! And only 20 min to the beach or Mtns!
By: Melonie Carideo on July 3, 2011
at 12:18 pm
I like the fact that Lucca is not completely overrun with tourists, it is still a living Italian town, full of Italians going about their business. Let’s hope it stays that way.
By: bagnidilucca on July 3, 2011
at 12:21 pm
What a lovely tour of Lucca with my morning cappuccino! Even more excitted for my first visit in September. Thanks Deb!
By: Denise Blackman on July 3, 2011
at 2:02 pm
I’m sure you are going to love Lucca. September is a lovely month to go to Italy.
By: bagnidilucca on July 3, 2011
at 9:06 pm
Thank you for making my day with memories of one of my favorite places!
By: paninigirl on July 3, 2011
at 3:06 pm
No problem, I love looking at Lucca, even if it is just a photo.
By: bagnidilucca on July 3, 2011
at 9:05 pm
Such a beautiful place… you are lucky indeed!
By: maru on July 4, 2011
at 2:11 am
I know that I am lucky to spend time in such a great place.
By: bagnidilucca on July 4, 2011
at 7:41 am
Who knew onions could be so desirable:)
By: Jan on July 4, 2011
at 3:14 am
They look good don’t they.
By: bagnidilucca on July 4, 2011
at 7:40 am
This sounds like the Lucca fan club but it really is a wonderful place! We too visit Lucca everytime we are visiting our little place in the hills above Bagni di Lucca it’s so close it’s hard to resist. Although we’ve been many times we often manage to get lost – this is all part of the pleasure however because finding more treasures around each corner is wonderful. Eventually you get back to a familiar spot, usually a bar or coffee shop where you just have to sit and while away an hour or two!! Aaaaahhhhhh……
By: Jan on July 4, 2011
at 5:21 pm
I don’t get lost in Lucca very often now – I used to – and you are right, it can be fun. I think I have just about covered every square inch of Lucca.
By: bagnidilucca on July 4, 2011
at 9:23 pm
That little apartment is gorgeous! Looks like there’s not much room to see out of the window past the decorations though…
By: David Robertson on July 4, 2011
at 10:10 pm
The whole piazza is wonderful, but that little place at the top really appeals to me.
By: bagnidilucca on July 5, 2011
at 10:01 am
We went to Pisa yesterday, which I am afraid is about as far as we will make it into Tuscany on this trip. Would have loved to go to Lucca, as it is much more the kind of place I like to visit. Next time…
By: Julie on July 5, 2011
at 8:07 am
Pisa is pretty good too. I think the Piazza Miracoli is gorgeous – so green and pretty. Did you climb the tower?
By: bagnidilucca on July 5, 2011
at 8:33 am
It looks beautiful. Each time I visit your blog, I want to go right back to Italy!
By: Shivya on July 5, 2011
at 10:16 am
You clearly need a trip to Lucca.
By: bagnidilucca on July 5, 2011
at 11:25 am
what a beautiful gorgeous city. i would love to live around Lucca.
when my daughter lived there for 2 years she loved it.
thanks for the spectacular pictures and me realizing why i want to move to italy someday. ciao.
By: george miori on July 5, 2011
at 3:23 pm
We are very pleased our place is so close to Lucca. I love to walk around the walls and wander through the streets.
By: bagnidilucca on July 5, 2011
at 9:09 pm
Hi there, love your blog ! I’m going to be in Lucca this weekend and am looking for a nice spa centre or spa hotel there – anywhere where I can get a massage or treatment. I just wondered if you know of any ? Many Thanks in advance, Caroline
By: CH on November 22, 2011
at 8:36 pm
I don’t know of any Spa hotels in Lucca, but we have one here in Bagni di Lucca. It is at Bagni Caldi. Bagni di Lucca had 12 spas, but most are now closed. At the hotel you can have a steam in a natural steam grotto, followed by almost any treatment you could wish for. http://www.termebagnidilucca.it or phone 39 0583 87221
By: Debra Kolkka on November 23, 2011
at 6:26 am