Our apartment in Bagni di Lucca is a 30 minute drive from lovely Lucca. It is a beautiful town, small enough to be easy to navigate and big enough to have lots of points of interest.
Its best known attraction is the 4.2 kilometre wall surrounding the town. It is a great place to walk, or ride a bike, on the wide street lined with trees. The trees are just about to get their spring leaves. I think it looks gorgeous in any season.
The height of the wall offers an excellent view into, and out of the town.
Corso Garibaldi is famous for its magnolia trees. Normally they bloom in mid March. This winter has been mild and the trees bloomed early.
The dominant statue of Maria Luisa di Borbone in Piazza Napoleon has some friends right now.
These have been created to advertise the Rolling Stones performance at the Lucca Summer Festival.
The huge tiger near the San Michele church has now been dismantled, but he certainly cut an impressive figure. He was part of the Carnevale celebrations a few weeks ago.
The church is impressive too.
Not far from Piazza San Michele is Piazza Cittadella where Puccini sits in front of the house where he was born.
The piazza is also home to Paris Boheme, the excellent restaurant of my delightful friends Luis and David. Say hello, again, to Luis and David from Paris Boheme, Lucca
Via Fillungo is the main street that winds its way through the town. It is 700 metres long and takes its name from the Fillongo family who lived there in medieval times. I can’t go to Lucca without walking at least some of its length. Look out for the clocktower and climb to the top if you feel the need.
A little further on if you stop on the corner of Via Buia and look right you will see the Guinigi Tower with its holm oaks on top. The tower dates from the second half of the 14th century, is 45 metres high and has 233 steps to the top. I have climbed this tower. I climbed the Guinigi tower in Lucca
Further along to the right is the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. The elliptical shape is what is left of the 2nd century Roman amphitheater. It once had about 18 rows of seats and held 10,000 spectators. Now it is a stunning town square. (It is home to my favourite shop in Lucca, Le Sorelle, an excellent homewares shop named for the 4 beautiful daughters of the owners)
Further on to the right is the Romanesque Basilica San Frediano. It was begun by the Irish bishop of Lucca in the 6th century. It haa few rebuilds and the Byzantine style mosaic facade was added in the 13th century. Go inside to visit Saint Zita. San Frediano, a beautiful church in Lucca
Stop for coffee and a pastry at the Saint Zita Cafe in the piazza in front of the church. Photo taken last year…see more of the Cafe and Lucca in a different season. A last look at lovely Lucca…for now
My favourite door in Via Fillungo. The most impressive door in Lucca?
I think it is easy to see why Lucca is one of my favourite towns in all of Italy. Over the last 20 years we have seen its popularity grow. The streets are full of tourists in the season and I feel very lucky to live close by…and be able to visit often and see it without those crowds.
Oh lovely Lucca nearby. How I love to see the pretty magnolia trees blooming for early spring and that very unique tree lined road around the surrounds of the old city.
By: Dianne Cant on March 9, 2024
at 5:20 am
I never tire of Lucca. There is always a wall walk involved.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 9, 2024
at 6:04 am
This is my 3rd visit. I’m here right now from Brisbane. Loving the cold walks on the walls and everything about Lucca. A great blog.
By: Monica on March 9, 2024
at 7:09 am
I’m from Brisbane too. I arrived last week and will be here for 3 months.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 9, 2024
at 8:38 am
Lucca is a gem!
By: Mulino Dominillo on March 9, 2024
at 7:19 am
It is! I visit often.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 9, 2024
at 8:38 am
I’m rather fond of the door at Number 172.
I did enjoy my stay in Lucca, it proved a most interesting place, with some memorable meals and experiences.
Phew, it’s hot, hot, jot in Australia right now.
By: Yvonne on March 9, 2024
at 7:31 am
I love that door! I am happy to be out of the heat in Brisbane.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 9, 2024
at 8:38 am
I’m salivating over the food, especially the asparagus dish! Lovely to see Lucca in Spring. Those magnolia trees have such elegant flowers.
By: Sandra Hoopmann on March 9, 2024
at 8:57 am
The food is always good at Paris Boheme, I hope to go soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 9, 2024
at 9:02 am
Deb your heart must beat fast when you return to beautiful Lucca and to see the Magnolia trees in full bloom. Love all the photos!!
By: Camillus Davall on March 9, 2024
at 10:38 am
Going to Lucca is always a delight. Spring is especially lovely, and the trees will turn green very soon, but it is beautiful at any time of the year.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 9, 2024
at 12:17 pm
Debra, do you have guest accommodations in Bagni Di Lucca?
By: Barbara Aras on March 9, 2024
at 11:55 am
No, I don’t but if you look on the right of the page under “Links” you will see “Lucca Apartments”. If you click that you will find some.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 9, 2024
at 12:15 pm
Lucca is absolutely one of my favourite places. Thanks for the lovely photos.
By: Sheila C Lyons on March 9, 2024
at 2:54 pm
I love Lucca! I try to go often and wander into places I haven’t been.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 9, 2024
at 5:14 pm
so many glorious photos! I had a chuckle at the Rolling Stones. i wonder what they are made of? They are so huge …
By: sherry on March 10, 2024
at 12:37 am
The Rolling Stones and the tiger are probably made in the same place as the huge floats for the Carnevale in Viareggio. One day I will visit the production centre and find out.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 10, 2024
at 5:29 am
Hello Debra! How is it being an American in Italy right now? I am headed over the beginning of May and a little trepadacious
By: Newmexicotoitaly on April 5, 2025
at 7:18 pm
You will be fine! I hear American voices when I am out and about and all seems normal. I’m sure everyone knows that not all American people voted for the current president. I would not wear a red cap.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 5, 2025
at 10:21 pm