Its that time again, time for me to move on to my next destination. But not before I share some ideas with future visitors to this amazing Tuscan city. It’s been such a joy to live here for a short while and definitely a place I plan to return to one day. Here are 5 free things to do in Lucca Italy that I hope you will enjoy as much as I have.
Nottolini Aqueduct
A magnificent and historical treasure located just outside the city, in fact, not far from the train station. In 1822 the Duchess of Lucca instigated the construction of this aqueduct and it took 11 years to complete. It brings water from the mountains to the city, a distance of 50 kilometers.
The above ground portion is almost completely intact and consists of 460 arches! Visitors can walk or bike the 3.2-kilometre portion beside charming farms and the Tuscan countryside. Two thousand years ago, there was an ancient Roman aqueduct here, today we have this beauty.
Roman Amphitheatre
I was not expecting to see one of these in Lucca! Alas, it is quietly hiding but if you know its there, you will recognize it right away. In the 1st century AD, the amphitheatre was constructed and held gladiator games just like the Colosseum in Rome.
By the 6th century, the arches were filled in and it was being used as a fortress and prison during the Gothic Wars. Eventually housing built up around and inside it until it was all but unrecognizable. In the 1830’s a civil architect had all of the houses removed that were inside the centre. Today that place is the Piazza dell’anfiteatro, filled with restaurants and cultural shows.
Walk around the exterior and see the remnants of the 2,000-year-old bricks and architecture. Better yet, climb one of the towers close by and see the circular shape from above. It’s an incredible part of the city’s history.
San Michele in Foro
This is not the main or largest church in Lucca, but the façade is unforgettable and will stop you in your tracks. Built on the site of the ancient Roman forum, the earliest mention of a church being here is from 795. This rendition we see today was constructed in the 13th century and is free to enter.
The interior is quite unadorned, very quiet and dark. It’s the exterior that grabs all of the attention. See that angel on the top? That is St. Michael the Archangel and he stands four meters tall. It is said that when the wind is blowing, his wings move!
Renaissance Walls
Sometimes referred to as the City of Walls, these are one of Lucca’s best features. The oldest part of Lucca is surrounded by the second largest, fully intact walls surrounding a Renaissance city in the world. The largest encompass the city of Nicosia in Cyprus.
Lucca has had walls since it was a Roman colony. After that a second set were constructed during the Middle Ages. This largest and newest set were built in the 16th century and are robust and thick enough to withstand cannon fire.
In 1820 the entire structure was converted into a park when Lucca was under Spanish rule. The upper portion became a tree lined promenade and the moat was filled in to provide those wide expanses of lush green lawn. See the original historic gates and walk or bike around the almost 4-kilometer stretch. Views are stunning and people watching is a must.
Walk the Centro Storico
Lucca is one of the most beautiful and picaresque old cities in Tuscany. And, most importantly, it is flat and very walkable. Perfect for visitors of all abilities and ages, this is one historic city that is feasible to explore. As you wander around, begin to take note of the old shop fronts, the facades.
Incredibly some of these stores are original. A jewellery store that has been in that exact location since 1665! How amazing is that? The old-style fonts and detailing above each of these establishments is utterly charming.
Lucca is home to multiple large piazzas that are often filled with markets, be they craft, chocolate or regional goods. Visitors will be delighted by the impromptu events that are constantly happening. Once home to over 250 Renaissance towers, only a few remain but are they ever picturesque. Walk down these old streets and peek in every alley. You never know what sight will stop you in your tracks.
For the number of destinations I travel to and live in for a short while, there aren’t many that I would return to, let alone for a longer period of time. Lucca is one of those exceptions. It is the perfect size, absolutely beautiful and simply easy to love. Clean, gentle and friendly, Lucca is a Tuscan gem.
