Although Lucca is not the largest or oldest city in Tuscany, it successfully competes for the title of the most beautiful city in the region with Florence and Siena. Known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls, narrow streets, and stunning historical landmarks, Lucca is the ideal day trip destination for anyone looking to soak in the charm and tranquility of Tuscany in the fall. With its golden-hued trees and crisp autumn air, Lucca offers visitors a magical experience that feels like stepping back in time.
Here for you a perfect one-day itinerary for discovering this beautiful Tuscan city!
Walk around the Renaissance walls
Lucca is surrounded by Renaissance walls that are 4 km long. Around the walls among the greenery are walking paths and a bicycle path offering a great possibility to admire the city from this perspective. The walls were built between 1544 and 1645, and the citizens of Lucca also built 6 entrance gates and 11 well-preserved towers. This walk offers incredible views of both the historic town and the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, which look even more spectacular as they take on warm autumn colors.
Explore Lucca’s Historic Center
We encourage you to delve into the charming center of the old town, discovering a thicket of narrow streets lined with stores, restaurants and bars. Here you can find brand-name boutiques, stores selling local products, Tuscan wines, oils and cheeses, souvenir stores and artwork. We suggest you walk along the main shopping street of the old town called Via Fillungo but also to get lost among the narrow streets of the historic center.
Piazza dell’Amfiteatro
We encourage you to make a stop at one of the city’s prettiest squares. Known from many postcards or photos – a very characteristic oval square with townhouses around. The square was built on the site of a former Roman amphitheater, hence its unusual shape. You can enter the square through gates in the arcades of the townhouses, be careful not to miss it!
Piazza San Michele
Lucca’s other important square to visit is Piazza San Michele. It is in this square that you will find the church of San Michele in Foro, built in the 7th century, which is one of the most beautiful churches in the city. Here you’ll also find café tables, but it’s more bustling than the Piazza dell’Amfiteatro. Perhaps this is because the busy streets of the historic center intersect in the square. The piazza is surrounded by beautiful historic townhouses that were built in different periods. we encourage you to explore the history of this unique building and stop in the piazza to observe the slow life of the locals.
San Martino Cathedral
San Martino Cathedral is also worth a visit. The origins of the cathedral date back to the 6th century, but it was rebuilt in later centuries and the current shape of the temple dates back to the 15th century. Known for its impressive Gothic architecture, the cathedral houses beautiful art, including the Volto Santo, a wooden crucifix that is said to have miraculous powers. The peaceful atmosphere of the cathedral, combined with the quiet of fall, allows you to fully appreciate the sacred space without the crowds tipical in the summer season.
Why you should visit Lucca in the autumn?
A day spent in Lucca during the fall season offers an unforgettable experience. From walking its ancient walls to tasting traditional Tuscan dishes and exploring its historical sites, Lucca in autumn is like stepping into a storybook. The soft light, crisp air, and vibrant colors of the season provide the perfect setting for a memorable day in one of Tuscany’s most charming cities.
Visiting Lucca in one day allows you to enjoy all its highlights at a leisurely pace. Its blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a perfect fall destination for those looking to escape the crowds and experience Tuscany in a more intimate, authentic way.
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