Lucca is amazing. But without its walls it would not be the same. The walls in fact not only enhance but, somehow, make inviolable its beauty by protecting it. Walking around by foot or by bicycle is an experience that couldn't be missed at all.
Inside the wall
Like a treasure in a casket, Lucca, within its walls, has maintained a style of the past easy to relive simply exploring it step by step.
At the same time numerous events enrich the vitality and interest of this unique town.
These are the ideas that we suggest to:
1. Walking over the wall:
2. Fitness through the towers:
Three are too many towers perhaps, but at least one it's workable. Guinigi Tower, Clock Tower, Tower of the Cathedral, each offers an incredible perspective of the city "inside the walls." Our favorite, because finding a beautiful garden high above after 250 steps is a pleasure, is definitely the Guinigi Tower.
3. Tasting relax:
Don't come here under diet. Its sweet and savory specialties, such as buccellato or cake of chickpeas, is a must. Our reception will direct you to all those places where your taste couldn't be disapppointed.
4. Ancient gates tour & Botanic garden:
It needs a little 'of breath and a bicycle. And a couple of hours. They are the gateways to the city that penetrate the walls differently from each other but all capable of projecting anyone who passes in an antique atmosphere and historic.
http://www.lemuradilucca.it/visitare-le-mura/le-porte-delle-mura-di-lucca.
5. Old town palaces:
In Lucca you must walk around looking up. Its buildings and its ancient character tell the city in an unequivocal manner. Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Pfanner, Palazzo Cenami, Mansi Palaces, Villa Bottini are among the most beautiful, all to visit!
6. Most beautiful squares:
It would be too simple to say Amphitheatre Square. For this we announce other squares of the least known and famous. St. Francis with its convent returned to former glory, Piazza Puccini with the abode of the Master, San Salvatore Piazza with its wine bars, San Frediano Square with its splendid Romanesque Church, Piazza San Giusto, with its markets and finally Piazza San Martino with its majestic Cathedral.
7. Restaurants & Bars:
Many but not all of them will leave you satisfied, so don't miss to ask at the reception any suggestions before venturing out on your own.
Outside the wall
It isn't foolish to think to trip around if you have more than three days because Lucca is surrounded by several wonderful places.
If traveling by car, we recommend:
- Garfagnana, a territory rich in hills and dense forests located between the Apuan Alps and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines ideal for walks and to visit ancient fortresses and medieval villages (do not miss Barga, one of the most beautiful towns in Italy , and the famous bridge in Borgo a Mozzano).
- Versilia, famous for its long sandy beaches between Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi, and the hinterland with Pietrasanta, artistic capital of Versilia and Camaiore, old town with Romanesque architecture.
- the Cinque Terre National Park (zone La Spezia).
- art cities such as Florence, Pisa, Volterra and San Gimignano.
- the Baths of Bagni di Lucca.
- Collodi with its park, a special attraction for young and old people also or the same zoo in Pistoia.
If by train / bus, we recommend:
- Firenze, Pisa e Pistoia.
- Viareggio and the Versilia seasides.
- Pietrasanta, Camaiore.
- Barga.