Holiday in Lucca

Silk trade

Lucca grew wealthy primarily through the silk trade, which emerged in the 11th century. This made the city a competitor to Byzantium. As the capital of the Margraviate of Tuscany, it was already more or less independent at that time, but true independence came with the charter of 1160. Through this treaty, Lucca became an independent republic. It remained so for nearly 700 years.

After being ruled successively by the French, Bourbons, and Sardinians, Lucca definitively joined the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. It has become a very popular place among tourists.

A holiday in the province of Lucca

The province of Lucca offers a beautiful mix of culture, nature, and entirely unique culinary specialties. Thanks to this mix, Lucca has something to offer every visitor.

Nature and culture

The province of Lucca is usually mentioned in the same breath as the sea. Bathing, an important source of income for the local economy, originated in Versilia as early as the second half of the 19th century with the construction of the first bathing facilities. Nowadays, Versilia offers much more than sea and summer; the area is attractive to guests all year round, thanks to the mild climate and the countless opportunities for entertainment and leisure.

Much attention is paid to nature conservation and environmental protection in Versilia. The nature there is very diverse. Apuan Alps They rise immediately behind the coast and form the highest point in the region. They are part of a nature park that is very suitable for mountain hiking enthusiasts and adventurous mountaineers.

To the south lies the Migliarino-San Rossore-Massaciuccoli Park. It consists of various sections: pine forests along the coast, salt marshes, and a lake. Many animals and plants can be admired in the park. Thanks to a network of paths and the possibility of organized tours, including on horseback or by bicycle, it is also very pleasant here for families with children.

Another special form of ecotourism is sea excursions. Accompanied by qualified guides, one can explore the Tuscan archipelago and the Ligurian Sea, where dolphins and whales can be seen in their natural habitat. The departure point for the excursions to the Santuario dei Cetacei is in Viareggio.                                                                                                                      

The most important places in the province (outside Lucca itself) are almost all located in Versilia: the popular spa town of Viareggio, Torre del Lago on Lake Massaciuccoli, Pietrasanta, and Camaiore. In addition, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, situated in the hills, is certainly worth a visit. It is one of the picturesque mountain villages in the Garfagnana region. The region offers beautiful nature with rugged landscapes, rocky formations, and chestnut forests.

Culturally, the town of Barga is also interesting. It is situated on a hill in the middle of the Serchio Valley. In the Middle Ages, Barga was primarily known for its silk fabrics. Nowadays, it is a popular spot among tourists, who come mainly for the extraordinary Cathedral of San Cristofano. It is not without reason that Barga is considered one of the "most beautiful villages in Italy" (borghi più belli d'Italia).

Viareggio is one of the most popular holiday resorts on the Versilia coast and is also known as the pearl of Versilia. The hotels, villas, and cafes mostly feature an Art Nouveau architectural style. It is primarily Italians who visit the coast here.

Forte dei Marmi is one of the most fashionable seaside resorts in Italy. Here stand beautiful villas and country houses belonging to wealthy Italians, as well as Italian celebrities. The beach huts bear the names of famous national and international celebrities. It is also known as La patria del VIP. Well worth a day trip. The fort, built in 1788, stands on the Piazza Principale and is the symbol of the town.

Culinary facts

In terms of gastronomy, the province of Lucca boasts numerous specialties, a selection:

• Garmugia: a traditional spring soup with onions, peas, artichokes, asparagus, fresh beans, beef broth, bacon, and olive oil. Served with slices of toasted homemade bread.
• Porridge: a traditional dish based on borlotti beans, black cabbage, bacon, tomatoes, and cornmeal.
• Matuffi: a dish from the region around Garfagnana, based on polenta (cornmeal), alternated with layers of meat sauce, mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese.
• Sformato: an oven dish with various vegetables, usually beans, spinach, artichokes, cauliflower, and zucchini, depending on the season. The vegetables are boiled and mixed with béchamel sauce, Parmesan cheese, and egg yolk. This mixture is sprinkled with breadcrumbs and then baked in the oven.
• Castagnaccio: Chestnut cake made with chestnut flour, shelled walnuts, pine nuts, orange peel, raisins, rosemary, and olive oil.
• Necci: chestnut flour waffles that are usually filled with fresh ricotta.
• Buccellato: a traditional cake from Lucca, made from flour, eggs, anise, and raisins.
• Zuppa lucchese: a dessert of buccellato, Holy wine, strawberries, wine and sugar.

Walking and cycling

The province of Lucca offers hikers great diversity. The Migliarino Natural Park is ideally suited for less experienced hikers. It is relatively flat, and thanks to the shade of the trees, the temperature remains pleasant even in summer. Those seeking a greater challenge can head to Bagni di Lucca, where the Alpi Apuane Park ends. This area is considerably more mountainous and therefore more interesting for those seeking more elevation changes. The city of Lucca is also particularly suitable for a pleasant walk; it is enjoyable to do so with a professional guide who can tell you all sorts of things. Book this tour, for example, to get to know the city and admire the old city walls..

Walking route

One of the most challenging routes in the Alpi Apuane Park is the Panie Route. It starts at Piglionico and takes about six hours. From there, the route runs via Rifugio Rossi, the Vallone dell'Inferno, and the Pania della Croce to eventually return to the starting point.

View our hiking destinations: Walking and hiking in Tuscany

You will find cycling routes of every level worth riding in the flat Migliarino Park and also in the Alpi Apuane Park. A nice route is the one from Castelnuovo di Garfagnana to Poggio, a route of about 22 kilometers that you can complete in about four hours. It is a route with a few climbs, passing through the centers of villages such as Sillicano, Careggine, and Vergaia. Those who prefer to cycle a little further after Poggio can eventually return to the starting point, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, via an 11-kilometer route.

View our cycling destinations: Cycling and mountain biking in Tuscany

Wellness

In the province of Lucca, various wellness centers can be found, of which Bagni di Lucca is the best known. This spa uses natural springs from the surrounding area for the various baths and also offers a wide range of treatments.

Events

One of the most famous events in the province of Lucca is undoubtedly the Puccini FestivalThis opera festival is held annually in the name of the composer born in Lucca. The program is different every year. Whether you are a Puccini fan or want to experience this festival, Book tickets for the festival here.

But also every year in the month of July you can the popular Lucca Summer Festival visit. The program featuring many well-known international artists is published on their own website every year.

Lucca, the city

Lucca has much to offer in terms of culture, nature, and events. A selection:

The city wall of Lucca is a total of 4250 kilometers long. It is interspersed with towers that are very well preserved. In the historic center of the city, many monuments can be seen, including a Roman amphitheater, the Basilica of San Frediano, the San Michele in Foro church, the Cathedral of San Martino, Via Fillungo, and the Palazzo Ducale on Piazza Napoleone. You can Lucca Great to explore by bike, where you can also cycle along the old city walls. Even more fun is a guided tour followed by a wine tasting, tour including e-bike and guideThe historic center has managed to retain its original form. Because there are so many churches in the center, Lucca is also known as the city of 100 churches. Also climb the famous Torre dei Guinigi, the tower with the trees on top. From there, you have a beautiful view over Lucca.

Lucca has three special gardens: those at the Palazzo Pfanner, the Villa Bottini, and the botanical garden. It is lovely to stroll here in the afternoon, as soon as the sun is lower in the sky. Of course, you can also seek some shade by sitting under one of the many trees.

Like every city in Tuscany, Lucca also has a patron saint, Sant Paulinus or Nola. On July 12, he is commemorated with the Festa di San Paolino. As part of this, the inhabitants dress up in traditional clothing and gather in the San Martino Square. A palio is also held. Every spring on April 27, Saint Zita celebrated, the celebration is accompanied by a large flower market on the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro.

But also every year in the month of July you can go to the popular Lucca Summer Festival, where famous names from the music industry perform (see also above).

Lucca Comics & Games, takes place every year at the end of October. It is the largest comic festival in Europe and a must for lovers of comics, animation, video games, and fantasy.

Luminaria di Santa Croce: the procession of Santa Croce, with parades through the streets of the historic center, characters in traditional costume, flag bearers, and musical groups. The most important event of Lucca, which traditionally takes place on September 13.