Lucca is a Renaissance walled city with an intact 4 km ring of ramparts, now a tree-lined promenade that visitors walk or cycle. Inside are Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the Guinigi Tower with oak trees on its roof, and San Michele in Foro.
Lucca lies about 22 km north-east of Pisa and is one of the easiest day trips in Tuscany. Trenitalia regional trains leave Pisa Centrale roughly every 30 minutes and take about 30 minutes, costing about €3.60 (~$4). Lucca station sits just outside the walls and Porta San Pietro is a short walk away. The 16th-century ramparts are the city's signature: a 4 km tree-lined circuit that can be walked or cycled in about 40 minutes. Inside the walls, Piazza dell'Anfiteatro follows the outline of a Roman amphitheatre, Torre Guinigi has holm oaks growing on its roof, and the Cattedrale di San Martino houses the Volto Santo, a revered wooden crucifix. Lucca is also the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, whose house museum and concerts attract opera fans.
| Distance | 22 km northeast of Pisa |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 30 minutes by train |
| Getting there | Train (Trenitalia Regionale from Pisa Centrale to Lucca station, about 30 minutes) or car via SS12 del Brennero |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Piazza Napoleone, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy |
How to get there
- Mode
- Train
- Duration
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- About €3.60 (~$4)
- Notes
- Regionale from Pisa Centrale to Lucca station, then a 5-minute walk to the walls
- Mode
- Car
- Duration
- 25-30 minutes
- Notes
- Park outside the walls, for example at Parcheggio Carducci; the centre is a ZTL
Suggested itinerary
- Arrive by mid-morning train, rent a bicycle near Porta San Pietro and ride the ramparts. Lunch near Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, climb Torre Guinigi in the afternoon, visit San Martino cathedral, then take a train back to Pisa before evening.
Location
Piazza Napoleone, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
43.8430, 10.5027 View on map
Highlights
- Cycle or walk the 4 km Mura Urbane ramparts
- Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, an oval piazza built on a Roman amphitheatre
- Torre Guinigi, with oak trees on top and city views
- Cattedrale di San Martino and the Volto Santo
- Via Fillungo shops and cafes
Tips for visiting
- Rent bikes near Piazza Santa Maria or Porta San Pietro; the ramparts loop takes about 40 minutes
- Buy Torre Guinigi and Torre delle Ore tickets at the towers
- Many shops close for lunch from about 13:00 to 15:30
When to visit
April-June and September for mild weather; the Lucca Summer Festival brings concerts in July.
Accessibility
Flat and largely pedestrian; rampart paths and the main streets are accessible. Towers have steep stairs and no lift.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Pisa to Lucca?
Take a Trenitalia regional train from Pisa Centrale to Lucca; the journey takes about 30 minutes and costs about €3.60 (~$4). The station is a short walk from the walls.
Can I cycle the Lucca walls?
Yes. The 4 km ramparts are a car-free promenade and bike rental shops are near Porta San Pietro and Piazza Santa Maria.
Is Lucca worth a full day?
Yes. The walls, the piazzas and the towers fill a relaxed day, and trains back to Pisa run into the evening.