If you’re looking for a beautiful and historic city to visit in Italy, then Lucca is the perfect place for you! This charming city is situated in the Tuscany region and is known for its well-preserved Renaissance-era architecture. Best of all, there are plenty of free things to do in Lucca so you can enjoy all that this city has to offer without breaking the bank. From exploring the city walls to browsing the Lucca Antiques Market, here are 12 free ways to enjoy the city of Lucca!
1. Walk the City Walls
Lucca, Italy is a beautiful, historic city with a lot to offer tourists. One of the best ways to see the city is by walking the city walls. The walls are 4 kilometers long and date back to the 16th century.
They are thick and made of brick, with trees and plants growing on top. Walking the walls takes about an hour, and there are several cafes and restaurants along the way.
The views from the walls are amazing, and you can see all of Lucca from up high. If you’re visiting Lucca, make sure to add a walk around the city walls to your itinerary!
2. Visit the Cathedral of San Martino
The Cathedral of San Martino is a free attraction located in Lucca, Italy. It is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in the world, and it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The exterior of the cathedral is decorated with intricate stone carvings, and the interior features a stunning marble floor and choir loft. The cathedral is also home to a number of curious relics, including a fragment of the True Cross and the bones of St. Zita.
Whether you are interested in religious history or simply enjoy admiring the beautiful architecture, the Cathedral of San Martino is well worth a visit.
Address: Piazza Antelminelli, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
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3. Admire the Baptistery of San Giovanni
The Baptistery of San Giovanni in Lucca, Italy is a Romanesque structure built in the 12th century. The exterior is covered in white and green marble, and it has a prominent octagonal shape.
The interior is equally impressive, with intricate mosaics and stained glass windows. The Baptistery is one of the most important religious sites in Lucca, and it attracts tourists from all over the world.
Visitors can explore the exterior of the building, marvel at the artwork inside, or take a dip in the baptismal font. No matter how you choose to experience it, the Baptistery of San Giovanni is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Address: Piazza S. Giovanni, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
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4. Check Out the Palazzo Pfanner Gardens
The Palazzo Pfanner Gardens in Lucca, Italy are a must-see for anyone who loves flowers and gardening. The gardens feature a wide variety of floral arrangements, from simple beds of tulips to more elaborate displays of roses and lilies.
There is also a large pond with water lilies, and a beautiful pergola covered in ivy. The Palazzo Pfanner Gardens are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, and admission is free.
Visitors can also take advantage of the gardens’ café, which offers a variety of refreshments. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just enjoy admiring beautiful flowers, the Palazzo Pfanner Gardens are sure to delight you.
Address: 55100 Lucca, Province of Lucca, Italy
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5. Explore the Church of San Michele in Foro
The Church of San Michele in Foro is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture, located in the historic city of Lucca in Italy. The church was built in the 11th century and features intricate carvings and stained glass windows.
The exterior of the church is covered in detailed sculptures, depicting scenes from the Bible. The interior of the church is just as stunning, with a large nave and attached apse.
The apse is decorated with a 13th-century fresco, portraying the Ascension of Christ. The Church of San Michele in Foro is a truly remarkable building and is well worth a visit if you are ever in Lucca.
Address: Piazza San Michele, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
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6. Visit the Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca
The Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca is a botanical garden located in the city of Lucca, Italy. It was founded in 1796 by the physician Giuseppe Pisanelli and is now home to over 2000 plants from all over the world.
The garden is open to the public from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 7 pm, and admission is free. The garden features a variety of different gardens, including a rose garden, a Japanese garden, and a cactus garden.
There is also a large greenhouse, which is home to a variety of tropical plants. The Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca is a great place to relax and enjoy nature, and its free admission makes it an affordable attraction for tourists and locals alike.
Address: Rampa San Regolo, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
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7. Take a Stroll Through Parco Migliarino San Rossore
Take a stroll through Parco Migliarino San Rossore in Lucca, Italy, and enjoy the natural beauty of this park. The park is home to a variety of different plants and animals, including deer, rabbits, and turtles.
There are also several walking trails that wind through the park, providing visitors with a chance to see everything it has to offer. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free.
If you’re looking for a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature, be sure to visit Parco Migliarino San Rossore in Lucca, Italy.
Address: Province of Pisa, Italy
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8. Marvel at the Ponte della Maddalena
The Ponte della Maddalena is a beautiful example of medieval engineering, and it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Lucca, Italy. The bridge spans the River Serchio, and it’s believed to have been built around the year 1250.
It’s named after the nearby Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, which was built in the same era. The bridge is made of stone, and it has two arches that span a distance of 36 meters (118 feet).
It’s one of the oldest bridges in Italy, and it’s a popular spot for tourists to take photos and admire the view. If you’re visiting Lucca, be sure to check out the Ponte della Maddalena!
Address: 55023 Borgo a Mozzano, Province of Lucca, Italy
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9. Enjoy the Views from Guinigi Tower
From its lofty height of almost 200 feet, the Guinigi Tower in Lucca, Italy offers breathtaking views of the city and its surrounds. Completed in 1390, the tower is one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks, and its unique design is sure to impress.
The tower is topped with a large oak tree, which is believed to symbolize strength and fertility. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower, where they can enjoy panoramic views of Lucca and its medieval city walls.
On a clear day, it is even possible to see the Apuan Alps in the distance. If you find yourself in Lucca, be sure to take some time to admire the views from Guinigi Tower.
Address: Via Sant’Andrea, 41, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
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10. Visit the Church of San Frediano
The Church of San Frediano in Lucca, Italy is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture. The church was built in the 12th century, and its exterior is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures.
Inside, the church is adorned with paintings and frescoes by some of the most renowned artists of the time. The church also contains a precious relic: the relics of St. Zita, the patron saint of domestic workers.
Every year, on her feast day, hundreds of people come to the church to venerate her relics and ask for her intercession. The Church of San Frediano is a stunning example of medieval art and architecture, and a visit to this church is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Italy.
Address: Piazza S. Frediano, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
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11. Stop By the Palazzo Ducale
If you’re ever in Lucca, Italy, be sure to stop by the Palazzo Ducale. This beautiful palace was once the home of the Duke of Lucca, and it’s now a museum open to the public.
The palazzo is located in the heart of Lucca’s historic center, and it’s surrounded by medieval walls. Inside, you’ll find an impressive art collection that includes works by Botticelli, Bellini, and other Italian masters.
The palazzo also has a lovely garden with a fountain, and it’s a great place to relax after exploring the city. So if you’re looking for something to do in Lucca, be sure to add the Palazzo Ducale to your list!
Address: Cortile Carrara, 1, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy
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12. Browse the Lucca Antiques Market
Lucca Antiques Market is the perfect place to find that special something you’ve been searching for. This market offers a wide variety of items, from furniture to clocks to dishes, all at very reasonable prices.
The market is located in the heart of Lucca, and it is easy to spend an entire day browsing the stalls and chatting with friendly vendors. Many of the vendors are happy to negotiate on prices, so be sure to haggle a bit to get the best deal. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or a piece of history for your home, Lucca Antiques Market is definitely worth a visit.
In Conclusion
There you have it, 12 of the best free things to see and do in Lucca, Italy. This beautiful city has something for everyone, from ancient churches to lively markets. So whether you’re looking for history or relaxation, be sure to add Lucca to your travel list!
