Wondering what Lucca, Italy is known for? This charming Tuscan city might not get the same buzz as Florence or Pisa, but that’s exactly why travelers fall in love with it.

Located in Tuscany along the Serchio River, Lucca is a small, walkable city that you can visit as a day trip—but I think it deserves more than just a few hours. From its beautifully preserved Renaissance city walls to its famous oval-shaped piazza and tree-topped medieval towers, Lucca has a little bit of everything that makes Tuscany so special, without quite as many crowds.

So, what is Lucca known for? Here are 10 things that make this one of my favorite hidden gems in Tuscany.

At a Glance: What Lucca, Italy Is Known For

Its beautifully preserved Renaissance city walls
The iconic oval-shaped Piazza dell’Anfiteatro
The tree-topped Guinigi Tower
Its many historic churches and cathedrals
Being the birthplace of composer Giacomo Puccini
Lucca Comics & Games
The Lucca Summer Festival
The beautiful gardens at Palazzo Pfanner
Italian language, cooking, and cultural schools
A relaxed, walkable atmosphere that feels quintessentially Tuscan

Lucca, Italy Is Known for Its Historic City Walls

One of the first things you’ll notice about Lucca is its impressive city walls.

The Renaissance walls completely encircle Lucca’s historic center and stretch for about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). Unlike many historic fortifications, Lucca’s walls have been remarkably well preserved—and today they’re one of the best places in the city to walk, bike, and take in the views.

The walls are wide, shady, and car-free, with plenty of room for locals and visitors to enjoy them. As you make your way around the city, you’ll pass old bastions, gates, gardens, and beautiful views of Lucca’s red-tiled rooftops.

Honestly, walking or biking the Lucca city walls is one of those experiences that makes you realize just how different this city feels from busier Tuscan destinations.

And if you’re visiting Lucca solo, they’re also a wonderful way to get your bearings and see the city from a different perspective.

Get the lay of the land with a walking tour of Lucca’s City Walls

Actually planning a trip to Lucca? Check out my guide to the best things to do in Lucca, including where to eat, how to get there, and what I’d prioritize if you only have one day.

Lucca, Italy Is Known for Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

If you’ve ever seen a photo of Lucca, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.

This distinctive oval-shaped piazza was built on the site of a second-century Roman amphitheater. The buildings surrounding the square follow the shape of the ancient arena, which is what gives Piazza dell’Anfiteatro its unmistakable oval shape.

Today, the piazza is filled with cafés, restaurants, and shops.

It’s a great place to stop for a coffee, lunch, or an aperitivo and do some serious people-watching. Sit for a while and look closely at the buildings around you—you can still see traces of the piazza’s Roman past.

It’s easily one of the most beautiful and recognizable places in Lucca.

Lucca Is Known for Its Italian Language and Cultural Schools

One of the things that makes Lucca particularly appealing to me is that you can do more here than simply sightsee.

Lucca is home to the Lucca Italian School, a friendly and intimate language school where you can immerse yourself in Italian while also taking cooking, art, and cultural classes.

It’s the kind of experience that lets you slow down and actually experience life in Tuscany rather than simply checking attractions off a list.

And don’t worry if your Italian is limited to “ciao” and “grazie.” You’ll be in good company!

I actually spent a week at Lucca Italian School, and you can read about my experience here:
Spend the Week with Me at Lucca Italian School

Guinigi Tower with oak trees on the rooftop in Lucca Italy

Lucca, Italy Is Known for the Guinigi Tower

Lucca has several medieval towers, but none is quite as memorable as the Guinigi Tower (aka Torre Guinigi)

Built in the 14th century, the tower rises above Lucca’s historic center with something you don’t see every day: a rooftop garden filled with oak trees.

Yes, trees. On top of a medieval tower.

The Guinigi Tower is about 45 meters (148 feet) tall, and you can climb the roughly 230 steps to reach the rooftop garden. There are landings along the way where you can catch your breath, and trust me, you’ll want to stop occasionally anyway because the views through the openings in the tower are pretty spectacular.

Once you reach the top, you’ll have panoramic views over Lucca and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.

It’s one of those places where the climb is definitely part of the experience.

Lucca, Italy Is Known as the City of 100 Churches

Spend an afternoon wandering around Lucca and you’ll quickly understand why it earned the nickname “the city of 100 churches.”

The historic center is filled with churches, chapels, and religious buildings representing centuries of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

Two of the most important are the Duomo di San Martino, or St. Martin’s Cathedral, and San Michele in Foro.

Even if you’re not particularly interested in church architecture, it’s worth popping inside a few of them as you explore the city. You never know what you’re going to find—from intricate marble façades to beautiful artwork and centuries-old details.

And one of my favorite things about Lucca is that you don’t necessarily have to seek these places out. You’ll often stumble across something beautiful simply by wandering down a side street.

Take a walking tour of Lucca’s city center and count the churches as you go!

Lucca, Italy Is Known as the Home of Giacomo Puccini

Music lovers have another reason to put Lucca on their Italy itinerary: it was the birthplace of Giacomo Puccini, one of Italy’s most celebrated opera composers.

Puccini was born in Lucca in 1858, and his childhood home in Piazza Cittadella is now the Puccini Museum.

Inside, you can see personal belongings, photographs, musical manuscripts, and other pieces connected to the composer’s life and work.

There’s even a statue of Puccini outside the museum, so you can’t miss him!

Whether you’re an opera fan or simply interested in the people who shaped Italian culture, Puccini’s connection to Lucca adds another fascinating layer to the city.

Music lover? Check out a Puccini Opera Recital while you’re in town!

Lucca, Italy Is Known for the Lucca Comics & Games Festival

Every autumn, Lucca takes on a completely different personality when the city hosts Lucca Comics & Games.

The massive festival brings together fans of comics, games, movies, fantasy, and pop culture, and the historic city center becomes a sea of costumes, exhibitions, events, and activities.

Even if you’re not a serious comic or gaming fan, it’s hard not to be entertained by the atmosphere.

Just be aware that this is an extremely popular event, so if you’re planning to visit Lucca during the festival, book your accommodation well in advance.

Lucca, Italy Is Known for its Summer Music Festival

If music is more your thing, Lucca also hosts the Lucca Summer Festival every year.

The festival brings major international and Italian artists to the city, with concerts taking place in and around Lucca’s historic center.

Past performers have included Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Norah Jones, and John Legend.

The atmosphere is electric, and while Lucca can get considerably busier during the festival, it’s a pretty unforgettable way to experience the city.

If you’re planning a trip around a concert, definitely reserve your hotel early.

Lucca, Italy Is Known for the Gardens of Palazzo Pfanner

After all that walking, sometimes you just want somewhere beautiful and peaceful to sit for a while.

Enter Palazzo Pfanner.

This elegant Baroque palace is known for its formal gardens, statues, fountains, and grand staircase. The gardens are open to visitors and offer a lovely escape from the busier streets of Lucca.

It’s also a fun stop for movie fans—the palace and gardens have appeared in films, including Portrait of a Lady.

Even if you only have a day in Lucca, I think it’s worth adding Palazzo Pfanner to your list if you enjoy historic homes and gardens.

Lucca Is Known for Its Relaxed Tuscan Charm

Okay, this one isn’t a monument or attraction—but I think it’s one of the biggest reasons to visit Lucca.

Lucca is simply a lovely place to be.

You can walk almost everywhere in the historic center. You can wander down Via Fillungo, stop for a coffee in a piazza, browse little shops, climb a medieval tower, walk the city walls, or sit down for an aperitivo without feeling like you have to rush to the next attraction.

And while Lucca certainly gets tourists, it generally feels much more relaxed than some of Tuscany’s better-known cities.

That slower pace is part of the appeal.

Sometimes the best travel experiences aren’t about seeing the most famous sights. They’re about finding a place where you can slow down, wander without a plan, and imagine what it would be like to actually live there.

Lucca is one of those places.

Is Lucca Worth Visiting?

Absolutely.

If you’re wondering whether Lucca is worth visiting, my answer is a very enthusiastic yes.

Lucca is known for its Renaissance city walls, Roman history, medieval towers, beautiful churches, Puccini, music and cultural festivals, and gorgeous historic architecture. But what makes it special is how all of those things come together in a city that still feels wonderfully livable.

You can easily visit Lucca as a day trip from Florence or Pisa, but if you have the time, I’d recommend staying at least a night or two.

That way, you can experience Lucca after the day-trippers leave, when the streets become quieter and the city settles into its evening rhythm.

Whether you’re walking the city walls, sipping a coffee in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, climbing the Guinigi Tower, or taking an Italian cooking class, Lucca offers a slower, more intimate side of Tuscany.

And honestly? That’s exactly what makes it so appealing.

Quick Guide to Visiting Lucca

Where is Lucca, Italy?

Lucca is located in Tuscany in central Italy, along the Serchio River. It’s about 30 minutes from Pisa and roughly an hour from Florence, making Lucca an easy addition to a Tuscany itinerary.

How to Get to Lucca

If you’re flying into Tuscany, Pisa International Airport (PSA) is the closest major airport.

From Pisa, you can take a train to Lucca, making it relatively easy to visit without renting a car.

Trains also connect Lucca with Florence, although travel times can vary depending on the route and connections.

If you’re driving through Tuscany, Lucca is also easy to reach by car. Just keep in mind that much of the historic center is pedestrian-friendly and parking is generally located outside the city walls.

Where to Stay in Lucca

If you’re spending the night, I recommend staying inside Lucca’s historic city walls if your budget allows. You’ll be within walking distance of the major sights, restaurants, shops, and piazzas—and you’ll get to experience the city after many of the day-trippers have gone.

I’ve rounded up some of my favorite options here:
Where to Stay in Lucca: Best Hotels Inside Lucca’s City Walls

When is the Best Time to Visit Lucca

Spring and early fall are my favorite times to visit Lucca. April through June and September through October generally offer pleasant weather without the peak summer heat.

Summer is a fun time to visit if you want to experience Lucca’s music festivals, but expect warmer temperatures and more visitors.

Fall can also be particularly lively because of Lucca Comics & Games.

Winter is the quietest season and can be a good choice if you’d rather experience Lucca with fewer tourists and a more local feel.

If you like it, put a pin on it!

What Is Lucca, Italy Known For? 10 Reasons to Visit Tuscany’s Hidden Gem