Discover Lucca’s Secrets on a Guided Walking Tour

The tour begins in Piazzale Verdi at the old Porta San Donato where the tourist information centre is located, adjacent to the historic Renaissance walls.

From Piazzale Verdi, you will walk along Via San Paolino which corresponds to the ancient Roman street (Decumanus Maximus), passing by the Renaissance church dedicated to the Patron Saint of the town, San (Saint) Paolino. At the end of the street, behold Piazza San Michele, the area where the ancient Roman forum was located. Time to stop to photograph the spectacular facade of the 12th century church of the same name. Along the way, you will encounter Lucca's most famous celebrity, Giacomo Puccini, and see the exterior of the building where he was born. Still today, his operas fascinate audiences all around the world!

Stroll along to reach Via Fillungo, the main and busiest shopping street of the town where both traditional shops and medieval tower houses live. The two highest civic towers will also be covered: Torre delle Ore (the tower with the clock) and the very particular Torre Guinigi, which is crowned by seven holm oak trees. More surprises await, such as the stunning Byzantine-style mosaic on the facade of one of Lucca's best-loved churches: San Frediano.

Just a few steps away from San Frediano church is one of the most beautiful squares in Lucca, Piazza Anfiteatro. The elliptical shape of the characteristic piazza is due to subsequent construction of buildings over the foundations of the ancient Roman amphitheatre.

A short walk along more medieval streets and you will reach the Cathedral of San Martino with its unusual and striking Pisa-Lucca Romanesque facade. This is where the tour ends. However, if you are not too tired, the guide will be very happy to continue the tour inside the Cathedral. There is a € 3.00 entrance fee. In the interior, the Volto Santo (the Holy Face), an evocative wooden crucifix, highly venerated for centuries and the symbol of Lucca, an incredible Last Supper painted by Tintoretto, and, in the sacristy, the beautiful marble sarcophagus of Ilaria del Carretto, the early 15th century masterpiece sculpted by Jacopo della Quercia of Siena, await your visit.