Basic guide to the top 6 historical landmarks in Lucca for travelers on a cruise to the Port of Livorno: reviews , photos and all essential info: prices, opening hours, address, and more.
Besides the highlights of Lucca, its wonderful churches, and museums, the city is a delight to explore on a leisurely walk. The cruise travel will constantly stumble upon charming squares and buildings which are an invitation to capture on your camera. Amongst the most interesting the Editor suggests a visit to the ones listed below.
The Palazzo Pfanner, the Piazza Anfiteatro and the Passeggiata della Mura are three historical landmarks that are also highlights of Lucca and are reviewed in the Top Things To See and Do Page.
1. Duke's Palace
( Palazzo Ducale / della Provincia
Palazzo Ducale
Photo © IQCruising.com
The Palazzo Ducale has a history of being built and rebuilt since the 14th century, but its current appearance is the work of Bartolomeo Ammannati’s restoration in 1578, Francesco Pini’s addition in 1728 and Lorenzo Nottolini’s enrichment in the early 19th century. Amongst two unfinished courts and galleries of statues, the Palazzo Ducale once housed the National Gallery of Lucca until it was moved the Villa Guinigi in 1977.
2. Fillungo Street
(Via Fillungo)
Via Fillungo
Photo © IQCruising.com
Via Fillungo is the busiest street in Lucca. Running through the ancient city’s medieval heart, it is lined with stylish boutique shops, bustling restaurants and charming old buildings – a wonderful mix of the ancient and the modern.
3. Guinigi Tower Torre Guinigi
(Torre Guinigi)
Torre Guinigi
Photo LivornoDP CC-by-SA
Torre Guinigi is a battlement tower of the Palazzo Guinigi. The tower is 44 meters high up 230 steps, but it is not its height that makes it one of Lucca’s most famous and unique sights. On top of the tower is a small grove of oak trees whose roots have grown into the room below.
4. Clock Tower
(Torre delle Ore)
The best views of gorgeous Lucca are not from the walls surrounding the city, but from the top of the Torre delle Ore. Visitors will have to climb 207 steps for the sweeping view of the city, but the reward is well worth the effort. The Torre delle Ore is the highest place in all of Lucca.
Torre delle Ore
Photo © IQCruising.com
| WHERE | Heart of Historical City |
|---|---|
| Address: | Via Fillungo |
| Open: | March - 9:30 am to 5:30 pm April and May 9:30 am to 6:30 pm June to September - 9:30 am to 7:30 pm |
| Closed: | November to February |
| Admission: | € 4.00 - Combined ticket with Guinigi Tower and Botanical Garden: € 6.00 |
5. Giglio Theatre and Square
(Teatro del Giglio )
The Giglio is an artistic and cultural landmark of Lucca that will be difficult to miss as it occupies a large side of the homonyms square, next to the Piazza Napoleone. Its foundation and construction dates back to the 19th century and ever since has had an intense performance activity with seasons dedicated to Opera, Ballet, and Theatre. The building is typical example of romantic architecture.
Teatro del Giglio
Photo © IQCruising.com
6. Botanical Garden
(Orto Botanico)
The Orto Botanico is located in a corner of Lucca’s wall and was established by Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma, in 1820. Today it contains an arboretum, pond, greenhouse, botanical school, laboratories, herbarium, and archive. It is a lovely, peaceful place to pass a beautiful afternoon.
| WHERE | Next to Medieval Wall on the southern east side |
|---|---|
| Address: | Via del Giardino Botanico, 14 |
| Open: | November 5 to March 20 only open by appointment | March 21 to November 4, open between 10:00 am to 6:00 pm |
| Admission: | € 3.00 - Combined ticket with Guinigi Tower and Clock Tower: € 6.00 |
