LUCCA, Tuscany Walking Tour 🇮🇹 | Walled City Full of History & Life | 4K

LUCCA, Tuscany Walking Tour 🇮🇹 | Walled City Full of History & Life | 4K

Hi there! Welcome to Lucca, one of Tuscany’s most wonderful cities. Today, we’ll take a walk through the streets of this remarkable city and have a look at some of Lucca’s most important landmarks. Along the way, I’ll share background stories, historical context, and useful travel tips in case you want to visit Lucca yourself. We’re starting our walk here, right in front of the Duomo di San Martino. When you see the facade and portico quickly realize how intricate and richly decorated they are. It’s decorated with white, pink and green marble and the three arches open onto the square that for centuries was… …the gathering point for money changers and merchants servicing the needs of pilgrims passing through on the Via Francigena. The Duomo is named after Saint Martin, the patron saint Lucca. The most famous story about the saint is also the explanation behind the large statue above one of the facade’s pillars. According to legend, the saint cut off half his cloak and gave it to a half naked beggar who was shivering from cold. Above the statue you see many columns, each with a different pattern: spirals, zigzags, and geometric knots. According to tradition, local sculptors competed for the most beautiful design, and instead of choosing one… …the church used them all. Inside the portico we find some wonderful sculptural cycles. Over the central portal, the tympanum depicts the Ascension of Christ, with the Virgin and Apostles on the architrave below. The walls between the portals contain more bas-reliefs. They depict the Labors of the Months and the life of Saint Martin. The right portal’s tympanum shows the Beheading of Saint Regulus at the hands of the Goths. Below this in the architrave is the Meeting of Saint Martin with the Arians who denied Jesus’ divinity Look at the level of detail. It’s amazing, right? The left portal’s tympanum illustrates the Deposition from the Cross… …while its architrave squeezes in the Annunciation, Nativity and Adoration of the Magi. These are believed to be early works of Nicola Pisano, an influential sculptor from late medieval Italy. Another interesting detail is the labyrinth carved into the right pillar of the duomo’s portico. The Latin inscription next to it, refers to the myth of Theseus who manages to escape from the labyrinth… …aided by the thread of Ariadne. But what’s this carving doing on a Christian Church? It probably tells us that just as Ariadne’s thread guided Theseus to safety, faith in Christ provides… …the necessary “thread” to navigate the difficult path through life’s challenges to reach God and eternal salvation. I’m not entirely sure, but I think this relief depicts the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil… …standing in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve next to it. Notice also the bell tower, standing apart yet integrated into the complex. The lower part of the tower is made from a different stone compared to the upper floors. This reveals the different construction phases If you want, you can climb the tower to see Lucca from above. We’re skipping it today, but later we’ll climb another tower. Looking from a distance, you can really see how the bell tower was built in stages. We’re now in front of the Chiesa dei Santi Giovanni e Reparata. This was once Lucca’s cathedral, long before the Duomo di San Martino took on that role. The church is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and Saint Reparata. You may already know Saint John the Baptist, the person who baptized Jesus in the River Jordan. Saint Reparata is a lesser-known Christian martyr who lived in Caesarea, a Roman Province of Palestine She was arrested for her faith and tortured during the persecution of Roman emperor Decius. Her persecutors tried to burn her alive, but she was saved by a shower of rain. She was then compelled to drink boiling pitch. When she again refused to apostatize, she was decapitated. Today, the church preserves some of the most important traces of the history of Lucca, from the Roman era. Inside you can see the remains of a 2nd century BC domus, of which part of the mosaic flooring is still visible. We’re now heading to the civic heart of Lucca, starting with Piazza del Giglio. The name “giglio,” or lily, derives from the fleur-de-lis emblem, that was part of the Bourbon heraldic shield… …of the reigning duchess, Maria Luisa of the House of Bourbon. Dominating the square is Teatro del Giglio (over there on the left), Lucca’s opera house The theater still functions today, hosting concerts and operas, including works of… …the city’s most famous composer, Giacomo Puccini. I’ll tell you more about him later on. At the center of the piazza stands the statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi. Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian general, revolutionary and republican. He contributed to Italian unification (Risorgimento) and the creation of the Kingdom of Italy. Therefore he is considered to be one of Italy’s “fathers of the fatherland,” along with Camillo Benso di Cavour, … …King Victor Emmanuel II and Giuseppe Mazzini. Garibaldi is so celebrated that almost every Italian city has a square named after him… …and/or has a monument in his honor. Right next to Piazza del Giglio is Piazza Grande, also known as Piazza Napoleone. This is Lucca’s largest square. It was created in 1806 by order of Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, Napoleon’s sister To make space, she demolished the houses, the post office, the salt warehouses and even… …the church of San Pietro Maggiore that were located in that place. The idea was to give greater importance and breath to the Ducal Palace, the fulcrum of 19th-century public life in Lucca… …and to place a huge statue of Napoleon in the center of the square, to show gratitude to the emperor. The project faded in when the Principality of Lucca was transformed into a Duchy… …and was entrusted to the command of Maria Luisa of the House of Bourbon. That’s why today, in place of Napoleon’s statue, the square features a monument to Maria Luisa herself. As you can see, Piazza Grande is lined with plane trees. Their shade turn the square into the perfect spot to pause, sip a drink and people-watch. Over here, just around the corner, hidden in the heart of Lucca, lies a must-visit for anyone who loves books and history. This charming little book square, named Piazzetta del Libro, invites you to linger among its stalls stacked with treasures. Beyond the books, you’ll come across charming old prints, from Pinocchio, vintage Vespa ads… …posters of Italy’s ski resorts, even antique maps and city plans. Take your time browsing, and you’re sure to find the perfect book. A wonderful souvenir from your visit to Lucca! We’ve just entered Piazza San Michele. This was once the Roman Forum, the true center of ancient Lucca. Today it is dominated by the Church of San Michele in Foro, but more about this church later. The square is surrounded by medieval buildings easily recognizable by the architecture with round or pointed arches, … …brick facing and polyfore windows. Before we dive into the story of the magnificent Romanesque church of San Michele in Foro, let’s take a brief detour. Because first, I want to share a bit more about Lucca’s most famous composer, Giacomo Puccini. Puccini was born in Lucca in 1858 and grew up to become one of Italy’s most celebrated opera composers. You may know him from his works such as La Bohème, Tosca, and Madama Butterfly. He is often regarded as the greatest and most successful proponent of Italian opera after Verdi. His operas are still performed worldwide, and Lucca proudly honors him as a cultural ambassador. Over here, around the corner in Piazza Cittadella, stands the bronze statue of Giacomo Puccini. The composer is shown seated casually, legs crossed, cigarette in hand, dressed in early 20th‑century fashion. Just behind the statue is Puccini’s birthplace, now a museum. This modest building is the Casa natale di Giacomo Puccini, where the composer was born in 1858. From the outside, it appears as a typical house with only a small plaque marking its significance. Inside, are manuscripts, letters, and personal belongings that trace Puccini’s life and career. A highlight is the piano on which he composed part of Turandot, his final opera. From Puccini’s birthplace, we head back toward the church of San Michele in Foro. As I mentioned before, the Church of San Michele in Foro stands on the site of the ancient Roman forum… …hence the last part of its name. The facade is striking: four tiers of arcades stacked above the entrance, each decorated with marble inlays, … …geometric patterns, and fantastical creatures. The variety is immense: griffins, sirens, lions, and human faces, all carved by medieval artisans. At the top of the church rises a large statue of the Archangel Michael, flanked by two other angels. On bright days you can see a green sparkle gleaming on the statue. Some believe this comes from a huge diamond on one angel’s finger. But the stone has never been found. On the lower right corner of the façade is a statue of the Madonna salutis portus. It celebrates the end of the 1476 plague. Too bad, despite the bright sunlight, I can’t spot the green sparkle from the angel’s diamond.. We’re now hearing to what is perhaps Lucca’s most iconic landmark: Torre Guinigi. Built in the 14th century by the wealthy Guinigi family, it rises 45 meters high. What makes it extraordinary is the rooftop garden, where holm oak trees grow, visible above the city skyline. This unusual feature symbolized both prestige and a connection to nature, showing the family’s wealth and taste. Few medieval towers have such a crown of greenery. The Guinigi family were among Lucca’s most powerful bankers and merchants, rivaling Florentine dynasties. Building such a tower was both a defensive measure and a status symbol. In medieval Lucca, dozens of families had towers, but most have been lost. The Guinigi Tower remains as a rare survivor, thanks to its solid construction and the family’s prominence. Climbing the tower involves a long series of narrow steps, but from the top, … …the reward is a sweeping view of the city, its terracotta rooftops, and the surrounding hills. The oaks have stood here for centuries, replanted as needed to preserve the tradition. Their roots are carefully maintained in soil beds atop the roof. The tower is accessible with a ticket and remains one of Lucca’s most visited attractions. Because it’s often very crowded up above, we’re not going there today. Instead, we continue toward another tower from where we get a good view of Torre Guinigi and Lucca: the Torre delle Ore. We’re almost at the Torre delle Ore, so let me share a little about it. As I explained earlier, medieval Lucca, like many medieval cities in Italy had private towers, built for protection, …exemplified best today by the remaining towers in San Gimignano. This tower, the tallest in Lucca, was acquired by the government in the 14th century, … …and in 1390, it was decided to house a clock. The present mechanism of the clock dates to the 18th-century. As of 2015, it is possible to climb to the tower and view the mechanism, as well as Lucca and its surroundings. And that’s what we’re going to do right now. Btw, there’s a local legend of a noblewoman who allegedly sold her soul for eternal youth. When the devil came to collect, she tried to stop time by climbing this tower to halt the clock, but failed. But more on this legend later on. You’ll need to climb a wooden staircase of more than 200 steps to reach the top. But as you can see, it’s definitely worth it! Over there, you see the Duomo di San Martino where we started our walk. It’s a wonderful sight… …especially with the mountains in the background. Down there you can see the backside of the Chiesa di San Michele in Foro and its large statue of the Archangel Michael. Remember I told you Lucca was a key stopover on the Pilgrimage route of Via Francigena. As a result, plenty of money made its way to the building of churches. Lucca has an impressive range, with examples from many important eras. From the renaissance and gothic… …to medieval and Roman. It earned Lucca the nickname “The City of 100 Churches.” While not exactly 100 in number, it would be impossible to visit all the churches of Lucca in one day. But from up here, you can actually spot quite a few of them. Look! There’s the Torre Guinigi. Okay, let’s head back down and continue our walk. This is Via Fillungo, Lucca’s main shopping street and a lively artery that runs through the medieval city. The street is lined with shops and cafés, many with preserved medieval arches at their bases. Walking here, you sense both the commercial life of medieval Lucca and its modern continuation… …as a center of trade and leisure. Look upward as well as around: many buildings still bear coats of arms, decorative windows, … …and stone details from the 13th and 14th centuries. As we head to our next stop, let’s take a short detour for another glimpse of Torre Giugni. There’s the Guinigi Tower again, crowned by its rooftop trees. It’s a truly unique sight, with these trees standing out above the city skyline. Do you notice how this street curves? You’ll understand why when we arrive at Piazza dell’Anfiteatro after going through this archway. Piazza dell’Anfiteatro is one of the most distinctive squares in Italy. Its oval shape reveals its origin. This was once the site of a Roman amphitheater. Though the arena itself disappeared, medieval houses were built along the footprint of the amphitheater’s walls, … …preserving its unique form. The result is a closed oval piazza, accessible only through four gates aligned with the cardinal points. Look at the curvature of the surrounding buildings. Their foundations rest directly on the Roman walls. Let’s take another look at the curve from the outside. Now, look at the uneven roofline of the buildings. It definitely adds some charm to the piazza. Adding to this charm are the many cafés and restaurants, making this one of Lucca’s most atmospheric settings. I think entering the piazza through this arch gives the most stunning view of the square. Okay, time to move on. We’re back on Via Fillungo. But not for long. Just a few steps ahead, we’ll turn left to see the Basilica di San Frediano. The Basilica di San Frediano stands out for its vast golden mosaic dominating the facade. Created in the 13th century, it depicts the Ascension of Christ, with apostles gazing upward… …as angels lift him toward heaven. The brilliance of the mosaic is enhanced by sunlight, making the church visible from afar. Few churches in Tuscany retain such an intact medieval mosaic on the exterior. We now turn toward the elegant Palazzo Pfanner, just a short walk away. Palazzo Pfanner is an elegant 17th-century palace, acquired by the Pfanners, a family of Austrian origin. The facade (backside), with its wide staircase and grand portals, reflects Baroque taste, … …contrasting with Lucca’s otherwise medieval character. The interiors, accessible with a ticket, display frescoed halls and period furnishings, … …telling the story of Lucca’s noble life in the Baroque era. The palace’s fame, however, comes mainly from its magnificent gardens, which we ‘re about to visit. The gardens of Palazzo Pfanner are a fine example of Baroque landscaping in Tuscany. Designed in the 17th century, they combine geometry, sculpture, and greenery into a harmonious whole. Straight gravel paths divide the space, lined with box hedges and flowerbeds that bloom seasonally. At the center lies a fountain, adding movement and sound to the tranquil atmosphere. Water features were considered symbols of life and prosperity, … …and their engineering demonstrated the owner’s sophistication. The interplay of water, statues, and plants creates a theatrical impression typical of the Baroque era. Statues representing classical gods and virtues stand among the greenery. Mercury, Justice, and Abundance are just a few of them. Their presence reflects both erudition and the desire to display wealth through classical references, … …a common practice among European elites of the time. Walking through this garden is like stepping into a living painting of the 17th century. We’ve made it to the final highlight of our walk: the Renaissance walls of Lucca. The walls of Lucca are a series of stone, brick, and earthwork fortifications surrounding the central city. They are among the best preserved Renaissance fortifications in Europe. The walls stretch for about 4.2 kilometers, entirely encircling the historic center. This also makes Lucca the second largest intact example of a fully walled Renaissance city after Nicosia, Cyprus. Thanks to its intact Renaissance walls, Lucca is often called an Italian “Città d’arte,” or City of Art. This nickname, however, is less common than the one I mentioned earlier: the City of 100 Churches. The current walls of Lucca replaced earlier medieval and Roman fortifications. Construction started in 1504, and ended a century and a half later in 1648, with additional structural updates… …in the second half of the 17th century based on new knowledge and construction techniques. The walls were conceived as a deterrent and have never seen military use. At the time of construction, the Republic of Lucca feared the expansionist aims of the Republic of Florence… …and subsequently, the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. The only occasion in which the walls were put to the test… …was during the disastrous flood of the Serchio River on November 18, 1812. The doors were bolted and reinforced with mattresses, achieving a relative water tightness in the center of Lucca. The structure was converted into a pedestrian promenade and public park in the 1820s… …under the rule of Maria Luisa de Borbón of Spain. The new use of the walls also affected the spaces outside the walls, … which were converted from smaller fortifications into large lawns. This public use persists today. Every day at any time you will find people walking, do sunbathing or practicing sports. Along the walls are gateways, or “porte,” that serve as entrances to the city. Some still bear decorative coats of arms and inscriptions, reminding visitors of Lucca’s long history of independence. What makes Lucca’s walls especially beautiful is the ever-changing mix of colors and scents. In spring, lime trees, magnolias, and horse chestnuts bloom and fresh the air with their heady scents and…. …large, delicate colored flowers. In autumn, the irresistible foliage of red oaks, beeches and lyriodendrons offer a great panorama. In total, the walls consist of eleven bastions like the one you see over there. Each bastion is named, often after a saint or noble families. Remember back at the Torre delle Ore when I mentioned that ghost story about a noblewoman named Lucida Mansi? The story is more connected to Lucca’s walls, so now let me share it with you. Lucida Mansi was a real noblewoman who lived in Lucca in the 1600s. She was known for her beauty and men from all over the country desired to be with her. It was widely rumoured that she had secretly murdered her husband to lead a wealthy life full of lavish parties… …dressed in the finest clothes and jewels, paid for with her newly acquired inheritance. She used her attractiveness to seduce many men and loved herself so much that… …she demanded to be constantly surrounded by mirrors to admire her prettiness. It’s said that she even had a small mirror in her prayer book and one above her bed… …to ensure she always had her reflection staring back at her. But as we all know, time ravages beauty and Lucida began to see wrinkles appear on her face as the years passed. She went hysterical, she couldn’t bear the idea of losing her youthful good looks. That’s why she decided to strike a deal with the devil. The devil agreed to give her 30 more years of unchanging youthful beauty in exchange for her soul when the time was up. The foolish Lucida agreed to this and for these years she continued to lead the life of partying. 30 years flew by and one stormy night, the devil returned to claim her soul. Lucida, remembering the deadline, tried to deceive him. She climbed the stairs of the Torre delle Ore with the hope to stop time before the bell rang the hour of her death at midnight. But the attempt to block the bell failed. Lucida did not have time to stop the hands of the clock and so the Devil loaded her on a fiery carriage… …and took her away with him crossing the Walls of Lucca and then they disappeared in the lake of the city’s Botanical Garden. Today, some say that if you dip your head into this lake, you might catch a glimpse of Lucida Mansi’s sleeping face. Others say that on full moon nights, you can see the carriage carrying her to hell and hear her screams. Pretty spooky story, isn’t it? In a couple of weeks, this part will look even more stunning as the leaves turn yellow and red and begin to fall. Over there, you can see the bell tower of the Duomo di San Martino, where our walk began. This brings us to the end of today’s tour. I hope you enjoyed our walk and got a real sense of what Lucca is like. If you want more info about Lucca or anywhere else in Italy, just reach out or check out italynotes.com! See you in my next video!

Join me for an unforgettable Lucca walking tour, one of Tuscany’s most wonderful cities. In this immersive city walk, filmed on September 17th, 2025, we’ll explore Lucca’s timeless beauty and its most iconic landmarks. You get to see everything from the churches of Lucca (to which the city owes its nickname “City of 100 churches”), such as the Duomo di San Martino, to Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, the Guinigi Tower, and the legendary city walls. This tour is the ultimate Italy travel guide for anyone curious about what to see in Lucca or planning to visit Lucca in a day.

Along the way, I’ll share stories about Lucca’s Roman past, medieval towers and fortifications, plus legends like Lucida Mansi and highlights from the life of Giacomo Puccini. This video is full of cultural insight, practical tips, and inspiring views.

Lucca’s location makes it easy to enjoy as a day trip from Florence or a day trip from Pisa. This video highlights the must-see landmarks if you want to experience Lucca in a day.

Whether you’re looking for things to do in Lucca, want a virtual walk for armchair travel, or prefer a silent walking tour or travel vlog without talking, this video is for you. It’s also ideal as a treadmill walking tour, letting you stroll through Tuscany’s charming streets no matter where you are.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make the most of your visit and feel ready to explore Lucca’s enchanting streets, historic churches, and charming piazzas yourself.

For more travel tips, hidden gems, and guides, visit: https://www.italynotes.com

*Video timeline links*
0:00:00 – Intro
0:01:13 – Duomo di San Martino
0:11:10 – Chiesa dei Santi Giovanni e Reparata
0:13:26 – Piazza del Giglio
0:14:33 – Monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi
0:16:00 – Piazza Grande (Piazza Napoleone)
0:18:00 – Piazzetta del Libro
0:20:49 – Piazza San Michele
0:22:20 – Statue of Giacomo Puccini
0:24:24 – Puccini Museum
0:25:20 – Chiesa di San Michele in Foro
0:33:20 – Torre Guinigi
0:37:13 – Torre del Ore
0:43:37 – Via Fillungo
0:51:25 – Piazza dell’Anfiteatro
1:00:07 – Basilica di San Frediano
1:02:41 – Giardini di Palazzo Pfanner
1:17:48 – Via delle Mura Urbane (Lucca City Walls)
1:28:16 – Porta San Donato
1:32:46 – Porta Sant’Anna
1:44:49 – Porta San Pietro

*More walking tours*
Gubbio: https://youtu.be/63i7cgV-IYs
Verona: https://youtu.be/nQf8jzcrcTc
Aqueduct Park, Rome: https://youtu.be/LPw5n0kpN0c

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