With its green parks, ancient villas, magnificent red stone architecture and dozens of religious buildings, the “city of one hundred churches" is one of the best-loved in Italy. Lucca is a town between Pisa and Florence, a few kilometers far from Versilia coastline and from the splendid Garfagnana woods.
The charming historical center is a no-traffic zone but don't worry: leave your car in one of the pay parkings under the city walls, start exploring the streets by foot or rent a bike and start your special visit! This is what distinguishes Lucca, as everybody uses their bike to move around and the sound of bicycle bells echoes in each road.
Crossing the city walls through one of the "Porte", you will reach the old town center and monuments like San Martino Cathedral, which contains the important "Holy Face Ligneous Crucifix", the Romanic San Michele Church or Torre Guinigi, with a unique pensile garden. Enter the favorite road of shopping lovers, via Fillungo, and reach the Roman Amphitheater, which is a splendid elliptical square with nice restaurants and local shops where concerts and shows are often organized. Also go to Piazza Napoleone, which is the location of unmissable events such as “Lucca Summer Festival” and it hosts an ice-skating rink in December. Art and music lovers cannot forget to see Giacomo Puccini Museum-Native House or the wonderful masterpieces in the “Pinacoteca Nazionale”.
Undoubtedly, the obligatory stop of a bike tour is the route on the Ancient City Walls, which are a splendid Renaissance structure of artistic, monumental and historical importance enclosing the whole town. The pedestrian tree-lined road is 4 km long and is suitable for every kind of cycler, especially for families with children. Sometimes, you can stop along the itinerary to admire the landscape, to relax in one of the parks with playground, to eat something in a café or in the pic-nic areas with benches and tables. You can travel this road in every period of the year, even in Summer, as the century-old trees will offer a pleasant shadow.
Other charming bike tours twist and turn in the surroundings of Lucca. We suggest travelling the road near Serchio River, which continues in Garfagnana area passing through its woods, hills and wonderful historical monuments, like the "Aqueduct of Nottolini". Otherwise, you can ride your bike on the itinerary next to some famous Lucca villas and their parks, which are all located next to each other. It is the perfect destination for a luxurious and relaxing day close to nature!
Visit Lucca during your next holiday in Tuscany! We recommend booking one of our stunning exclusive properties like Villa De Ranieri or Flavia Apartments, as they will guarantee an unforgettable stay in this region.
