Lucca
Photos and information about what to see and do in Lucca, based on my own personal experiences.
Please click on the thumbnails for more information about the photos.
Churches
There are many beautiful churches in Lucca. Here are some of the most interesting ones.
Giacomo Puccini
Lucca’s most famous son is Giacomo Puccini. His opera’s are renowned the world over and include: La bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly and Turandot. His last opera Turandot, unfinished at the time of his death, contains probably Puccini’s best known aria Nessun dorma (None shall sleep tonight). At the time of my visit there was a major exhibition and concerts throughout the town celebrating 150 years since the composer’s birth. Unfortunately due to problems of inheritance it is not currently possible to visit his birthplace.
Pompeo Batoni
Another of Lucca’s famous sons is Pompeo Batoni who is famous for his 18th century Grand Tour portraits. After a major exhibition at The National Gallery, London, Lucca now hosts L’Europa delle Corti e il Grand Tour until 29 March 2009. If you are the slightest bit interested in art then this is definitely worth visiting.
The Town
Lucca is a small and fairly quiet town (at least when I visited over the New Year period). Wander the small, traffic free (apart from bikes!) streets and discover hidden gems. Lose yourself in this Italian jewel.
Food & Drink
Lucca has some fine places to eat, drink and relax. Not immediately obvious they can be found with a little searching – which is all part of the fun. Some patience is required but maybe some of these places I came across can help you find what you are looking for. Worth noting are:
- Caffè Di Simo – where Puccini used to take a caffé
- Opera Caffè – worth trying the Zuppa Toscana, the best I tasted in Lucca
- Gli Orti Di Via Elisa – a fantastic restaurant where I ate on New Year’s Eve (San Silvestro). Good quality food (including Slow Food dishes) and extremely friendly staff
- Buca di Sant Antonio – I didn’t personally try the food here but it has a good reputation. Be prepared to pay though
Don’t forget to try the Buccellato di Luca before leaving.
