Lucca trip planner

Lucca, famous for its intact Renaissance-era city walls, remained an independent city-state until the end of the 18th century. With a history going back to Etruscan times, Lucca has managed to preserve much of its ancient architecture. Among such attractions are the city’s defensive walls, which were never breached and still enclose most of the city's main sites. As the area expanded and modernized, the walls lost their military importance. For a number of years during the last century, the broad walls were used for racing cars. Today, they function as a pedestrian promenade. Tourism in Lucca centers around the old town, which has kept its medieval appearance with narrow streets and small piazzas. Head up to the stone towers and brick houses with covered passageways to look down over the city. Take a peek at our world travel planner: Lucca and its charms laid bare and easily scheduled.