Lucca, our nearby city in Tuscany

This blog post introduces you to a video that I shot specifically for our place in Tuscany, to highlight Lucca, our nearby city. It’s also part of our You Ask, We Answer series, where we answer tons of FAQ’s and give you lots of information to help you get the most out of your Tuscan stay with us.

At Woodfarm Barns & Barges, we understand that planning the perfect getaway involves many questions and uncertainties. To help you navigate through these and to ensure you have the best experience possible, we’ve launched our ‘You Ask, We Answer’ initiative. This approach isn’t just about promoting our Barns, Cottages and Barges; it’s about providing valuable information, solutions, and peace of mind to our prospective guests.

You can actually go inside the city walls of Lucca too!

Anyway, this is the video, and the transcript is below it if you wish to go back over anything.

This is what I said… 

Hello, it’s Carl, and this video is all about Lucca

Lucca is probably my favorite city in the world. Near the banks of the river Serchio, I’ve been coming here for many years, and I liked it so much that I bought a house overlooking Lucca! This video takes you around some of Lucca’s shopping areas, the sites, and more.

If you’re thinking about booking a break at Casa Trebbio, or just considering a trip to Tuscany, make sure you visit Lucca. This video is a little rough guide to the city on a somewhat cloudy day.

Parking and Entering Lucca

I tend to park outside the walls at Euronics. Lucca is a medieval walled city with six gates, or “ports,” to enter. There are both pedestrian and vehicular entrances. The gates, made of huge iron, are a sight to see, and were originally built to keep people out during medieval times.

Touring the Walls of Lucca

Once inside, I often head up to the city walls. You can walk all around the top of the walls, offering great views of the city. It takes about 30 minutes to cycle around the entire thing, but walking takes a couple of hours. The more interesting sights are within the walls, but walking or biking the perimeter is a lovely way to take in the city.

Via Fillungo and the Streets of Lucca

The main street is Via Fillungo, filled with shops, restaurants, and small side streets. There’s everything from Tuscan leather shops to gelato places. One of the highlights is the Museum of Torture, which you’ll find in various Tuscan towns, including Lucca.

Piazza del Anfiteatro

Heading down one of my favorite streets leads to Piazza del Anfiteatro, an old Roman amphitheater now surrounded by restaurants. This is a perfect spot for lunch and people-watching.

The Architecture and the Hidden Gems

As you wander the streets of Lucca, you’ll come across amazing architecture, quaint little streets, and many churches and cathedrals, much like in Rome. My personal favorites include a small shop selling coffee beans, a great lunch spot called Lo Soss Ducca, and various artisanal shops selling truffles, oils, and more.

Piazza San Michele and the Cathedral

One of the highlights is Piazza San Michele, where you’ll find the stunning cathedral. On one visit, a busker was playing “Stairway to Heaven,” which felt quite appropriate considering the cathedral’s beautiful (and scary) stairway.

Puccini’s Birthplace

Lastly, I always recommend visiting Puccini’s birthplace. This tiny piazza contains a museum dedicated to the composer, offering a cultural immersion into classical music history.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this video about Lucca. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel and our newsletters to stay updated on last-minute availability, cancellations, competitions, and more. Follow us on social media for the latest news!

We have a handful of ideas for great days out and about for you.