Not far from the Ligurian Sea on the Serchio River in Tuscany, lies Lucca. A city known for its ancient city walls and many towers, specifically Guinigi Tower. To illustrate why we recommend Lucca as the perfect day trip from Florence, the story of my first visit!

Plus, see photos of Guinigi Tower and a walking tour video of Lucca.

Guinigi Tower

On the way back to Torino from Florence, Paolo had a detour in mind. A quick stop. There was a tower he wanted to show me. We were to stop in Lucca, the city of 100 churches! I assumed we were headed for a church tower. We weren’t. The tower he had in mind was far more whimsical.

Stepping out of the car at Parcheggio Carducci I spotted a flurry of flying troops. Blooming parachutes abruptly arrested their descent. They looked like little plastic soldiers floating gently down to a nearby military base. Fortuitous timing. We were about to enter one of the most well-preserved Renaissance-walled cities in all of Tuscany.

Lucca City Walls

Lucca is ringed by over 4 kilometers of old city walls. All of which is completely accessible on foot, making it unique among all Italian walled cities. As we crossed underneath into the city, locals leisurely strolled, road bikes, and jogged above. Once inside the old city walls, cobblestone streets weave between piazzas. Each of these seems to be anchored by a church.

Chiesa di Santa Giulia

Pausing in front of Chiesa di Santa Giulia, a small Catholic church from the 10th century, I began to hear music. An Opera. Tosca. Still looking through his viewfinder Paolo said “Lucca is the birthplace of Puccini you know.” I didn’t, but I fell just a little more in love with Paolo because he did. We followed the Aria “De Cavaradossi” down a side street till it crescendoed from the open windows of the Institute of Musical Studies Luigi Boccherini.

There was no thunderous applause when the music stopped. Just church bells chiming faintly in the distance. In Lucca, this was just a normal Tuesday. “I think it’s right down here!” Paolo once again led the way. Turn by turn to his favorite tower in all of Tuscany. A few blocks up and a few more over and there she stood. Guinigi Tower in Lucca.

Lucca, Italy Towers

Historically, wealthy families of Lucca displayed their fortune by building towers for the ultimate view.

In fact Guinigi Tower stretches 45 meters toward the sky. Moreover, this Romanesque-Gothic tower dating back to the 1300s immediately boasts of the Guinigi family status.

The kitchen once sat a floor below the rooftop garden with its tall oak trees. Imagine how posh a rooftop lunch listening to Opera would be!

Guinigi Tower Photos

At that moment I could easily see why so many people recommend Lucca as the perfect day trip from Florence. The city’s history of wealth has imprinted a feeling of laid-back ease in Lucca.

To that end, if you have a few minutes, check out this video of Lucca (featuring the Guinigi Tower) and you’ll see what I mean.

Follow ALOR Italy for Pictures of Italy & Italy Trip Tips

References

• The Guinigi Tower – Visit Tuscany.com
• Torre Guinigi – Atlas Obscura