Slow Travel Google Map: Lucca 360

Ancient Gate

Heading towards Villa Bottini you pass through one of the ancient city gates of Lucca.

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Torre Guinigi

The narrow street gives no impression of the scale of the Torre Guinigi, climb its 230 steps to its top with ancient tree for 360° views of Lucca.

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Villa Bottini

Although the villa itself is and not its gardens are open to the public. A typical Lucchese grand villa a short walk from the city walls along Via Elisa.

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Chiesa Santi Paolino e Donato

Puccini worked as an organist at the Chiesa dei S. Paolino (1515) and his first composition "La Messa a Quattro Voci" was performed here in 1881.

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Chiesa di San Frediano

Inside this ancient church is the Romanesque Fonte Lustrale baptismal font. Its current structure is early 12th century and has a restored Byzantine style mosaic facade from the 13th century.

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Chiesa di San Salvatore

Found in Piazza San Salvatore, this was rebuilt in the 12th century and originally founded in 1009.

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Duomo di San Martino

Lucca's 11th century Romanesque cathedral (Duomo) was dedicated to San Martino. The 15th century Gothic interior is home to the "Volto Santo" (Holy Face), an 11th century carving of Christ on the crucifix, which is the focus of a candlelit procession in September.

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San Michele in Foro

Originally constructed in 795AD on the site of Lucca's original Roman forum it was rebuilt in 1070. Three generations of Puccini's worshipped and participated here.

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Santa Maria Corteorlandini

Also known as Santa Maria Corteorlandini "a Nera" due to it having a copy of the statue of the black Virgin of Loreto. Originally 12th century it has an 18th century Baroque interior.

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Santa Maria della Rosa

Just inside the medieval city walls near the Cathedral is the small Chiesa di Santa Maria della Rosa (1309)with part of its internal walls constructed adjoining the original Roman walls.

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Piazza Cittadella

Near to his birthplace in Corte San Lorenzo "Casa Natale Puccini" (now a museum) in this attractive piazza with a statue to Lucca's most famous son in classic pose (cigarette in hand).

Piazza Santa Maria del Borgo

There is a tourist information office here and it's also one of the main access points to the wall for cyclists (at least those renting from the bike shops off that square).

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City Walls Near Cathedral

From here you can look down onto Lucca's historic centre and the Duomo.

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View from City Walls

You can get great views onto Lucca from its own city walls (bastione) and from here, the Chiesa di San Frediano.

Piazza San Romano

Here is a convent based in the Baroque Chiesa di San Romano and in total contrast to Lucca's modern cultural attraction; "The Italian Museum of Comics" (2001)!

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Piazza Santa Maria Bianca

In this square is the 12th century Pisan style "Chiesa di Santa Maria Forisportam." It was constructed outside Lucca's Roman walls(literally "forisportam"). Inside is a font converted from an early Christian sarcophagus. There is also a 14th century painting the "Death and Assumption of the Virgin" by Angelo Puccinelli.

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Piazza dei Mercanti

Just wandering the tight streets of Lucca is a pleasant experience and small piazza, such as this one, are home to street cafes and restaurants as well (mostly touristic) shops.

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Piazza del Giglio

Piazza del Giglio adjoins Lucca's largest public space; Piazza Napoleone, which is the venue for events and concerts. East is the Duomo Piazza (Cathedral).

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Piazza dell'Anfiteatro (SV)

On the site of the original Roman amphitheatre is Lucca's most characteristic medieval feature the circular "Piazza dell'Anfiteatro" easily visible on the map.

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