Emilia’s guidebook
City/town information
LUCCA
Il Borghino is ideally located 15 minutes from Lucca, a small city with a rich history, that is magically preserved. The Roman city, the Medieval city, the Renaissance city, the nineteenth century city: traces of all of these may still be found here.
A walk through the centre of Lucca becomes an exciting voyage through the centuries, through history.Apart from the significant monuments, such as the sixteenth-seventeenth century walls, Lucca stands out for its atmosphere and lively centre.
Simply look down from above, from one of its towers, or wander through the narrow, tortuous Medieval streets: the white marble of superb Romanesque churches, the orange-red or the thirteenth-fourteenth century buildings, the grey of the paving stones, the green of the vegetation peeping out all over that heightens the powerful size of the ramparts and the surfaces of the Walls that rise, almost unreal, out of the lawns of grass. Lucca will inevitably seduce you. Its appeal is probably the result of the city’s history.
Over the centuries, the city has cultivated its unusual diversity mixed with contradictions. Ever jealous of its autonomy, Lucca was an independent city-state up to 1847, on the threshold of the unification of Italy. The city was traditionally close to the papacy, but in the mid-1500s it became one of the capitals of the Reformation (between 1542 and 1545, the city was home to Piero Martire Vermigli and Bernardo Ochino). It was proudly enclosed within its walls (which the Luccans bought back from the State) but, with its merchants and its silk, it remained active for centuries in the main European markets.Lucca has many beautiful attractions.
THINGS TO DO
The many romanesque churches, such as San Michele, the Duomo of San Martino and the Basilica of San Frediano, should not be missed. Inside the Duomo, the visitor is stunned by the elegance and loveliness of the fifteenth century monument to Ilaria del Carretto sculpted by Jacopo della Quercia and the austere solemnity of Girlandaio’s Sacra Conversazione. In San Frediano, which recalls the First Roman Early Christian churches, the mosaic on the façade is splendid, as is the fresco cycle by, the Bolognese Amico Aspertini, within.
A walk or cycle along a section of the ancient walls is not to be missed. The ramparts, thirty meters wide at the base and still in their original state, cover over four kilometers. With beautiful parkland and trees lining the ramparts, it is possible to enjoy amazing views of the city and the surrounding hills.
A trip to the Torre Guinigi is highly recommended. It offers a fabulous view; but it is also one of the city’s symbols, if for no other reason then the trees planted on the top.
Along the same route , a visit should be made to the ninenteenth century Piazza Anfiteatro, built on the remains of the ancient Roman Amphitheatre.
Then, carry on to Giacomo Puccini’s house (now a museum), and further on, to Via del Battistero. This street is renowned world wide for its antique dealers.
The antique market on the third Sunday of every month is also famous. For thirty years, it has drawn innumerable antique lovers to the city’s squares and streets.
MAJOR EVENTS IN LUCCA
ANTIQUES MARKET IN LUCCA | Every third week-end each month in and around via del Battistero
HANDICRAFT MARKET | The last week-end of each month in Piazza S. Giusto and surrounding piazzas
February-March | VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL | Famous all over the world, for four Sundays along the Viareggio promenade
April | BIENNAL OF AZALEA | Borgo a Mozzano flower show and market
April | FLOWER SHOW AND MARKET OF S. ZITA | Piazza S. Frediano and the Anfiteatro | An explosion of colours and fragrances
May-October | VARIOUS CONCERTS | Theatre, music, ballet in historic villas, local parishes and the most fascinating locations in Lucca
June-July | SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL | Concerts of international artists in the most beautiful piazzas in Lucca
July-August | FESTIVAL LA VERSILIANA | Exhibitions, shows, talks and conferences, concerts and various performances in the villa parks.
July-August | PUCCINI FESTIVAL | Performances of Puccini’s major operas in the splendid background of Massaciuccoli Lake
Beginning of September | SAGRA DEL VINO DI MONTECARLO | In the fascinating medieval village you can taste good local vine and food
September 13 | FESTIVAL OF S. CROCE “LA LUMINARA” DEL VOLTO SANTO | Traditional procession in period costumes along the streets of the historic center
October-November | OPERA SEASON | Beginning of the season plays at Teatro del Giglio (www.comune.lucca.it)
End October-November | LUCCA COMICS & GAMES | Annual comic book and gaming convention in Lucca. It is the largest comics festival in Europe, and the second biggest in the world after the Comiket.
1278 persone del luogo consigliano
Lucca
LUCCA
Il Borghino is ideally located 15 minutes from Lucca, a small city with a rich history, that is magically preserved. The Roman city, the Medieval city, the Renaissance city, the nineteenth century city: traces of all of these may still be found here.
A walk through the centre of Lucca becomes an exciting voyage through the centuries, through history.Apart from the significant monuments, such as the sixteenth-seventeenth century walls, Lucca stands out for its atmosphere and lively centre.
Simply look down from above, from one of its towers, or wander through the narrow, tortuous Medieval streets: the white marble of superb Romanesque churches, the orange-red or the thirteenth-fourteenth century buildings, the grey of the paving stones, the green of the vegetation peeping out all over that heightens the powerful size of the ramparts and the surfaces of the Walls that rise, almost unreal, out of the lawns of grass. Lucca will inevitably seduce you. Its appeal is probably the result of the city’s history.
Over the centuries, the city has cultivated its unusual diversity mixed with contradictions. Ever jealous of its autonomy, Lucca was an independent city-state up to 1847, on the threshold of the unification of Italy. The city was traditionally close to the papacy, but in the mid-1500s it became one of the capitals of the Reformation (between 1542 and 1545, the city was home to Piero Martire Vermigli and Bernardo Ochino). It was proudly enclosed within its walls (which the Luccans bought back from the State) but, with its merchants and its silk, it remained active for centuries in the main European markets.Lucca has many beautiful attractions.
THINGS TO DO
The many romanesque churches, such as San Michele, the Duomo of San Martino and the Basilica of San Frediano, should not be missed. Inside the Duomo, the visitor is stunned by the elegance and loveliness of the fifteenth century monument to Ilaria del Carretto sculpted by Jacopo della Quercia and the austere solemnity of Girlandaio’s Sacra Conversazione. In San Frediano, which recalls the First Roman Early Christian churches, the mosaic on the façade is splendid, as is the fresco cycle by, the Bolognese Amico Aspertini, within.
A walk or cycle along a section of the ancient walls is not to be missed. The ramparts, thirty meters wide at the base and still in their original state, cover over four kilometers. With beautiful parkland and trees lining the ramparts, it is possible to enjoy amazing views of the city and the surrounding hills.
A trip to the Torre Guinigi is highly recommended. It offers a fabulous view; but it is also one of the city’s symbols, if for no other reason then the trees planted on the top.
Along the same route , a visit should be made to the ninenteenth century Piazza Anfiteatro, built on the remains of the ancient Roman Amphitheatre.
Then, carry on to Giacomo Puccini’s house (now a museum), and further on, to Via del Battistero. This street is renowned world wide for its antique dealers.
The antique market on the third Sunday of every month is also famous. For thirty years, it has drawn innumerable antique lovers to the city’s squares and streets.
MAJOR EVENTS IN LUCCA
ANTIQUES MARKET IN LUCCA | Every third week-end each month in and around via del Battistero
HANDICRAFT MARKET | The last week-end of each month in Piazza S. Giusto and surrounding piazzas
February-March | VIAREGGIO CARNIVAL | Famous all over the world, for four Sundays along the Viareggio promenade
April | BIENNAL OF AZALEA | Borgo a Mozzano flower show and market
April | FLOWER SHOW AND MARKET OF S. ZITA | Piazza S. Frediano and the Anfiteatro | An explosion of colours and fragrances
May-October | VARIOUS CONCERTS | Theatre, music, ballet in historic villas, local parishes and the most fascinating locations in Lucca
June-July | SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL | Concerts of international artists in the most beautiful piazzas in Lucca
July-August | FESTIVAL LA VERSILIANA | Exhibitions, shows, talks and conferences, concerts and various performances in the villa parks.
July-August | PUCCINI FESTIVAL | Performances of Puccini’s major operas in the splendid background of Massaciuccoli Lake
Beginning of September | SAGRA DEL VINO DI MONTECARLO | In the fascinating medieval village you can taste good local vine and food
September 13 | FESTIVAL OF S. CROCE “LA LUMINARA” DEL VOLTO SANTO | Traditional procession in period costumes along the streets of the historic center
October-November | OPERA SEASON | Beginning of the season plays at Teatro del Giglio (www.comune.lucca.it)
End October-November | LUCCA COMICS & GAMES | Annual comic book and gaming convention in Lucca. It is the largest comics festival in Europe, and the second biggest in the world after the Comiket.
Food scene
Da Ciacco
10 P.za NapoleoneBest Paninos in Lucca
Gigliola
17 Corso GaribaldiGreat Vibe, great bread, tappas style
Best "unknown" wine bar in Lucca. They also serve great aperitivo and lunch but you must book in advance. The mortadella con tartufo is to die for!
10 persone del luogo consigliano
Vino e Convivio
4 Via di CoselliBest "unknown" wine bar in Lucca. They also serve great aperitivo and lunch but you must book in advance. The mortadella con tartufo is to die for!
Traditional family run business with excellent international chef. Never disappoints. Excellent service. Book in advance.
25 persone del luogo consigliano
Antica Locanda di Sesto
1660 Via LudovicaTraditional family run business with excellent international chef. Never disappoints. Excellent service. Book in advance.
Walking distance from Il Borghino - this is a beautiful historic winery to visit. Wine and Olive oil tastings must be booked in advance
Tenuta Maria Teresa S.r.l.
3427 Via della Pieve Santo StefanoWalking distance from Il Borghino - this is a beautiful historic winery to visit. Wine and Olive oil tastings must be booked in advance
Another fabulous winery near Il Borghino - musty book in advance for a visit and tasting. Biodynamic wines.
Fabbrica Di San Martino
2511 Via della Pieve Santo StefanoAnother fabulous winery near Il Borghino - musty book in advance for a visit and tasting. Biodynamic wines.
Bar, fruit and vegetables for sale and a fabulous restaurant as well. Try their foccaccia with mortadella!
Gino Bistrot Bar
18 Piazza Santa MariaBar, fruit and vegetables for sale and a fabulous restaurant as well. Try their foccaccia with mortadella!
The only restaurant in walking distance from Il Borghino. Only open weekends. Nice outdoor garden and great bistecca. The french fries are excellent too!
10 persone del luogo consigliano
Ristorante Vipore
4469 Via della Pieve Santo StefanoThe only restaurant in walking distance from Il Borghino. Only open weekends. Nice outdoor garden and great bistecca. The french fries are excellent too!
Eat Walk Lucca - Private Tours in and around Lucca
www.eatwalklucca.com
*DISCOVER LUCCA WITH A TRUE LOCAL!*
Join Federico Grabau as he leads you on a voyage of discovery into the art, culture, history, mystery and gastronomia of Lucca. Discover the famous medieval walls, ancient architecture, elegant palazzos, delicious local food and wine and learn some of the best kept secrets that you won’t find in the guide books!
Coming from a noble Lucchese family, Federico’s family have strong roots in the area and he is passionate about its history, culture, art, food and wine! His local knowledge is unsurpassed and his tours are original, informative, authentic & delightfully entertaining.
Federico is a registered fully licensed Tour Guide for the province of Lucca, which includes Lucca, Montecarlo, Viareggio, Pietrasanta & the Garfagnana.
He is also the owner of the famous historical Villa Grabau in San Pancrazio, Lucca which is renown for its beautiful “Limonaia” (Lemon Tree house) and botanical gardens.
Bike hire in Lucca - best bikes for rent. Also road bikes and hybrid bikes can be rented. Paladino the owner also runs high end bike tours.
15 persone del luogo consigliano
Chrono
93 Corso GaribaldiBike hire in Lucca - best bikes for rent. Also road bikes and hybrid bikes can be rented. Paladino the owner also runs high end bike tours.
Nicola is an expert guide and will take you hiking to places that hardly any tourists visit. Born and bred in Camaiore, Lucca - he knows the mountains inside out. He also is a mountain bike guide too!
Explore Tuscany
1 Piazza San Bernardino da SienaNicola is an expert guide and will take you hiking to places that hardly any tourists visit. Born and bred in Camaiore, Lucca - he knows the mountains inside out. He also is a mountain bike guide too!
Sightseeing
One of the most beautiful historic private houses in Tuscany.
A journey through elegance and charme, a few steps away from Lucca
14 persone del luogo consigliano
Villa Grabau
269 Via per MatraiaOne of the most beautiful historic private houses in Tuscany.
A journey through elegance and charme, a few steps away from Lucca