Situated in the region of Tuscany in central Italy, the province of Lucca and the city of the same name offer many attractions and highlights for visitors staying in the region. Many people who visit Tuscany often focus their attention on the cities of Florence and Pisa but the city of Lucca is not without its charms. Located on the River Serchio, Lucca is famous for its city walls that were erected during the Italian Renaissance and unlike many other towns and cities, Lucca’s walls are still intact today. Rent a villa in Lucca for the chance to appreciate many of the charms of both the province and the city, and experience Tuscan delights as well as the landmarks of Lucca.
As with the rest of Tuscany, Lucca receives a mostly moderate climate with warm to hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures can reach almost 30°C in the months of July and August, whilst January is the coolest month. Hiring Lucca villas in spring and autumn can mean that you receive less hot but still pleasantly warm temperatures and fewer tourists. Even during the hottest months visitors can always find shade amongst the historic city walls and narrow alleyways and as the historic centre is flat you can explore the surroundings of your Lucca villa without becoming too hot, unlike in many other areas of Tuscany which have numerous hill-top towns and lots of walking.
From your base in Lucca you may want to explore the many impressive basilicas. Some of the basilicas date back to the 8th century and they have rich arcaded façades which are incredible to view. Duomo di San Martino (St Martin’s Cathedral) is one of the most prominent basilicas in Lucca and construction began on the cathedral in 1063. Lucca villa holidays give you the opportunity to explore historical structures like St Martin’s Cathedral with its original campanile and apse, which are the bell tower and impressive dome respectively. The San Michel in Foro basilica is another monument that is well worth a visit during a stay at a Lucca Villa. This is one of the most photographed buildings in Lucca due to its remarkable façade, which was constructed in the 13th century and features a large selection of sculptures and inlays, some of which were made in the 19th century. There are so many religious buildings in and around the city which you can explore on a Lucca villa holiday, others include Piazza Napoleone, Piazzale Verdi and Piazza San Michele.
The city walls are ideal for walking around the historic centre and taking in all the sights, cars have been almost completely banned from inside the city walls which makes the three-mile round stroll extremely enjoyable. Should you choose to explore the city walls during Lucca villa holidays you can rent bicycles to cycle the route that is shaded by the walls and century old trees. Another interesting way to explore the city is to climb the Guinigi Tower. The tower was built as part of Casa Guinigi, the house of a rich 15th century family, and offers incredible views of surrounding Lucca. You can take some great photographs of your surroundings from this point during your Lucca villa holiday.
Should you wish to rent a car or join a tour you can explore the luxury villas in Lucca that are open to the public. These villas have grand gardens and are extremely attractive, giving you a taste of the splendour of the past. One of the last Lucca villas on the route is in the village of Collidi which was where the Pinocchio author’s family was from. Families with children may enjoy visiting the village which has an old-fashioned park that tells the tale of Pinocchio through sculptures, mosaics and puppet shows as well as its own museum. The village has some other attractions worth exploring when you are in the area, such as Villa Garzoni which has an incredible garden reminiscent of the symmetry of the Renaissance and the ornamental effects of the Baroque. There are many things to discover during Lucca villa holidays that you will be spoilt for choice.
From simple great value properties to luxury villas in Lucca, you can find a number of holiday properties to rent on our website. With accommodation located in and around Lucca you can explore the best of this city as well as other Tuscan treats.
