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Lucca Cathedral

Lucca Cathedral: Our most recommended tours and activities

Lucca: Guided Small Group Highlights Walking Tour

1. Lucca: Guided Small Group Highlights Walking Tour

Visit the iconic city of Lucca, famously known for its beautiful walls that surround the center of the city. Our tour begins just outside the walls, near one of the four monumental city doors: Porta San Pietro. Explore the secret underground tunnels which lead to a beautiful garden where 1631 trees were planted many moons ago. In ancient times, Lucca was a fortress city. Your local guide will explain how it was structured and the various hurdles and obstacles enemies had to overcome if they were to conquer the city. Next up: The monumental cathedral. Originally constructed as a dedication to Saint Martino, your guide will explain the mysteries surrounding its construction and architecture. Enjoy a guided tour of the Duomo with your guide. Visit two houses that seemed to have been preserved, frozen in time from the 14th century. You may choose to climb it, explore inside, and stand on top to enjoy the spectacular view. You’ll visit San Michele (the ancient political square) which houses important buildings in Lucca. If sweets are your thing, you might like to taste the traditional "Buccellato" cake at the famous bakery. The church dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel is filled with intricate works of art, depicting ancient scenes such as St Michael slaying a dragon. Listen as your guide points out these scenes and explains mythical stories. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the charming, bustling Fillungo Street. There’s no wonder why it’s the most popular street in Lucca- filled with shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and much more. And last but not least, the Roman amphitheater. This historic building housed gladiatorial shows and games and was built in the second half of the 1st century AD. At the end of the tour, feel free to continue exploring on your own or ask for a recommendation on where to go next.

Medieval Lucca for Kids: 2-Hour Private Tour

2. Medieval Lucca for Kids: 2-Hour Private Tour

Begin your guided 2-hour private tour at St. Martin Cathedral in the city center of Lucca. The intricacy of the design of the exterior of the cathedral will greet you, then enter to cathedral and allow for mythical animals and ancient legends to be unveiled as you explore. Your guide will explain the symbols seen and the intriguing legends and miracles associated with them. Throughout the tour, sketch the lions, dragons, mermaids, and griffons as seen on the facades of the churches and learn to read the façades of the tower houses that once belonged to the wealthy merchants of Lucca. Continue your tour with a visit to the Church of San Michele where you will find graffiti left inside and outside of the church by silk merchants. From the church, stroll through the medieval streets of Lucca and discover the subterranean area of the city, the walls of the city. After you will visit the historic Zecca, the oldest mint in Europe founded in 650 A.D, and learn how to mint a replica of the oldest European coin. Then finsih your tour with a well-earned gelato. 

Lucca: Guided City by Night Walking Tour

3. Lucca: Guided City by Night Walking Tour

Uncover the charm of Lucca as it lights up for the night on this group guided walking tour. Discover Romanesque churches and grand palazzos. Follow your guide to find secret gems that only locals know. Meet your guide amid the medieval architecture in Piazza San Michele. Walk to the church of Roman Catholic basilica of San Michele which was built atop a Roman forum. Admire the massive sculptures and inlays of the church's façade when they are lit for the night. View the trees on the Torre Guinigi tower and stand in the center of the unique Amphitheater square. Look at the shinning golden mosaic on the façade of the basilica of San Frediano. Climb the Renaissance ramparts for a stunning view of the Cathedral of San Martino.

Lucca: City Highlights Walking Tour

4. Lucca: City Highlights Walking Tour

Get an insider’s view of Lucca’s most historic neighborhoods on a group walking tour of the Amphitheater Square, the Palazzo Pfanner, the Piazza San Martino. Begin your urban walking adventure by meeting your guide at the Saint Maria Gate, where you'll hear straight to the Amphitheater Square. Learn how it was built on the ruins of a Roman arena, giving it its iconic ovular shape. Next, head towards the Palazzo Pfanner, a stunning palace with Baroque style architecture and opulent gardens. The historic city of Lucca is made of fortress style architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries. Unlike most cities, Lucca is a peaceful and slow-paced place, which you'll notice on your relaxed walking tour. Then, continue your journey down the main shopping street of Via Fillungo, where you can grab a bite to eat and do a little shopping, before walking to the Piazza San Martino — home to several important monuments, including the Lucca Cathedral, built in 1070. Carry on towards the Teatro del Giglio, which is the historic city theater and opera house. Finally, walk along the walls in front of the Porta San Pietro, and enjoy panoramic views overlooking the picturesque city.

From Florence: Pisa and Lucca Full-Day Private Tour

5. From Florence: Pisa and Lucca Full-Day Private Tour

Discover the cities of Pisa and Lucca, as you travel on a total freedom tour to Western Tuscany. Start at Piazza dei Miracoli and see the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Monumental Graveyard and the iconic Leaning Tower. Take your time to enjoy the stunning sights, have a stroll around the city and do some shopping, if you want, as your chauffeur will be happy to meet you anytime, at any place. Continue to Lucca, and appreciate its 16th century intact walls. Visit its famous Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, Via Fillungo, filled with unique shops, restaurants and neighborhood people. See the Guinigi Tower with its roof garden, the Clock Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral. Take a relaxing walk along the city walls and enjoy wonderful views over the city and its rooftops. Your chauffeur will remain at your disposal for the entire day. End with a drive back to your accommodation in Florence.

Lucca: Private Guided Walking Tour

6. Lucca: Private Guided Walking Tour

Lucca, is a small jewel just north-west of Florence, which rises from the green of its neighboring valley as an almost intact testimony of the succession of centuries and domination. Its history is told above all by its form, by monuments, by streets and structures of every age that coexist in harmony. This classic itinerary was designed for those who come to visit the city of Lucca for the first time, or those who do not wish to dwell only on a historical period, but rather to have a global vision of the history of the city. Your tour includes a visit to the most significant monuments through which your guide will retrace all the historical and artistic phases. Among many other sites, you will visit the Church of St. Michael, a Roman-Catholic basilica with sublime details, built in 795.

La Spezia: Full-Day Private Shore Excursion to Pisa & Lucca

7. La Spezia: Full-Day Private Shore Excursion to Pisa & Lucca

Meet your private driver-guide in La Spezia as close as possible to your ship's arrival for the pleasant hour's drive to the charming medieval city of Lucca. It is a city enclosed and protected through the centuries by an imposing 16th-century wall, which is one of the best-preserved Renaissance defenses in Europe. Discover the city's Roman features with the Church of San Michele in Foro standing on the site of the original Roman forum. It was here that Giacomo Puccini began his musical career as a choir boy. Strolling along the lively shopping street of Via Fillungo, you will arrive at the Church of San Frediano with its 6th-century origins. See the tomb of Saint Zita (1278), mentioned by Dante in the Inferno movie, whose mummified body can be seen through the glass. Discover the unique shaped arena, Piazza Anfiteatro, constructed in the 1st century A.D. under Emperor Claudius with 54 arches and a cave able to hold as many as ten thousand spectators in 18 rows of seats. The Cathedral of San Martino houses the precious holy relic, the Volto Santo, a cedar wood crucifix said to be a true portrait of Jesus sculpted by Nicodemus, an eyewitness to the crucifixion. Also, see the remarkable marble tomb of Ilaria del Carretto and Tintoretto's infamous 'Last Supper.'  The city is filled with artisans and tempting delicatessens offering Tuscan specialties, and Lucca is particularly renowned for its olive oil. Not to be missed are the underground cellars of Enoteca Vanni, offering a tempting selection of wines from all over Italy. Lunch will be at your own cost, and your driver can make recommendations and point you in the right direction. You may even have time to enjoy lunch at a local vineyard on the outskirts of town before taking the short drive to the 11th-century powerful maritime republic of Pisa. Enjoy a driving tour of the city, which will lead you to the heart of one of the most important monuments in Italy, the breathtaking Piazza dei Miracoli with its Baptistry, the cathedral, Campo Santo Cemetery, and of course, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You'll be free to explore some of the city on foot before meeting up with your driver for the return journey back to your ship in the port of La Spezia.

Pisa: Lucca Private Guided Tour by Train

8. Pisa: Lucca Private Guided Tour by Train

Embark on a private guided tour to discover the stunning architecture and rich history of Pisa and Lucca. Benefit from an expert local guide's efficiency to make the most of your time on this single tour covering the most important sites of Tuscany. On a guided tour, explore Miracle's Square in Pisa, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery with skip-the-line tickets. Choose the tower-included option with pre-reserved tickets, and enjoy the highlight of every tour in Pisa, the famous leaning tower. Follow your guide to the train station and take the local train from Pisa to Lucca. Enjoy legendary scenic views of Tuscany for about 30 minutes on a relaxing journey. You can choose to start the tour from Lucca and end in Pisa. In Lucca, take a pleasant guided walk into the enchanting historical center and see the beautiful walls that surround the city. Enjoy a guided tour of the Duomo with your guide and continue with a leisurely stroll along the charming, bustling Fillungo Street. Choose to indulge in a tasting of Lucca's famous Buccellato cake or relax with an aperitif. Return train tickets to Pisa and Lucca are included.

Other Sightseeing Options in Lucca Cathedral

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What people are saying about Lucca Cathedral

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 25 reviews

Paola was extremely knowledgeable and kind throughout our tour and was pleasant and put us both at ease. We learned so much about Lucca and even that our apartment is located in the ancient amphitheater which I found really incredible. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Lucca and be sure to ask for Paola! Margo Brody and Deborah Adams

We met up with our guide, Anna - she was an amazing stortteller, and gave us a great tour around the center of Lucca. We had a 4 year Old girl with us, and she was totally focused. The idea with the notebook is really good, but it could have been even better if there also was notebooks for the ‘grown ups’.

Highly recommend! Our kids (8 and 5) were absolutely engaged the whole time. Our guide Lucia, who was born in Lucca had little activities for them to do before each sight along the way and present the tour to interest and engage the children. They LOVED it!

Paola is very knowledgeable, dedicated, friendly and loves her city of Lucca. This makes the city tour an enrichment for every vacationer here.

Our driver, Pedericio, was the warmest, kindest, most knowledgeable person. We feel blessed to have met him.