Lucca and its historical Palaces
From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance: the ancient mansions of the city
You will begin your visit from the eastern part of Lucca, which best shows the city's development over the centuries, from the 19th-century gate built by Princess Elisa Bonaparte, Napoleon's sister. Then, proceeding alongside a part of the Roman "decumanus maximus" (street axis from west to east), you will arrive at the central square, piazza San Michele and the church of the same name. Exploring the Medieval alleys with their typical workshops, we will also see imposing Renaissance and Neoclassical palaces, dating back to the 15th century onwards, which belonged to wealthy merchants’ families.
You will have lunch in a local ‘trattoria’, where you can taste the typical dishes of the local cuisine. In the afternoon, you will continue visiting the historical centre, a highlight being the cathedral and Baptistry, one of the most significant churches in town, built on the remains of an older religious building dating back to the 19th century but going back to the 6th century b.C. The tour finishes at one of the most elegant seventeenth-century buildings, Palazzo Pfanner, which has been used as a film set for famous national and international movies. After admiring its sumptuous interior and garden, a drink will be served in the wonderful garden in front of the Renaissance walls.
Notes:
- Comfortable clothing is recommended.
- For groups with more than 4 people, quotations are on request.
- Free for children up to 12 years old.
The indicated price is valid for one person (a minimum of 2 persons is required).
Prices include
- guided tour
- drink in the historical garden
Supplemental charges
- cathedral’s, baptistry’s and historical palace’s tickets
- lunch in a typical "trattoria"
- anything not mentioned under the "Prices Include" section