Lucca: Walking Tour of Old Town, Piazza Anfiteatro & Cathedral

Summary

Lucca’s ancient streets echo with stories and laughter

You’ll wander Lucca’s winding streets with a local guide, hearing stories about Puccini and Roman ruins as you pass medieval towers and lively piazzas. Snap photos in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro and pause at Lucca Cathedral’s striking facade—with an option to explore its art-filled interior if you want more. It’s less about rushing than soaking up small moments along the way.

What’s the experience like?

You know that hollow sound your footsteps make on old stone? That’s how our Lucca walking tour started, right outside Porta San Donato. I remember the way our guide, Francesca, waved us over—her scarf was this wild shade of red that somehow matched the faded bricks behind her. She handed out little maps (which I promptly lost) and off we went through the city’s Renaissance walls, with a few locals weaving past on bikes, ringing their bells like they owned the place.

Via San Paolino felt busy but not rushed. There was this bakery letting out a warm, sweet smell—someone in our group joked about skipping the tour for pastries. Francesca pointed out a statue of Giacomo Puccini near his birthplace and tried humming a bit from La Bohème. I pretended to recognize it (I didn’t), but she grinned anyway. By the time we reached Piazza San Michele, I’d already snapped too many photos of church facades and got distracted by a dog chasing pigeons across the square.

Via Fillungo was packed with chatter and shop windows—leather bags, old tower houses stacked above boutiques, people greeting each other like it was a tiny village. We craned our necks at Torre Guinigi with its trees growing up top (how do they water those?). The mosaic on San Frediano glimmered in the afternoon light; honestly, I almost missed it because I was watching an old man arguing cheerfully with his friend about soccer scores. Then suddenly we were in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro—elliptical and strange, full of voices bouncing off yellow walls. You can still feel the Roman bones underneath everything here.

The last stretch led us to Lucca Cathedral. The marble outside looked kind of lopsided but beautiful in its own way—I liked that it wasn’t perfect. Some folks peeled off here, but a few of us paid the extra euros to go inside. The Volto Santo has this quiet pull; even if you’re not religious, there’s something about centuries of people coming to see it that gets under your skin. I still think about that hush inside, even now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided walking tour of Lucca center

• Meet at Piazzale Verdi, Porta San Donato
• Walk Via San Paolino, see San Paolino church
• Visit Piazza San Michele, photograph church facade
• See Giacomo Puccini's birthplace exterior
• Stroll Via Fillungo, view shops and towers
• See Torre delle Ore and Torre Guinigi
• Admire San Frediano church mosaic facade
• Visit Piazza Anfiteatro, note elliptical shape
• Walk to Cathedral of San Martino
• Tour ends at Cathedral exterior

Top questions

Is this Lucca walking tour suitable for families?

Yes, families are welcome—children ages 0-14 join free with a paid adult.

Where does the guided walking tour start?

The tour begins at Piazzale Verdi by Porta San Donato near Lucca’s tourist information center.

Are entry fees to Lucca Cathedral included?

No, entry to Lucca Cathedral is optional and costs €3 if you choose to go inside at the end.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes—all areas are wheelchair accessible and infants can ride in strollers or prams.

How long is the day trip around Lucca’s historic center?

The exact duration isn’t specified but covers key sites within central Lucca on foot.

Will we have a local guide during the walk?

Yes, your walking tour is led by a professional guide who shares stories throughout.

Does this tour include pickup or transportation?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at Piazzale Verdi in central Lucca.

What main attractions are visited on this walking tour?

You’ll see Church of San Michele in Foro, Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, Via Fillungo, Torre Guinigi (from outside), San Frediano Church exterior, and finish at Lucca Cathedral.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through Lucca’s historic center with a professional guide sharing stories at every stop; all main routes are wheelchair accessible and children under 15 join free when accompanied by an adult. Entry to sites like Lucca Cathedral is optional for a small fee if you want to continue exploring inside after the main route ends.