Unlike its more famous Tuscan neighbours, the stunning medieval city of Lucca retains a refreshing authenticity. Locals shop in the mercato by morning, jog and cycle the city walls at weekends; families stroll the piazzas eating gelato. Your photos may show the Leaning Tower or the Duomo, but your memories will be of Lucca.
Tucked away on a peaceful residential street in the city's historic heart is this stylish apartment, housed within a grand 16th-century palazzo on Via Guinigi. Sympathetically renovated by the owners of the gorgeous Palazzetta del Vescovo in Umbria, it exudes a sense of grandeur from the moment you open the door. Double-height oak beamed ceilings crown the comfy open-plan lounge, while tall windows provide unimpeded views of the Guinigi tower, famously sprouting oak trees from its roof. Walk through double doors to the bedroom and there's another surprise: original frescoes adorn every inch of wall and ceiling, creating the illusion of sleeping under a theatrical canopy. It's perfectly practical too: there's a well-equipped kitchen for self-catering, and a washing machine for longer stays.
Highs
- Lucca itself: a medieval gem hidden between the tourist honeypots of Pisa and Florence, full of art, history and dolce vita
- Everything is walkable - fine restaurants, boutiques, the Pizza dell' Anfiteatro, the city walls - and the centre is pedestrianised
- Being just 30 mins from Pisa airport, you could come for a long weekend (the owners prefer stays of 4+ nights, but may accept 3)
- Interiors are full of light, with high ceilings and original frescoes; a great place to wow your loved one
- Exceptional value for money for the space provided
Lows
- The apartment is on the 2nd floor, with no elevator, so won't suit those with mobility issues
- Driving in the centre is very tricky, and the nearest free parking is outside the walls
- The owners don't live on site, but the excellent caretaker offers a thorough meet-and-greet, and is only a phone call away if needed
- Check-in is normally between 4-7pm; but you can discuss exact timings before arrival, and late check-ins are possible for a fee
- No children are allowed
Best time to go
Lucca is the kind of place you could visit at any time of year - both apartments have air-con for summer and central heating for winter - and each season has its charms. Winter is the time to live like a local for a week or more; Paola can put you in touch with Italian language or cookery tutors if that interests you. Spring and autumn are magical, with snow on the distant peaks until April, and warm autumnal hues in early-mid October. Summer can be hot - you're almost at sea-level - but it is the busiest time culturally.
Our top tips
If you're coming in July, check out Lucca's summer festival which in draws some big-name jazz and rock bands to the lovely outdoor setting of Piazza Napoleone (Nick Cave and Diana Krall were on when we visited). Early spring is also good for festivals, including the Camelia Show at Pieve and S.Andrea di Compito (first 3 weekends in March); the Verdemura open-air garden show and market held along the city walls (March-April); St. Zita Flower Show (late April); Montecarlo's Wineries on the Square and Wine Festival (April-May).
- Boutique apartment
- 1-bedroom apartment
- Self-catering, restaurants nearby
- Not suitable
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Maid service every 5 days
Rooms
The apartment is gorgeous, historic and spacious, with a huge open-plan living area, deep red comfy sofas, bright modern art, thick burgundy curtains and patterned rugs which add homely warmth to antique grandeur. Tall windows look past tiled roofs to the Guinigi Tower - what a privilege to have such views. High tech features include air-con, good WiFi, a sound system and a big satellite TV. In one corner is a dining table for 4; behind a partition is a well-equipped kitchen (see Eating).
The bedroom is a show-stopper. A kingsize bed and chaise longue are dwarfed by 18th-century frescoes adorning walls and ceiling which provide a romantic sense of theatre. Ample storage is cleverly concealed behind a partition to protect the frescoes. Beautiful wrought-iron radiators and antique dressers show the care lavished by Paola during the restoration. The sparklingly clean blue bathroom has a shower and washing machine, plus lovely toiletries by Prija (when we visited).
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Microwave
- WiFi
Eating
The compact but well-equipped kitchen is sectioned off from the living area, and jam-packed with all you could need: dishwasher, fridge-freezer, oven with induction hob, microwave, toaster, kettle, Nespresso machine, filter coffee jug; plus iron and hairdryer in the bathroom.
Milk, juice, jam, water, tea, sugar and coffee await you on arrival (and your bottle of Prosecco for booking through i-escape). Mingle with the locals buying the freshest of produce at the morning mercato, a few minutes’ walk away; or lie in and raid the supermarkets and grocery stores (a little further). Paola can arrange a private chef for something special a casa, and a pre-arrival shop if you're arriving late.
You have an endless supply of excellent restaurants on your doorstep, and Paola details the best in the information pack. Caffè del Mercato is good for a light breakfast, offering great coffee, local pastries and sandwiches. L’Olivo ("Since 1944") has 3 elegantly furnished dining rooms, and a beautiful covered veranda (heated in winter) overlooking Piazza San Quirico. Just around the corner is newer Canuleia which has a lovely garden, and AllOsteria on via Sant Andrea.
Features include:
- Microwave
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Wander the pedestrian streets of Lucca's medieval centre, culminating in the perfectly preserved Roman oval of the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro
- Renowned composer Giacomo Puccini was born in Lucca, and the city attracts many students to its music schools; look out for concerts in cathedrals, squares and street corners, and there's a Puccini museum too
- The antique market is every 3rd weekend of the month in the streets around the cathedral
- Hire a bike round the corner and cycle (or jog) atop the broad, tree-lined city walls
- Fans of Baroque architecture can arrange visits to the elegant summer villas around the city, such as Villa Torrigiani, with its lovely landscaped gardens
- Pisa is 30 mins away, Florence 50 mins by car (or train); Siena and the beaches of Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi about an hour
- The dramatic peaks and wooded valleys of the Garfagnana and the Apuan Alps are a short drive north, with hiking routes including the historic Via Francigena
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cooking classes
- Cycling
- Golf
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Shopping / markets
Kids
Unfortunately, the apartment is not suitable for children under 16.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The apartment is in the heart of Lucca's medieval city centre, in northwest Tuscany.
By Air
The nearest airport is Pisa, which has a wide range of flights from around Europe. Alternatively you could fly to Rome or Milan (long-haul connections), or to Florence if you're including that city in your trip. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.
From the Airport
You can arrange a transfer, or there are regular trains and buses from Pisa airport to central Lucca. Both the bus station (Piazzale Verdi) and the train station in Lucca are about 1km from the apartment - a short cab ride, or 15 mins' walk if you're fit!
By Car
We really don't recommend using a car during your stay in Lucca, as the streets are very narrow and full of one-way systems. However if you need one for the rest of your trip, see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Pisa (Galileo Galilei) 33.0 km PSA
- Florence (Peretola) 68.0 km FLR
Other:
- Beach 35.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km