Lucchesi Villas

In the countryside surrounding Lucca lie a number of elegant villas standing in beautiful formal gardens. For rich Lucchesi families between the 16^th and 19^th centuries, these residences were their summer retreats from the hustle and bustle of Lucca. Although many have fallen into disrepair, there are still some impressive examples which are open to the public.

To the east of Lucca, Villa Torrigiani is a veritable baroque homage to Versailles and has one of the loveliest rose gardens in Tuscany, and at Villa Garzoni there is a particularly impressive cascading water garden and a butterfly house. And to the north at Marlia are three more superb residences: Villa Oliva, Villa Grabau and Villa Reale.

Festivals and events

Lucca is a bustling place, with lots going on throughout the year. During the Lucca Summer Festival throughout July, big-name open air concerts take place in the wonderful Piazza Napoleone.

Two more traditional events are the ‘Palio di San Paolino’ on 12^th July (centred around a crossbow tournament, but also plenty of traditional flagwaving, a costumed procession etc) and the ‘Luminaria di Santa Croce’ on 13^th September, involving a night-time candlelit procession through the town.

Lucca also holds an antiques fair once a month, on the third Sunday and the preceding Saturday.

The coast

Lucca is only about half an hour’s drive from the Versilia coast, encompassing towns such as Viareggio, Camaiore, Pietrasanta, Forte dei Marmi, as well as the Regional Park of Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli to the south and the Park of Apuane to the north.

The beaches along this coastline are some of the widest in Italy, the majority boasting fine golden sand and promenades alongside with copious bars and restaurants. In summer, sunbathers usually have to hire a lounger and parasol to ensure a space on the sand; the beaches are kept clean and safe, with facilities on hand and usually lifeguards on duty.