Province of Lucca

Then there are two other towers in the city that can be visited: the Torre delle Ore, distinguishable by its precious 18th-century clock, and the bell tower of the Cathedral of San Martino, Lucca's cathedral. The church was first built in the 6th century, but now appears in the "new" version, after reconstruction in the 11th century and considerable extensions made between the 14th and 17th centuries. Does the facade remind you of anything? This is not surprising. In fact, it resembles that of the Pisa cathedral, although it is broken by the bell tower. Inside the church, don't miss Tintoretto's Last Supper and a wooden crucifix known as the Holy Face.

One last curiosity we would like to point out to you about Lucca is the house-museum of Giacomo Puccini. Yes, the famous composer of operas such as Turandot was born in Lucca. And in his house you can now admire original furniture, sheet music and personal items, such as his piano. Incidentally, 2024 will mark the centenary of Puccini's death: what better occasion to dedicate a visit to the places that saw him take his first steps?

The province of Lucca can be divided into four territories: the Plain of Lucca, the Middle Serchio Valley, Garfagnana, and Versilia.

Plain of Lucca

The Plain of Lucca is a wide plain in which the provincial capital is also located and is famous for its garden villas, particularly Villa Torrigiani in Camigliano, Villa Mansi in Segromigno, and the Villa Reale in Marlia (which was the home of Elisa Bonaparte, Napoleon's sister).

Media Valle del Serchio

In the area of the Media Valle del Serchio we find the Bagni di Lucca spa resort and, not far away, in Borgo di Mozzano, the Ponte della Maddalena, built around 1100 and rebuilt in 1300, with its classic "humpback" structure, consisting of a large pointed archway. It is also called the "Devil's Bridge" because of a curious legend: it is said that a master builder, unable to complete the construction of the bridge in time, allegedly asked the devil's help to finish it in one night, in exchange for the soul of the first person to cross it. When the devil completed the work, the master builder let a pig cross first, mocking him.

Also not far from Bagni di Lucca are the narrow gorges ofOrrido di Botri, a limestone canyon crossed by the Pelago stream and characterized by 200-meter-high walls. It is a unique and intact habitat for many species of flora and fauna, and a valuable site from a geological point of view. But, above all, it is a place of great fascination.

Versilia

Versilia is the most touristic area in the province of Lucca and certainly needs no introduction. Perhaps not everyone knows, however, that it includes not only the Riviera part, but also a mountainous part, where many marble quarries are located.

Among the most famous seaside resorts in Versilia are Viareggio (also known its carnival), Forte dei Marmi , and Pietrasanta. In addition to its famous sandy and equipped beaches, this area also features mountain villages and many places of cultural-historical and natural interest. Hidden in the mountains, for example, is the village of Sant'Anna di Stazzemo, which was the scene of a massacre by Nazi-Fascist troops in which many refugees perished, including several children. To commemorate this sad fact, in the village you will find the Historical Museum of the Resistance and an important war memorial.

The Bufalina Park, near Viareggio, is a perfect place to take pleasant walks, while the Massaciuccoli Oasis invites you to enjoy peace in the midst of nature and to observe a wide variety of birds. Nearby Lake Massaciuccoli can also be explored by kayak or canoe.

Literature enthusiasts should pay a visit to Villa La Versiliana, within the park of the same name, where Gabriele D'Annunzio stayed in the early 20th century and composed "La pioggia nel pineto," one of his most famous poems.

Garfagnana

The verdant area of Garfagnana is rich in other hidden treasures: here, between the valley and the mountains, in fact, there are many naturalistic and historical wonders. The Orecchiella Park, for example, is a vast protected area located on a plateau overlooked by the Pania di Corfino massif, and characterized by faggots, high-altitude grasslands, pastures, and rock walls. There is no shortage of lakes, but also villages, ancient hermitages and fortresses, such as the Fortress of Mont'Alfonso. Spectacular is the 4,500-meter-long Grotta del Vento, which is partially open to the public with three itineraries. It owes its name to the strong wind that can be felt upon accessing the cavern.

But Garfagnana is also rich in scenic villages, such as Coreglia Antelminelli, the towns of Castelnuovo Garfagnana, dominated by the Rocca Ariostesca, and Barga, included among the most beautiful villages in Italy, where Giovanni Pascoli's house-museum is also located. Isola Santa, on the other hand, is a picturesque village that has become an albergo diffuso and overlooks an artificial lake. A number of hiking and biking trails also depart from here to explore the surrounding area. In San Pellegrino in Alpe, the highest village in the Apennines and perched high, you will find the hospital and shrine of the saint who gives the village its name. A hike in the Lucchese-Modenese Apennines starts from here, passing through Rifugio Burigone, Passo delle Radici and Lago Santo Modenese.

A truly evocative route is the one that starts from the Arnetola Quarries and reaches the top of Mount Tambura, the second highest mountain in the Apuan Alps, crossing the pass of the same name, along what used to be called Via Vandelli. Although the elevation gain to be faced is not to be underestimated, you will be able to admire splendid panoramic views towards the hinterland of the province. A three-stage itinerary, on the other hand, allows you to climb the fourth highest peak in the Apuan Alps, Pania della Croce, and its two secondary peaks.

Wanting to choose somewhat less high but equally fascinating peaks, you are spoiled for choice. Some of the most beautiful hikes are to Mount Piglione, Mount Prana, and Mount Corchia. Within the latter is an underground complex of about 70 km of tunnels, ravines and shafts, the so-called Antro del Corchia, where you can admire a profusion of stalactites and stalagmites that generate a fairy-tale landscape. On Mount Croce, on the other hand, from May to June you can admire the blooms of the wild daffodil, also known as "of the poets," as well as a spectacular panorama that stretches to the sea.

Mountain bikers appreciate the area around the village of Camporgiano, which is part of the Garfagnana area. In addition to the loop route around the village, along which you can admire the Verrucole Fortress and made difficult by the large elevation gain, there is a second circular route that stretches to Casciana and Lake Gramolazzo, the only swimming lake in the Apuan Alps. For those who want to combine a bike ride with a hike, they can choose the loop trail that leads to Mount Sumbra. You can mountain bike up to a certain point and walk the last stretch (about an hour). On the way back you pass by the Vagli reservoir, in whose waters rests a sunken ghost town, and by Roggio.

Surrounding the Plain of Lucca are two small mountain ranges that attract outdoor enthusiasts: Mount Pisano, erroneously known by the plural "Monti Pisani" and located between the provinces of Lucca and Pisa, and thePizzorne Plateau, which is part of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, with nearby Mount Scarpiglione, a small scenic ledge leaning against the plateau. Many hikes can be taken here, exploring the peaks and enjoying the expansive views of the plain that is home to Lucca.