Discover Lucca: Through Time and Taste

As a travel photographer, I have been fortunate to explore the world’s hidden gems through the lens of my camera. Yet, few places have left me feeling as enchanted as Lucca, Italy. Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, this charming city has captured my heart over the years with its rich history, stunning architecture, and delectable cuisine. Join me on a journey through time and taste as I recount my first impressions of this enchanting city.

It’s pronounced ‘Loo-Kuh’ – for anyone that might be an English speaker 🙂

My first encounter with Lucca was honestly pretty impactful, as Lucca has something that many cities in Italy don’t have – at least not anymore. Before you even get into the city, you’ll be immediately impressed by the sprawling lawn and immaculate wall that surrounds the entire city. If you’ve never seen a walled city like this, it’s truly a remarkable site.

What’s more, is that once you enter the city you can actually go on top of the walls where you’ll find sprawling tree-lined pathways atop the walls. You heard that right. The walls that surround the city, with 4,2 km/2,60 miles of brick, stone and earth have been transformed into a lush park, where locals and tourists alike find solace beneath the shade of centuries-old trees. The view from this elevated vantage point offers a unique view of the city from an elevated vantage point. Needless to say when I saw this for the first time, I honestly couldn’t wait to capture it all.

Mura Di Lucca

Lucca, Italy

What’s more is that once you enter the city you can actually go on top of the walls where you’ll find sprawling tree-lined pathways atop the walls. You heard that right. The walls that surround the city, with 4,2 km/2,60 miles of brick, stone and earth have been transformed into a lush park, where locals and tourists alike find solace beneath the shade of centuries-old trees. The view from this elevated vantage point offered a breathtaking panorama of the city. Needless to say when I saw this for the first time, I honestly couldn’t wait to capture it all through my lens.

Mura Di Lucca

Lucca, Italy

Nature’s Sanctuary

Lucca, Italy

Nature’s Sanctuary

Lucca, Italy

Descending from the walls, I wandered through Lucca’s streets, each corner revealing architectural wonders that seem to transcend time. The buildings, with their often white or warm, pastel hues, leaned gracefully toward one another, creating narrow, winding paths that beckoned me to explore further.

One of the first landmarks that caught my eye was the Giunigi Tower. This unique structure stood proudly with an unexpected surprise – a garden of oak trees crowning its rooftop. As I gazed up at the tower, I couldn’t help but imagine the noble Giunigi family enjoying the serene beauty of their secret garden. I also thought to myself – what ON EARTH?! Trees on the top of a tower? Let’s be real – It’s SO cool.

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My path then led me to Piazza San Michele, where the Chiesa di San Michele in Foro graced the square with its presence. The church’s façade was a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, adorned with intricate sculptures and ornate details. I must admit, at first glance, I mistook it for the Duomo – a testament to the city’s rich architectural heritage.

At this point I was rather famished, and thirsty, so I discovered what has now become one of my favorite watering holes in Lucca – La Tana del Boia. The owners are seriously so nice, and their taglieri and drinks are great.

Speaking about food now, I think I’ll take this opportunity to share some of my favorite places to eat and drink at in Lucca 🙂

The Power Of Noir

Lucca, Italy

The Power Of Noir

Lucca, Italy

Before we get there though, here are some interesting details about Lucca’s culinary history that I think would be interesting to share:

While Lucca’s history and architecture are amazing, a journey to Lucca would be incomplete without savoring the flavors of this Tuscan treasure. Lucca’s cuisine is deeply intertwined with its cultural heritage, and every dish seems to tell a story of the region’s history and traditions.

One of my favorite culinary discoveries in Lucca is “Tordelli Lucchesi” – a unique pasta dish that’s a true testament to the region’s culinary artistry. These plump, square-shaped pasta parcels are generously filled with a savory mixture of meat, spinach, and cheese. The combination of flavors are truly delicious.

Another culinary highlight is “Farro Soup,” a dish that has been cherished for centuries in Lucca. Made with farro grains, vegetables, and often seasoned with fragrant herbs, this hearty soup felt like a warm hug from Tuscany itself. As I savored each spoonful, I couldn’t help but appreciate how the simplicity of the ingredients celebrated the essence of Italian cooking.

Something else that I had never tried before that is a common Lucchese delicacy is called “Torta d’erba” – or “Torta coi becchi“, which is a rustic cake typical of Lucca- a recipe that combines sweet with savory. Imagine eating something that looks like nothing like it tastes. If they know you don’t speak Italian they might offer you vegetable cake, and honestly you should say yes. Super yum.

Before we get there though, here’s some interesting details about Lucca I think you should know:

Piazza dell’Anfiteatro

Lucca, Italy

Something else that I had never tried before that is a common Lucchese delicacy is called “Torta d’erba” – or “Torta coi becchi“, which is a rustic cake typical of Lucca- a recipe that combines sweet with savory. Imagine eating something that looks like nothing like it tastes. If they know you don’t speak English they might offer you vegetable cake, and honestly you should say yes. Super yum.

While you’re here, also be sure to check out my full collection of art featuring Lucca! Here are a few examples <3