Exploring Italy

Within the walls of Lucca lie many historic churches, but the San Martino Cathedral is one which stands out.

The Lucca Cathedral makes quite a statement with its grand Gothic architecture and mix of marble and brick. While visiting th e cathedral, don’t miss a climb up the belfry to get your first view right across all of Lucca.

Orient yourself in this beautiful city by renting a bike or walking along the 4 kilometers of city walls. These walls were designed by none other than Leonardo Da Vinci. When they were no longer used for defense, the walls became a green leisure space for Lucca’s locals and visitors alike. Grab a bottle of wine and some snacks for a picnic on Lucca’s “rooftop patio”.

One of Lucca’s most distinctive features is the many medieval towers within its historic center. What makes the Torre Guinigi so interesting is that you can find oak trees sprouting from the roof of the red brick tower. To get a good city view which also includes the Torre Guinigi, it’s best if you climb the Torre delle Ore instead.

Of the many piazzas in the old town of Lucca, none are quite as distinctive as the Piazza dell’Anfiteatro. This is because this piazza rather unusually, has an oval shape similar to that of an arena. Entering the piazza through one of the tunnels at either end, you will pass outdoor seating for cafes and restaurants, making it a perfect stop for a cappuccino or Aperol Spritz!

Given how compact the city center of Lucca can seem, it may come as a surprise the first time you step into the Piazza Napoleone. Lined with trees and often boasting a merry-go-round or seasonal festival, the square is usually a lively place for locals to meet.

Walking the streets of Lucca you may get the impression that the city isn’t quite as grand as its Tuscan neighbors. That all changes when you reach the Piazza San Michele. This L-shaped square is bursting with graceful architecture, including the Praetorian Palace, converted banks, and the square’s focus, the Chiesa di San Michele in Foro.

Just to the north of Lucca you’ll find a patch of deep hillside that adds quite a bit of atmosphere to Lucca’s cityscape. But rather than just being a backdrop, this region is also home to the steep and picturesque Serchio Valley. Along this river valley you’ll find a number of quaint Villages like Bagni di Lucca, but also some utterly gorgeous bridges like the Ponte della Maddalena which have spanned the Serchio River for centuries. Click here or here for more inspiration on a trip to the Serchio Valley.

Located just one hour from Casale de' Pasquinelli, the city of Pisa is a really easy place to visit for the day. While Pisa is mostly known for its famous Leaning Tower, that’s not the only thing for tourists to see there. Just nearby you’ll find the equally picturesque Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery, not to mention the beautiful Renaissance buildings that surround Piazza dei Cavalieri. Click here for more info on travel to Pisa.

Carved into the side of a hill and just a 20 minute drive from Casale de' Pasquinelli, Collodi is a gorgeous medieval Village famous for being the home of Pinocchio (or more accurately, its creator, Carlo Collodi). Don’t leave without stopping by Pinocchio Park, home to the tallest wooden Pinocchio statue in the world, and nearby Garzoni Gardens, filled with Renaissance statues, ornate fountains, and lush bamboo groves. Click here for more information on Collodi.

Located north along the coast from Lucca, the Cinque Terre is a treasured national park. The national park is home to five idyllic Villages which cling to the region’s scenic coastline. With beaches, hiking trails, and plenty of food and wine on offer, there are certainly worse ways to spend a few days. Click here for more on travel to Cinque Terre.