The historical centre, now a pedestrian precinct, plunges the visitor
back in time
and provides the perfect setting to savour the old world charm,
where time and space take on a new dimension,
no longer found in today's
modern cities.
Palaces and Museums
-Palazzo Mansi
one of the most important noble palaces in Lucca. Elaborately furnished,
is the symbol of wealth achieved by the mercantile families of Lucca.
Today it is a National Museum which houses paintings from the 16th
to the 20th centuries (admission fee)
-Villa Guinigi
an ancient Gothic villa which belonged to the Guinigi family. Today it
is a national museum which houses in its two halls, paintings and sculptures
from Lucca and its territory from the very origins to the 18th century
(admission fee)
-Palazzo Pfanner
this is one of the few city palaces which boasts a Baroque garden of
exceptional beauty, probably designed by Filippo Juvarra. The perspective
of the hedges and allegorical statues recreates the typical stage setting
of the late 17th century. It is also possible to visit the palace inside
(admission fee)
-Palazzo Ducale
this is the government palace of the Republic of Lucca designed by Bartolomeo
Ammannati. In the 16th century the interior was completely renovated
in the Neo-Classical style and later became the residence of the Princess
Elisa Baciocchi Bonaparte. It is today the "Prefettura" and
the local provincial administration
( free admission only in the boardrooms and by appointment )
-Villa Buonvisi Bottini
this palace heralded the villas with gardens in Lucca. It was built in
the 16th century on the inside of the Renaissance city walls representing
a status symbol of the powerful Buonvisi family. Today it is the office
of the local city hall.
( free admission only in the reception rooms and by appointment)