SORROUNDINGS
LUCCA
Lucca: the city of 100 churches, with countless splendid examples of the Romanesque style including the famous sculpture of Ilaria del Carretto in the Cathedral, is completely surrounded by 4 km of ancient walls, perfectly intact, which can be explored on foot or by bicycle. The city is navigated exclusively on foot among sumptuous ancient palaces, in a labyrinth of narrow streets that alternate with unexpected squares, wine bars, small restaurants, historic cafés, and old-fashioned shops.
SITES
Le Mura di Lucca
Piazza Anfiteatro
Museo Nazionale Palazzo Mansi
Museo Nazionale Villa Guinigi
Fondazione Ragghianti
Orto Botanico di Lucca
Torre Guinigi
Itinerario pucciniano
SHOPPING
Mywalit
Acqua dell'Elba
Meraviglie
La Tessenda
Calliphora
Gioielleria Carli
Antica Bottega di Prospero
BARS & RESTAURANTS
Caffè Santa Zita
Caffè di Simo
Taddeucci
Pasticceria Pinelli
Gli Orti di Elisa
Trattoria da Giulio
Giglio
La Dritta
EVENTS
Lucca Comics & Games
Summer Music Festival
Pianeta Terra Festival
ITINERARIES
VERSILIA
30 min from Orbicciano
Versilia is a captivating region of northwestern Tuscany, renowned for its expansive beaches, vibrant nightlife, and the dramatic backdrop of the Apuan Alps. It encompasses the historic heart of Pietrasanta and Forte dei Marmi, extending through the coastal charm of Viareggio and the inland beauty of Massarosa.
The true magic of Versilia lies in its variety; within just a few kilometers, the scenery shifts from a coastline of fine golden sand to the majestic marble peaks of the Alps. This unique territory is also home to historic hamlets like Pietrasanta and Camaiore, ancient stops along the storied Via Francigena.
In the surrounding area, just a few kilometers from Lucca, lie the magnificent villas of Torrigiani, Oliva, Mansi, and Villa Reale di Marlia. These estates and their stunning Italian gardens are open to the public and famously enchanted the writer Montaigne during his travels.
The Versilia coast is easily reached in just 30 minutes, set against the backdrop of the Apuan Alps. Nearby is the elegant town of Pietrasanta—a global center for sculpture once home to Michelangelo—while Forte dei Marmi awaits with its expansive beaches and vibrant nightlife.
For those seeking outdoor activity, you can walk the ancient Via Francigena or explore the untouched forests of the Garfagnana. The nearby mountains also offer scenic trekking and unique guided tours of the historic marble quarries.
VILLE OF LUCCHESIA
30 min from Orbicciano
The surrounding hills of Lucca are home to some of Tuscany’s most magnificent historic estates, including the villas of Torrigiani, Oliva, Mansi, and the Villa Reale di Marlia. These grand residences are celebrated for their stunning Italian gardens and monumental architecture, which have served as cultural centers for centuries.
Open to the public for visits, these estates often host summer concerts amidst their manicured parks. Their beauty is so enduring that the writer Montaigne, enchanted by his 16th-century Italian tour, famously recorded his impressions of them in his Essais.
borghi
30 min from Orbicciano
The landscape surrounding the estate is dotted with ancient stone villages that remain rooted in their agricultural heritage. At the heart of these hills is Orbicciano, a quiet settlement that grew around the family estate and its traditional farmhouses.
A short journey leads to other storied hamlets like Camaiore and Borgo a Mozzano, home to the legendary Ponte della Maddalena. These villages offer a glimpse into the authentic soul of Tuscany, where medieval architecture meets the peaceful rhythm of country life.
HIKES
30 min from Orbicciano
The territory offers a diverse landscape for those who love to explore on foot. You can walk stretches of the ancient Via Francigena as it winds through the Lucchesia, or follow scenic trekking paths into the untouched forests of the Garfagnana. For a more dramatic experience, the nearby Apuan Alps provide breathtaking trails and the unique opportunity to visit historic marble quarries.