The spacious tree-lined Piazza Napoleone lures thousands of visitors daily with its quaint cafés, intriguing architecture and regular rock concerts. The wide-open plaza, which is Lucca’s principal gathering point, is also known as Piazza Grande. Elisa Bonaparte, who ruled this city between 1805 and 1815, dedicated it to her military brother.
Take a leisurely walk around the sides of the piazza to take in the interesting façades of the buildings. See the enormous Ducal Palace, where Elisa once resided. It is now home to offices for Lucca’s provincial government. It has been the political and administrative hub of the city for more than 800 years.
See the 17th-century Teatro del Giglio that sits in an adjacent plaza. It is one of the oldest theatres in the country. You can see a range of shows, such as an operatic performance, a symphonic music concert or a dance festival. Many of the locals like to enjoy a picnic in the square in the summer months. Purchase fresh food from shops in the region and eat under the cool shade of a tree alongside the Lucchese.
In the summer, the piazza hosts rock concerts featuring some of the most famous musical talents in the world. Reserve a ticket for one of the evening concerts in July. Attend the Lucca Summer Festival, which takes place in the piazza once per year. There is a stage and enormous screens in front of the Ducal Palace, which provides a dramatic backdrop for the performances. The list of internationally renowned artists who have played in the plaza over the years features Eric Clapton, James Brown and Elton John. You can book tickets online from the Summer Festival’s official website.
There are seasonal attractions that take place in December. Make use of the ice rink and take the kids to the children’s carousel ride.
You can find Piazza Napoleone right in the centre of the city. Walk 10 minutes from the main train station or bus terminal.
