Piazza Napoleone, Lucca Travel Guide

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Lucca's main square, Piazza Napoleone, a historic and cultural gem showcasing neoclassical design and hosting vibrant events.

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Piazza Napoleone

Piazza Napoleone, also known as Piazza Grande, is the largest square in Lucca, Italy, and a historical focal point of the city. Commissioned by Elisa Bonaparte, Napoleon's sister, in 1805, it showcases neoclassical design and serves as a venue for public gatherings and events.

A brief summary to Piazza Napoleone

P.za Napoleone, Lucca, Province of Lucca, 55100, IT
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Piazza Napoleone.

Visit during the Lucca Summer Festival in July for vibrant concerts.
Explore the ancient foundations visible through glass blocks along the square's edge.
Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere with an ice skating rink and carousel.

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Explore Piazza Napoleone on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Piazza Napoleone, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Piazza Napoleone is located within Lucca's historic walls, making it easily accessible on foot from most points within the city center. From the Lucca train station, it's approximately a 10-minute walk. Exit the station and follow Viale Camillo Benso Cavour, then turn right onto Via Roma, which leads directly to the Piazza.
Public Transport

The nearest bus stop to Piazza Napoleone is Via del Peso, a 4-minute walk away. Several bus lines connect the train station and other parts of Lucca to this area. Look for bus lines 2+, 4, 5, 3+, or E10. A single bus ticket costs around €1-€2.
Taxi

Taxis are available at the Lucca train station and other locations throughout the city. A taxi ride from the train station to Piazza Napoleone typically takes around 4 minutes and costs approximately €9-€10. There is also a taxi stand on Piazza Napoleone.

Discover more about Piazza Napoleone

Piazza Napoleone, often called Piazza Grande by locals, has been at the heart of Lucca's political and social life for centuries. Though its current form dates back to the early 19th century, the site's importance stretches back much further.In 1322, Castruccio Castracani, a powerful leader, built the Augusta Fortress and a palace here. However, the people of Lucca destroyed these structures in 1370 after Castracani's expulsion. It wasn't until the Napoleonic era that the square took on its present shape. Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, Napoleon's sister and Princess of Lucca from 1805 to 1815, dedicated the square to her brother and initiated a complete redesign.The redesign, led by architects Giovanni Lazzarini and Pierre-Theodore Bienimé, prioritized the Palazzo Ducale. To create the grand space, surrounding houses, warehouses, a tower, the archive, workshops, and the Church of San Pietro Maggiore were demolished. Sycamore trees were planted to frame the square. After the Congress of Vienna, Maria Luisa, Duchess of Lucca, commissioned Lorenzo Nottolini to renovate the Palazzo Ducale and Lorenzo Bartolini to sculpt a statue for the square.Today, Piazza Napoleone is a vibrant hub. The Palazzo Ducale, which occupies the west side of the square, houses provincial offices. In the summer, the square hosts cultural events and concerts, such as the Lucca Summer Festival. Archaeological excavations in 1998 revealed the foundations of buildings destroyed during the Napoleonic era, which can be viewed through glass blocks along the square's edge.