Chiasso Barletti
Experience the Charm of Chiasso Barletti in Lucca
Piazza San Michele: Lucca's Ancient Heart
Discover Piazza San Michele in Lucca, a historic square where Roman heritage meets medieval charm, surrounded by stunning architecture and vibrant culture.
Piazza San Michele, also known as Piazza delle Catene, marks the site of Lucca's ancient Roman forum and remains the city's vibrant heart. Dominated by the magnificent Church of San Michele in Foro, the square is surrounded by medieval architecture and bustling with cafes and shops.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Piazza San Michele
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
P.za San Michele, Lucca, Province of Lucca, 55100, IT
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Getting There
Walking
Piazza San Michele is located in the heart of Lucca's historic center, easily accessible on foot from most points within the city walls. From Piazza Napoleone, walk north along Via Roma, and you'll find Piazza San Michele on your right in about 5 minutes. From the Lucca train station, exit the station and walk straight through Porta San Pietro. Follow Via San Paolino for about 15 minutes until you reach Piazza San Michele.
Public Transport
Lucca's public transport system consists of a network of buses. Several bus lines stop near Piazza San Michele. From the train station, you can take a bus to Piazza Verdi, which is a short walk from Piazza San Michele. A single bus ticket costs around €1.50.
Taxi
Taxis are available at Piazza Santa Maria and Piazza Napoleone. A taxi ride from the train station to Piazza San Michele will cost approximately €10-15. Ensure the meter is running or negotiate the fare beforehand.
Parking
Driving within Lucca's city walls is restricted, and parking is limited. Several parking lots are located outside the walls, including Park Carducci (€5 per day) and Park Palatucci (€6 per day). From these parking areas, you can take a bus or walk to Piazza San Michele. Parking inside the walls in blue spaces costs €1-1.50 per hour.
Local tips
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Enjoy an aperitivo at one of the cafes surrounding the piazza for a taste of local life.
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Visit the Church of San Michele in Foro to admire its unique Romanesque architecture and the statue of Archangel Michael.
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Explore the medieval buildings around the square, including Palazzo Pretorio and Palazzo Gigli.
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Take a stroll along Via Fillungo, Lucca's main shopping street, which leads to Piazza San Michele.
Discover more about Piazza San Michele
Piazza San Michele, the true heart of Lucca, stands on the site of the ancient Roman forum, at the intersection of the city's main Roman roads. Known also as Piazza delle Catene (Square of the Chains), it gets its name from the chains that connect the marble columns surrounding the square.
Throughout history, Piazza San Michele has been the center of Lucca's administrative, political, and religious life. In the Middle Ages, Lucca was a silk capital of Europe, and the square became a meeting point for merchants and traders. Today, the square is surrounded by medieval buildings featuring round and pointed arches and mullioned windows. Impressive buildings such as the Palazzo Pretorio (1492) and Palazzo Gigli (1529) also border the square.
The square's most prominent feature is the Church of San Michele in Foro, a Romanesque-style church with Gothic elements. The church's elaborate facade includes a large statue of Archangel Michael slaying a dragon. Legend says that on the brightest days, you can see the sparkle of an emerald embedded in the statue. The square also features a statue of Francesco Burlamacchi, a local politician from the 16th century.
A brief summary to Piazza San Michele
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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