With rock concerts, cafés, interesting architecture and a wide open space, the sprawling tree-lined Piazza Napoleone has a broad appeal that attracts thousands of visitors every day.
Lucca’s main public square is also called Piazza Grande. It was dedicated to Napoleon by his sister Elisa Bonaparte who ruled the city from 1805 to 1815.
Stroll around the piazza’s perimeter to survey the facades of the buildings. The focal point is the colossal Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducal), once home to Elisa and now the headquarters of Lucca’s provincial government. For more than 800 years the building has been the political and administrative centre of the city.
Pay a visit to the Teatro del Giglio in the adjacent piazza. Built in the mid-17th century, it’s one of the oldest theatres in Italy. Watch an opera, listen to a symphonic music concert or enjoy the spring dance season.
Piazza Napoleone is a favourite picnic spot of the Lucchese. Buy fresh regional produce from nearby shops and enjoy your food under the shade of a tree just as the locals do.
Every summer the piazza rocks to the sounds of some of the biggest musical artists on the planet. If you will be in the city during July, reserve a ticket for one of the many evening concerts held here. The piazza is a venue for the Lucca Summer Festival, an annual musical celebration. A stage and giant television screens are erected with the Ducal Palace providing a dramatic backdrop for the performances. Among the international artists who have played to enthusiastic crowds in recent years are Elton John, Eric Clapton, James Brown and Pink. Purchase tickets from the Summer Festival’s official website.
During December, enjoy the square’s seasonal attractions, including a temporary ice rink and children’s carousel ride.
Situated in the centre of Lucca, the piazza is about a 10-minute walk from the train station and a quarter mile (400 metres) from the bus terminus in Piazzale Verdi.
