Piazza Napoleone Tours and Activities

Piazza Napoleone showing heritage architecture, a city and street scenes
Choose two or more items and save on your trip:
The largest square in Lucca is a favorite spot for socializing. Some of the biggest names in music entertain here.

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 center 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 theaters in Italy. Watch an opera, listen to a symphonic music concert or enjoy the spring dance season.

Piazza Napoleone is a favorite 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 center of Lucca, the piazza is about a 10-minute walk from the train station and a quarter mile (400 meters) from the bus terminus in Piazzale Verdi.

Plan a trip to see Piazza Napoleone

Aurum Uffizi
Aurum Firenze
Eurostars Florence Boutique
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Piazza Napoleone

Palazzo Dipinto
Palazzo Dipinto
4 out of 5
Piazza del Palazzo Dipinto, 27, Lucca
Palazzo Dipinto
Albergo San Martino
Albergo San Martino
3 out of 5
Via Della Dogana 9, Lucca, LU
Albergo San Martino
Hotel Ilaria
Hotel Ilaria
4 out of 5
Via Del Fosso 26, Lucca, LU
Hotel Ilaria
Albergo Celide
Albergo Celide
4 out of 5
Viale Giuseppe Giusti 25, Lucca, LU
Albergo Celide
Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection
Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection
4 out of 5
Piazza Del Giglio 1, Lucca, LU
Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection
Palazzo Alexander Hotel
Palazzo Alexander Hotel
4 out of 5
Via Santa Giustina 48, Lucca, LU
Palazzo Alexander Hotel
San Luca Palace Hotel
San Luca Palace Hotel
4 out of 5
Via San Paolino, 103, Lucca, LU
San Luca Palace Hotel
Hotel Rex
Hotel Rex
3 out of 5
Piazzale Bettino Ricasoli 19, Lucca, Toscana
Hotel Rex
Antica Residenza dell'Angelo
Antica Residenza dell'Angelo
Via Beccheria 11, Lucca, LU
Antica Residenza dell'Angelo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.