Lucca has many well-known sites - churches, gardens, medieval streets, the remains of a Roman Amphitheater. It also has many hidden gems and an abundance of art and architectural detail tucked away in less known places.

As a “let’s all keep busy and plan our next outing in Lucca” activity during this period of on-going travel restrictions, I thought an art and architecture scavenger hunt would be fun. I hope you will want to play along!

How many of these scenes are familiar to you? Can you identify where to find them? If you recognize them, I hope they evoke happy memories. And if you are not familiar with them, I hope you will put them on the “must see” list for your next stroll through Lucca.

Can you identify where in Lucca each of these photos were taken? Start with the top photo above and then check your answers against the descriptions at the end of this post. No cheating !

#3 (below) is a before (on the left) and after restoration (on the right). Which do you prefer?

#1. This fresco is found above the front door of the church of Sant’Anastasio, the only Eastern Orthodox Church in Lucca. Try to peak inside - the interior is stunning and unlike any other church in Lucca.

#2 This beautiful carving tells the story of Santa Zita. it is found above the well (now covered) outside the home where she used to work for the Fatinelli family on Via Fontana, just a few steps off busy Via Fillungo.

#3 This recently restored fresco is found on Via Arcivescovado. For years I hoped it would be restored as I watched it crumble and fade but now I find I miss the faded original.

#4 Sometimes it is the smallest detail that catches the eye. What this is exactly I cannot say - it’s hinged so must be a door or access panel of some sort. But to me it looks like a piece of sculptural art. It is found on the back side of the Church of San Frediano, facing the piazza in front of the Real Collegio. Extra points to anyone who can explain its purpose.

#5 This gate combines art and function. It is found inside the gardens of Palazzo Pfanner, just to the side of the big circular fountain. The structure in the back, which looks like stables for really small horses, is actually where the beer kegs were stored when this palazzo served as Lucca’s beer garden.

#6 Lucca has many, many church bells but these are unique as they are small and not inside a campanile (bell tower). You’ll have to look up to see them, above the tiny church of Santa Maria della Rosa. My favorite church in Lucca, it is built up against a section of the original Roman wall, has lovely frescos, and the beautiful painting of Santa Maria della Rosa above the altar.

#7 This is a hard one and is from another of Lucca’s tiny churches, the Church of Santa Caterina. Santa Caterina has a unique painted ceiling that is actually a double dome. The lower dome has an oculus through which you view the upper dome, giving the illusion of incredible depth.

If you climb the stairs all the way to the top, photo #7 is what the dome looks like viewed from above. To the right is what it looks like from the church floor below. Gorgeous.

Santa Caterina was restored by FAI several years ago and is rarely open except for special events. It definitely goes on my “do not miss” list. And hearing music in the small chapel is magic!

#8 There is a large ruin that is easily seen along the northeast part of Lucca’s wall, adorned with graffiti. However this glimpse into the ruin is visible only from the street level at the very north end of Via del Fosso, where the water first enters the canal. It’s an intriguing sight - who lived here? why did they leave? what lies inside? and what is that hanging over the doorway?

#9 This dragon-like creature is found in Piazza San Michele, high above a bank, a counterpoint to the Archangel Michael atop the cathedral across the way.

#10. Not all of the statues in Lucca are of famous composers, water nymphs, or goddesses. Some are just plain fun, like this lusty lady in front of Trattoria da Ubaldo.  Blow her a kiss, surely it brings good luck. There are more interesting “treasures” to be found inside the trattoria. A fun place for lunch or dinner.

I hope you’ve had fun with this scavenger hunt around Lucca. Do you have photos of hidden gems here in Lucca? If so, please post them on the Two Parts Italy Facebook page.