€1,150,000 Apartment in a 17th-Century Palazzo in the Heart of Lucca
Walled cities aren’t rare in Tuscany—but few are as quietly enchanting as Lucca. Encircled by intact Renaissance ramparts and threaded with Romanesque churches, cobbled lanes, and leafy courtyards, it’s a place that feels almost self-contained, in the best way. Just thirty minutes from the coast and an hour from Florence, it offers a slower, more elegant rhythm—and a second-home market that remains remarkably under the radar.
On the second floor of a 17th-century noble palazzo, this 190 sqm apartment—now on the market with Italy Sotheby’s International Realty—overlooks the Piazza del Mercato del Carmine, one of Lucca’s most atmospheric squares. From one of the bedrooms, the bell tower of San Frediano cuts into view like a Renaissance painting. From the living room balcony, it’s the daily choreography of market stalls, café tables, and locals on their afternoon passeggiata.
The interiors strike that rare balance between historic gravitas and contemporary livability. A grand frescoed salon, anchored by a carved stone fireplace, leads into a formal dining room and a streamlined kitchen with its own office nook and balcony. The private wing includes a quiet library-TV lounge and three spacious bedroom suites, each with its own bathroom—an uncommon luxury in Italian heritage buildings.
The restoration is precise, not performative. From antique stoves and original stucco to thoughtful modern updates, the apartment shows restraint where others might chase drama. It’s a space that works for hosting, retreating, or simply observing the city’s gentle rhythm unfold below.
For those who know Lucca—not the postcard, but the palimpsest of music, architecture, and everyday ritual—this home offers front-row access. And for those seeking a Tuscan pied-à-terre that’s both deeply rooted and easily connected, Lucca makes a compelling case. It’s just 20 minutes from Pisa International Airport, a short drive to the coast or Montecarlo’s vineyards, and close enough to Florence without being consumed by it.
All photos belong to the listing agency.
