Palazzo Ducale in Lucca
Historic Building and Museum in Lucca
Standing along one side of Piazza Napoleone, Palazzo Ducale dominates the square with a calm, dignified façade that hides centuries of drama. Its story begins in the mid-14th century, when this area formed part of the powerful Augusta fortress commissioned by Castruccio Castracani, the formidable condottiero and lord of Lucca. After his death, the fortress came to symbolise oppression in the eyes of the citizens, and once the city regained its independence later that century, the stronghold was demolished. The palace, however, survived and was transformed into the seat of the city's governing institutions, gradually evolving into the elegant building you see today.
Over the centuries, great names left their mark here. In the 17th and 19th centuries, architects Bartolomeo Ammannati and Filippo Juvarra reshaped the structure, giving it more refined proportions and a more graceful, modern appearance. Under Princess Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi-Napoleon's sister-and later Duchess Maria Luisa di Borbone, Palazzo Ducale became not just a seat of power but also a statement of taste and ambition, with architect Lorenzo Nottolini completing the grand staircase and ceremonial spaces. Today, the palace houses the provincial administration and the Prefettura, as well as museums and a historic chapel, making it one of the best places to visit in Lucca if you want to connect the city's political, artistic, and social history in one stop and a highlight of any walking tour of Lucca that passes through Piazza Napoleone.
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History and Significance of Palazzo Ducale
Palazzo Ducale's roots lie in the Augusta fortress, a sprawling complex built by Castruccio Castracani in the early 14th century as both a military stronghold and a symbol of his authority. After his death and the subsequent invasions by enemy forces, the fortress became deeply unpopular, associated with domination rather than protection. When Lucca finally secured lasting freedom later in the 14th century, the citizens demolished the fortress but spared the palace section, repurposing it as the seat of their government. In this way, a symbol of control gradually transformed into the heart of civic life.
The palace's appearance changed significantly over time. In the 17th century, Bartolomeo Ammannati reworked parts of the building, and in the 18th-19th centuries Filippo Juvarra refined its lines further, creating a harmonious façade that opens onto Piazza Napoleone. These interventions were guided by powerful figures who reshaped the city itself: Princess Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, ruling Lucca under Napoleonic influence, and later Duchess Maria Luisa di Borbone, who steered Lucca through the early 19th century. Their vision extended beyond the palace to the wider city, influencing projects such as the nearby Botanical Garden and other civic improvements.
Lorenzo Nottolini, one of Lucca's most important architects, played a crucial role in completing the palace's current form. His work on the grand staircase and interior circulation turned Palazzo Ducale into a stage for ceremonies and official receptions, underlining its role as the epicentre of power. Today, the building continues to function as a working palace-seat of the provincial administration and Prefettura-while also hosting the Risorgimento Museum and the Church of Santa Maria della Rotonda, home to the Cresci Museum for Italian Emigration. This layering of past and present makes Palazzo Ducale one of the must-see places in Lucca for visitors who want more than just pretty façades.
Things to See and Do in Palazzo Ducale
A visit to Palazzo Ducale often starts in Piazza Napoleone, where you can stand back and take in the full width of the façade, appreciating how it balances authority with elegance. Inside, the showpiece is the royal staircase designed by Nottolini: a sweeping, carefully proportioned structure that leads you toward the palace's monumental upper floor. Ascending these steps, it's easy to imagine dignitaries and rulers moving between receptions, councils, and private apartments.
At the top of the staircase you reach the Parata area, where the historic rooms unfold. The Throne Room stands out with its ceremonial proportions and decorative programme, reflecting the power and prestige of those who once governed from here. Nearby, the Sala del Bosco offers a different kind of splendour: frescoes that evoke woodland scenes and create the illusion of stepping into a painted grove rather than an interior hall. These rooms are connected to the Royal Apartments by the Gallery of Statues, a project of Maria Luisa of Bourbon that replaced the original corridor with a more theatrical space lined with sculptural works.
Within the broader complex, you can also visit the Risorgimento Museum, which explores Italy’s unification through local documents, artefacts, and multimedia presentations, and the Church of Santa Maria della Rotonda, where the Cresci Museum for Italian Emigration tells stories of Italians who left their homeland in search of a better life. Taken together, these spaces turn Palazzo Ducale into much more than a single-site visit: it becomes a layered experience of political history, art, and migration, all anchored in the city’s most important civic building.
How to Get to Palazzo Ducale
Palazzo Ducale is located directly on Piazza Napoleone, at the heart of Lucca's historic centre. Once you've entered the city through one of the gates in the Renaissance walls, it's an easy walk following signs toward Piazza Napoleone; from there, the palace occupies one entire side of the square and is impossible to miss.
If you are arriving by air, the closest major gateways are Pisa International Airport and Florence Airport, both offering frequent flights from across Europe. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Lucca on Booking.com. From either airport, you can reach Lucca by train or car before continuing on foot into the walled centre.
Lucca's train station lies just outside the southern stretch of the city walls, near Porta San Pietro, and is served by regular regional trains from Pisa, Florence, and other Tuscan cities.Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy. From the station, walk through the gate and follow the signs for Piazza Napoleone; the stroll takes around 10-15 minutes and leads you through some of Lucca's most atmospheric streets.
If you are travelling by car, Lucca is well connected via the A11 motorway and local roads.If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Because the historic centre operates as a limited traffic zone, it is best to park in one of the car parks outside or just inside the walls, then walk to Piazza Napoleone and Palazzo Ducale. This approach also gives you the chance to enjoy the city walls or nearby streets on your way to the palace.
Practical Tips on Visiting Palazzo Ducale
- Suggested tips: Start your visit by exploring Piazza Napoleone to appreciate the palace's exterior before heading inside; it helps to set the scene for what you'll see in the staircases and ceremonial rooms.
- Best time to visit: Late morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays usually offer a calmer atmosphere, ideal for taking your time with the historic interiors and any exhibitions.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: Museum Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Last admission 5:30 PM)
- Official website: http://www.palazzoducale.lucca.it/
- How long to spend: Plan on 1-2 hours if you want to see the main staircase, historic halls, and at least one of the museums at a relaxed pace.
- Accessibility: As a historic building, some areas may have steps or uneven floors, but parts of the palace and museums may be accessible; visitors with reduced mobility should check in advance for lifts and accessible routes.
- Facilities: Restrooms and basic visitor services are available within the palace or nearby, while cafés and shops are plentiful around Piazza Napoleone and the surrounding streets.
- Photography tip: Capture the royal staircase from the top and bottom to show its sweep, and in the Throne Room or Sala del Bosco focus on ceiling details and fresco fragments to convey atmosphere without needing wide shots.
- Guided tours: When offered, guided tours or special openings of additional rooms can provide deeper insight into the roles of Elisa Bonaparte, Maria Luisa di Borbone, and the architects who shaped the palace.
- Nearby food options: Piazza Napoleone and adjacent streets are lined with cafés, gelaterie, and trattorie, making it easy to combine your visit with a coffee stop or leisurely meal.
Where to Stay close to Palazzo Ducale
Staying near Palazzo Ducale means you’re right at the heart of Lucca’s civic and cultural life, with the city walls, main churches, and shopping streets all just a short walk away. For a historic feel, Palazzo Alexander offers characterful rooms in a period building within easy reach of Piazza Napoleone and the palace. If you'd like to be a little closer to the cathedral while remaining just a few minutes' walk from Palazzo Ducale, Albergo San Martino is a cosy, well-situated choice. Travellers who prefer being near the eastern walls with straightforward access across the centre to the square might opt for Hotel Ilaria, which combines modern comfort with an easy stroll to Palazzo Ducale and other central sights.
Add a Is Palazzo Ducale Worth Visiting?
Palazzo Ducale is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you want to understand how Lucca's political and social life evolved over the centuries. The combination of its origins in Castruccio Castracani's fortress, later transformations under Elisa Bonaparte and Maria Luisa di Borbone, and its continued role as a civic centre makes it much more than just a pretty façade. Inside, the royal staircase, Throne Room, Sala del Bosco, and Gallery of Statues offer a vivid sense of ceremony and power, while the Risorgimento Museum and Cresci Museum for Italian Emigration add compelling human stories. Taken together, they make Palazzo Ducale one of the top attractions in Lucca for anyone interested in the city's deeper narrative.
What Other Travellers Say...
Palazzo Ducale di Lucca, at Cortile Carrara 1, is a large 15th‑century palace now used for events and exhibitions; visitors praise its striking central courtyard and frequent art shows—from the Lucca Biennale and World Press displays to themed events like the comics festival—though some note signage and access can be unclear.
FAQs for Visiting Palazzo Ducale
Nearby Attractions to Palazzo Ducale
- Piazza Napoleone - Spacious central square framed by trees and palaces, frequently used for concerts, markets, and cultural events.
- Risorgimento Museum in Lucca - Engaging museum inside Palazzo Ducale that tells the story of Italian unification through local artifacts and multimedia displays.
- Cathedral of San Martino - Lucca's duomo, home to the Volto Santo and the renowned tomb of Ilaria del Carretto, just a short walk from the palace.
- San Michele in Foro - Striking Romanesque church on the site of the Roman forum, with a richly sculpted marble façade and lively surrounding square.
- Lucca's Historical Walls - Fully preserved Renaissance walls encircling the city, ideal for a stroll or bike ride with views over roofs, towers, and surrounding hills.
The Palazzo Ducale in Lucca appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Lucca!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
Museum Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM (Last admission 5:30 PM)
Free
Nearby Attractions
- Risorgimento Museum in Lucca (0.0) km
Museum - Piazza Napoleone (0.1) km
Square - Teatro del Giglio (0.1) km
Theatre - Church and Baptistery of Santi Giovanni e Reparata (0.2) km
Church and Museum - Puccini Museum (0.2) km
Historic Building and Museum - San Michele in Foro (0.2) km
Basilica - Torre delle Ore (0.3) km
Tower - Cathedral of San Martino (0.3) km
Cathedral - Domus Romana (0.4) km
Historic Site - Church of St Maria della Rosa (0.5) km
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