The Magic of Lucca's Luminara di Santa Croce
Every September, Lucca hosts one of Tuscany’s most beautiful and atmospheric traditions: the Luminara di Santa Croce. More than just a local festival, it is an unforgettable evening where history, faith and timeless beauty come together beneath the glow of thousands of candlelights.
Held each year on the evening of 13 September, the Luminara is the highlight of Lucca’s month-long Settembre Lucchese celebrations. As darkness falls, the city’s streetlights are dimmed and the historic centre is transformed. Thousands of small candles are carefully placed along windowsills, balconies, churches and ancient palaces, bathing the medieval streets in a warm golden light. The procession honours the Volto Santo, Lucca’s treasured wooden crucifix housed in the Cathedral of San Martino, following a centuries-old route from the Basilica of San Frediano through the heart of the city. The tradition dates back hundreds of years and remains one of Lucca’s most cherished annual celebrations.
The experience is unlike any other. Rather than a loud festival, the Luminara is peaceful and deeply atmospheric. The flickering candles create a magical backdrop for an evening stroll through Lucca’s cobbled streets, while music, church bells and the quiet anticipation of the procession fill the air. Many visitors choose to enjoy dinner in one of the city’s piazzas before finding a spot along the procession route or climbing the Renaissance walls for spectacular views of the illuminated city.
Staying within Lucca’s historic walls allows you to experience the celebration at its very best. After the evening festivities, there’s no need to rush home—you can simply wander back through candlelit streets, enjoying the rare tranquillity that follows the procession. It is an experience that captures the authentic spirit of Tuscany and creates memories that stay with visitors long after they leave.
If you’re planning an autumn escape, the Luminara di Santa Croce is one of the most extraordinary times to visit Lucca.
