Lucca Comics & Games Festival. Photo: Sandro Amato / Shutterstock Superheroes, fantasy characters and tens of thousands of costumes are about to take over the ancient streets of the city of Lucca in Tuscany.
On Wednesday, October 28th, the largest cultural event on the continent, the Lucca Comics & Games Festival, will officially open. Fantasy fans, gamers, and hundreds of thousands of young-at-hearts from around the world are already buying tickets and packing their bags for the huge annual gathering, which this year celebrates its 60th anniversary.
The festival's uniqueness, considered the second largest in the world, lies in its mesmerizing blend of past and future. The ancient city of Lucca, known for its huge stone walls, will transform for five days into a living set for science fiction films and comic books. In the historic streets you will not see ordinary tourists, but tens of thousands of people dressed as their favorite characters, which creates a colorful and spectacular sight in every corner.
Lucca Comics & Games Festival. Photo: LongJon / ShutterstockDuring the celebration, huge indoor complexes will be set up throughout the city, offering experiences for all ages. The public can enjoy tents dedicated to classic board games, advanced video arcade complexes, and large areas for Japanese animation. In addition, thousands of fans will have the opportunity to meet up close with leading international creators, famous actors, and comic book artists who will come to conduct artist workshops and reveal first glimpses of their upcoming films.
On cool mornings, it’s highly recommended to start the day like the locals at the elegant Caffè Santa Zita. This is a magical place decorated in a vintage style and located right in the heart of the action. Along with a hot cup of coffee, don’t miss their famous jonquille pastry, filled with rich, melt-in-your-mouth cream.
Address: Piazza S. Frediano, 16, Lucca LU, Italia
When midday hunger strikes, the perfect place for a warm, quality lunch is the family-run Osteria da Pasquale. Tucked away in a quiet, historic courtyard, the place offers a pleasant atmosphere for lunch. At lunchtime, they serve fresh, handmade pasta dishes, rich platters of local cheeses and cold cuts, and fresh salads. The place is particularly popular, so itis best to book in advance.
Address: Corte Morovelli, 4, Lucca LU, Italia
Since late October can bring changeable weather, it's a good idea to have some indoor and outdoor options in your pocket. A particularly impressive experience awaits you inside the historic Palazzo Pfanner, which offers a fascinating tour through magnificent halls filled with antique furniture and works of art.
Next to the palace is a magnificent Baroque garden, with statues, fountains and manicured paths, which is worth visiting when the weather permits. Another great option is to use the convenient local train station, which offers a short journey of less than half an hour directly to the heart of the neighboring city of Pisa, where you can see the world-famous Leaning Tower up close.
Keep in mind that during the festival, the entire city is completely closed to vehicle traffic, and the only way to get around is on foot. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes and umbrellas just in case. Due to the huge demand, it is highly recommended to purchase official entrance tickets in advance online, as weekend tickets tend to sell out very quickly.
The unique combination of an ancient Renaissance city and a modern fantasy world makes this festival a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Don't miss the opportunity to discover Tuscany in the most colorful, joyful and exciting way possible.