[7][8] The Spaniards of the 16th century called the area "Buenavista" because of its scenic beauty; several years later, the barrio was renamed "Oroquieta".

A century later, Muslim pirates began terrorizing the entire Philippine coastline, including Oroquieta.

The barrio folks built forts along the seashores to defend it against the attacking pirates along the coast, particularly in the present-day Cotta and in Barangay Mayao, though these structures are no longer extant.

The growth of local maritime trade facilitated in the Cotta port and the final defeat of Moro pirates plying the Luzon and Visayan waters, afforded the growth of Lucena as a town which eventually led to its being the provincial capital of Tayabas in 1901.

After Aguinaldo proclaimed the nation's independence on June 12, 1898, Gen. Miguel Malvar, as Commanding General for Southern Luzon, took over Tayabas province on August 15, 1898.

The Americans established a civil government in the country, and on March 12, 1901, the provincial capital was transferred from Tayabas to Lucena.

The Japanese wanted to strengthen their military presence in the region, sending units to capture key points in the town.

Japanese Forces would be caught off-guard with surprise assaults which often resulted in fierce close-quarters combat.

Using their knowledge of the local surroundings to their advantage, they moved quickly in order prevent Japanese forces from organizing a proper defense.

Tayabas Province stood by and waited for the American Liberation forces and the Philippine Commonwealth troops, who would soon hand them their freedom on April 4, 1945.

Lucena was made into a chartered city through the efforts of then-Congressman Manuel S. Enverga of Quezon's 1st district.

Its port on the coast along Tayabas Bay is home to several boat and ferry lines operating and serving the sea lanes between Lucena and the different points in the region and as far as the Visayas.

Generally, the wet season is from June to November and sometimes extends up to December when the southwest monsoon is predominant.

Poverty incidence of Lucena Source: Philippine Statistics Authority[18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] Economic activities in Lucena are heavily concentrated in the poblacion and other suburban barangays where the highly dense and constricted central business district (CBD) is home to a large cluster of different business enterprises.

Other commercial strips are located in the poblacion and suburban barangays where both retail and wholesale trade, including other essential services, are being engaged in.

Travelers of various types and sizes are drawn to Lucena because of modern facilities and good amenities that could be found in the city such as the Quezon Convention Center when the City of Lucena hosted the 2004 SEABA Under-18 Championship qualifying tournament for the 2004 FIBA Asia Under-18 Championship in India, Kalilayan Civic Centre, Sentro Pastoral Auditorium, Alcala Sports Complex a two time host of a Palarong Pambansa (1976, 1989), Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Gymnasium, Sacred Heart College Gymnasium, and Marcial Punzalan Gymnasium.

Entertainment, cuisine, social drinking, dancing, live music, arts, and other leisure activities are traditionally included in the Pasayahan Festival.

Originally intended as three days of spirited merrymaking in the streets, the event has become a weeklong to monthlong tourist attraction.

Pursuant to the Local Government Code of 1991,[35] the city of Lucena is to be composed of a mayor (Punong Lungsod), a vice mayor (Pangalawang Punong Lungsod) and members (Kagawad) of the legislative branch Sangguniang Panlungsod alongside a secretary to the said legislature, all of which are elected to a three-year term and are eligible to run for three consecutive terms.

New and modern buses connect Lucena to Pasay, Quezon City, and Alabang in Muntinlupa, while UV Express and van routes connect to Taytay, Pililla, eastern Laguna, and other parts of Quezon, including Bondoc Peninsula towns.

The under-construction South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Toll Road 4 (TR-4) Extension from Calamba, Laguna will end in Lucena at the connection of Maharlika Highway at Barangay Mayao.

Despite undergoing renovation, Lucena station is still active, servicing passengers to and from San Pablo City daily.

The Port of Lucena, located in Dalahican, is known as the gateway and melting pot city of Southern Luzon.

Major mobile phone providers in the area include Globe, Smart, DITO Telecommunity, and Asian Vision.

Both types of institutions are considered to provide the same standard of healthcare and services, differing mainly with the medical and diagnostic facilities.

The tertiary education system in Lucena provides instruction and training in fields of study, both for baccalaureate degrees and vocational courses.