Medieval City Walls of Lucca Tuscany Italy
Lucca's medieval city walls are the best preserved in all of Tuscany and Italy. Built between 1544 and 1650, they were erected to defend against, what was then, the Republic or Lucca's local enemies, most notably Pisa. |
The walls however were never fully tested, during this continual war with Pisa. The lack of being destroyed by any siege, coupled with the walls' extensive restoration in the early 1800s, explains their modern day, excellent condition. It has also ensured they remain the city's defining image, into contemporary times. |
Chronologically speaking, the surviving ramparts are actually Lucca's third set of walls, the previous two sets, now practically non-existent, dated back to Roman times. As the city grew, new boundaries had to be established, and so a 4km-long fortification was built, encircling what was then the entire town. |
|
Hotels in Rome
|
Although no attacks came, the walls were, in the coming centuries, besieged both by suburbia and by Lucca's expanding business zone, which stretches off to the east. The walls still form a barrier, however it is now one that denies access to almost all present-day modes of transport. This in turn, maintains the old district's unique, antique atmosphere.
 |
The landmarks' preservation isn't merely for scenic measure, they also serve pragmatic purposes. Wide enough to walk, cycle, or as number of 20th-century races have proved, even drive along. These walkways atop the walls act as a unique way to get around town. A complete circumambulation will take around two hours, as there is plenty of great scenes to stop, look at and photograph. They are a true tourist attraction in all the sences of the phrase.
There are 11 bulwarks in total, linked by curtains, which together equate to four discernable sides. Each side is lined with a different tree species and offers spectacular views of Lucca and the surrounding mountains. An effective green belt surrounds the walls' exterior. This is has been in place since the fortification's inception, when, in order to eliminate any woodland that might serve as possible enemy camouflage, a large band of cleared land was established around the perimeter.
|
The original moat still runs through this band, which is now populated with groves of trees for decorative purposes. Inside, the walls are abutted by a series of lush gardens and lawns, all of which are worthy of tangential exploration. The ramparts have six gates in total, three of which were added after construction wrapped. Porta Elisa, the fourth gate to be implemented, was made in 1809 and dedicated to its then ruler, Elisa Bonaparte, Queen of Etruria and brother of Napoleon. All of the other five gates are named after saints.
|
 |
 |
The walls are popular with both tourists and locals, many of whom choose to take their passeggiata (a slow walk before supper) along the promenades. |
It's a somewhat surreal sight to see people going about their daily lives, chatting, jogging, walking their dogs, picnicking and sunbathing at 40 ft above ground, but it's an experience that's not to be missed. There's even a restaurant atop one section in case you need a break from the sun! Despite public motoring being prohibited inside the walls, there is, most conveniently, always ample parking space directly outside them.
|