I always enjoy walking around old walled towns, like Verona. However the walls of Lucca, a small Tuscan town just a half hour train ride from Pisa were an unexpected pleasure. I found a wide and completely intact wall with trees and parkland, providing an amenity for the city’s inhabitants. Visitors from the north of England might experience a certain sense of déjà-vu here: it is said that the walls of Berwick-upon-Tweed were built to the same design.
The Walls Of Lucca: Defending The City
As you approach from Lucca’s railway station, the wall looms in front of you, seemingly impregnable. A small unassuming entrance, almost hidden in a corner, takes you to a passageway that winds its way through 30-odd metres of wall before emerging into the historic town centre. It is narrow and dark: I reflected that it would be hard to lead an army through here.
That, of course, was the original point of the walls. Like any Italian town in the Middle Ages, Lucca had to defend itself against stronger and more powerful city-states. By the 16th century the medieval walls had become unable to withstand the changing techniques of warfare, and work began on creating a new wall in 1513. Fragments of earlier fortifications remain: a bit of Roman wall, the remains of a medieval tower, the old moat.
A Local Amenity
Almost as soon as the walls were completed they were used as an amenity by the local citizens, who would promenade along the broad grassy track. It is easy to see why: this is effectively a vast area of parkland where people could escape from the city without exposing themselves to the dangers of the surrounding countryside.
It remains an amenity to this day. Most of the people I encountered during the 4km walk were locals. There were cyclists, dogwalkers, and groups of friends snatching a short walk in their lunch hour. And families with young children trundling along in rented pedalos.
Views Of The City
The path is lined with trees on both sides. On one side you can look down into the old city; on the other is a typical Tuscan landscape, with tall mountains rising in the distance. There are areas with children’s play equipment, and places for picnics. There are cafés, too, and even a small Museum of Money for the culturally inclined.
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I walked slowly around the wall, enjoying the views of the town as I went. The Cathedral is visible from many angles, and there was an intriguing glimpse of the Palazzo Pfanner with its fountains and statues. But finally I was back where I had started and it was time to explore the rest of the city before looking for lunch.
What Else Can You See In Lucca?
Don’t miss the Piazza Anfiteatro, built on the site of the Roman amphitheatre. The current structure, built in 1830, follows the form – and the oval shape – of the ancient arena. Around the edge are arches, echoing the arches of the amphitheatre, housing restaurants and shops.
You can also visit the Cathedral – look out for the medieval carving of a labyrinth to the side of the main entrance, and the painting of the Last Supper by Tintoretto. Museums in Lucca include the Palazzo Pfanner, the Palazzo Mansi and the Puccini Birthplace.
Lucca is an easy day trip from Florence or Pisa. It is also on the route of the Via Francigena, a long distance pilgrimage route and walking trail beween England and Rome.
Read more about taking A Great Break In Lucca.
