The walls of Lucca: history, tourism, and prestige properties
Lucca and its surrounding walls
Massive walls surround the city of Lucca. They are 4 kilometers and 223 meters long, 12 meters tall, and 30 meters large at the base. The original construction dated back to Ancient Rome, and it was rebuilt during the Renaissance, when it was updated according to new technical and construction knowledge. The walls were built as a deterrent. The Republic of Lucca was especially concerned by Florence and The Grand Duchy of Tuscany’s expansionist goals.
There were originally three Porte (gates), while there are currently six: Porta San Pietro, Porta Santa Maria, Porta San Donato, Porta Elisa, Porta Sant’Anna and Porta San Jacopo.
With 12 curtain walls and 11 bastions, the city walls of Lucca are the second major European example of walls built according to modern fortification canons. Still in pristine condition, this defensive system is complete with underground vaults, which are off-limits as they are unfortunately not fully open to tourists.
During the 1800s, the top of the city walls was turned into a promenade by Maria Luisa of Bourbon-Spain. On their exterior there are sprawling lawns which are the main public park and function as a nature-immersed stage for cultural events in the city.
The top of the wall is a wide promenade flanked with shade trees, which are the green lung of the city. Biking is the ideal way to cover the whole length of the walls and appreciate all the views they have to offer. There are several bike shops – along the walls, and both at their interior and exterior – where you can rent a bike. If you are feeling adventurous, skating is a fun way for both youngsters and adults to make their way along the walls.
Another green space beloved by the city dwellers is the Botanical Garden, founded in 1820 by Maria Luisa of Bourbon and located near the San Regolo Bastion and Porta Elisa. Twice a year, the walls become an even greener space. During the first weekend in September, the collaboration between the Botanical Garden and the botanical society A.Di.P.A. allows plant life to expand from the Garden to the San Regolo Bastion with the Murabilia festival, a flower and agriculture exhibition. Come spring, in the month of April you can visit the gardening market VerdeMura.
From the top of the walls, you can enjoy a sprawling view of the green hills and the countryside surrounding the city – a landscape on nature dotted with olive oil mills and vineyards as well as luxury villas, ancient farmhouses, and rustic homes. Broker Immobiliare Exclusive Real Estate lists prestigious properties in this extraordinary Tuscan territory.
Whether it’s historic villas, modern villas, farmhouses or cottages and apartments for sale in Lucca and the surrounding hills, the priority of Broker Immobiliare Exclusive Real Estate is to sell or rent only carefully selected prestigious properties trying to meet the needs of our customers.
