Lucca's City Wall and Gates (Self Guided), Lucca
As one of Italy's Città d'arte's (arts towns), Lucca is famous, among other things, for its well-preserved ancient walls encircling the historic center. From about 570 AD until 1847 the city had been the center of the Longobard administration and the capital of old Tuscany, and as such required a defense system to render it an impenetrable fortress.
Back in the Middle Ages, the walls stood about 11-12 meters high, complete with a number of semicircular and square towers and four monumental gates, which were also flanked by cylindrical towers – in keeping with Roman tradition. Remarkably, of those four gates two are still in place, namely: Porta dei Borghi and Porta San Gervasio, built in the 13th century and miraculously escaped demolition.
Further modified during the Renaissance era as a defensive rampart, today the Walls of Lucca are deprived of their military importance and serve as a pedestrian promenade (Passeggiata delle Mura Urbane), an elevated passage linking the bastions and gates (Porte). Among the latter are:
Porta San Pietro – a southern gate, one of the city's oldest, built in 1565/66;
Porta Sant'Anna – aka Porta Vittorio Emanuele II, constructed in 1910 and initially criticized by locals for its plain design;
Porta Santa Maria – northern gate, established between 1592 and 1594, whose main feature is the statue of Madonna placed in the niche;
Porta San Jacopo – the very latest and simplest of the gates, built in 1930; nicknamed the “hole”, while originally called The Gate of Victory of the 4th of November;
Porta Elisa – named for Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, Napoleon's sister and ruler of Lucca.
For a chance to explore closer the imposing walls and gates of Lucca, take this self-guided walking tour.
Back in the Middle Ages, the walls stood about 11-12 meters high, complete with a number of semicircular and square towers and four monumental gates, which were also flanked by cylindrical towers – in keeping with Roman tradition. Remarkably, of those four gates two are still in place, namely: Porta dei Borghi and Porta San Gervasio, built in the 13th century and miraculously escaped demolition.
Further modified during the Renaissance era as a defensive rampart, today the Walls of Lucca are deprived of their military importance and serve as a pedestrian promenade (Passeggiata delle Mura Urbane), an elevated passage linking the bastions and gates (Porte). Among the latter are:
Porta San Pietro – a southern gate, one of the city's oldest, built in 1565/66;
Porta Sant'Anna – aka Porta Vittorio Emanuele II, constructed in 1910 and initially criticized by locals for its plain design;
Porta Santa Maria – northern gate, established between 1592 and 1594, whose main feature is the statue of Madonna placed in the niche;
Porta San Jacopo – the very latest and simplest of the gates, built in 1930; nicknamed the “hole”, while originally called The Gate of Victory of the 4th of November;
Porta Elisa – named for Elisa Bonaparte Baciocchi, Napoleon's sister and ruler of Lucca.
For a chance to explore closer the imposing walls and gates of Lucca, take this self-guided walking tour.
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Lucca's City Wall and Gates Map
Guide Name: Lucca's City Wall and Gates
Guide Location: Italy » Lucca (See other walking tours in Lucca)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Author: Dee
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Italy » Lucca (See other walking tours in Lucca)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Author: Dee
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Porta San Pietro (St. Peter's Gate)
- Porta Sant'Anna (St. Anna's Gate)
- Antica Porta San Donato (Old San Donato's Gate)
- Porta San Donato (St. Donato's Gate)
- Porta Santa Maria (St. Maria's Gate)
- Porta dei Borghi (Village Gate)
- Porta San Jacopo (St. Jacopo's Gate)
- Porta Elisa (Elisa's Gate)
- Porta San Gervasio (St. Gervasio's Gate)
1) Porta San Pietro (St. Peter's Gate)
Saint Peter's Gate (Porta San Pietro) is one of the oldest gateways in the historical Walls of Lucca. Designed by the military engineer Alessandro Resta, it forms part of the Renaissance walls and was built in 1565/66 to provide entrance to the southern part of the city. Presently, it is the nearest gate to the train station.
Back in the day, all non-residents entering the town were obliged to register and surrender their weapons, except swords. Those transiting the city could retain their guns but were escorted by armed soldiers.
Saint Peter's Gate consists of three entrances surmounted in the center by a shield with the coat of arms of Saint Peter and the inscription "Libertas", which is the motto of Lucca. On the sides, guarding the entrance, there are two magnificent stone lion figures, placed inside the niches which once served as openings for chains for lifting the drawbridge.
During the 19th century, the gate underwent massive alterations, including the addition of two pedestrian side arches. The central passage has been reserved for transport traffic.
To date the Saint Peter's Gate has retained its original wooden studded doors and portcullis. Another notable feature is the elegant classical tympanum. As for the space on the ground level, it is currently used as offices and a warehouse for one of local historical reenactment associations.
Back in the day, all non-residents entering the town were obliged to register and surrender their weapons, except swords. Those transiting the city could retain their guns but were escorted by armed soldiers.
Saint Peter's Gate consists of three entrances surmounted in the center by a shield with the coat of arms of Saint Peter and the inscription "Libertas", which is the motto of Lucca. On the sides, guarding the entrance, there are two magnificent stone lion figures, placed inside the niches which once served as openings for chains for lifting the drawbridge.
During the 19th century, the gate underwent massive alterations, including the addition of two pedestrian side arches. The central passage has been reserved for transport traffic.
To date the Saint Peter's Gate has retained its original wooden studded doors and portcullis. Another notable feature is the elegant classical tympanum. As for the space on the ground level, it is currently used as offices and a warehouse for one of local historical reenactment associations.
2) Porta Sant'Anna (St. Anna's Gate)
Saint Anna's Gate (Porta Sant'Anna), officially known as Porta Vittorio Emanuele, is one of the gates in the Walls of Lucca – colloquially referred to by locals as the "hole" of Saint Anna, after the nearby church of the same name.
The gate was opened in 1910 to serve increased motorized traffic in the western part of the city in view that the nearby Baluardo (bulwark) San Donato, erected in the 17th century for defensive purposes, had no longer been adequate to the task. It was therefore decided that the new entrance would have two arches, in line with the enlarged via Vittorio Emanuele, which was to replace Via di San Paolino as the main westward artery.
In order not to spoil the view of San Donato, a favor was wisely given to two rather simple carriageways (instead of some superstructure) flanked by two pedestrian passages below the bull that separates the shoe from the parapet of the wall, leaving its continuity intact. At the center of the gate, between the two central passageways, the city's marble coat of arms can be seen. The arches dividing the compartment, created in the thickness of the walls, are in exposed brick.
The gate was opened in 1910 to serve increased motorized traffic in the western part of the city in view that the nearby Baluardo (bulwark) San Donato, erected in the 17th century for defensive purposes, had no longer been adequate to the task. It was therefore decided that the new entrance would have two arches, in line with the enlarged via Vittorio Emanuele, which was to replace Via di San Paolino as the main westward artery.
In order not to spoil the view of San Donato, a favor was wisely given to two rather simple carriageways (instead of some superstructure) flanked by two pedestrian passages below the bull that separates the shoe from the parapet of the wall, leaving its continuity intact. At the center of the gate, between the two central passageways, the city's marble coat of arms can be seen. The arches dividing the compartment, created in the thickness of the walls, are in exposed brick.
3) Antica Porta San Donato (Old San Donato's Gate)
The Old San Donato’s Gate (Antica Porta San Donato) is a historic gateway in Lucca, marking a significant point in the city's defensive evolution. Located in Verdi Square (Piazzale Verdi), the gate faces west and was constructed in 1590 following the design of Vincenzo Civitali. This addition to the medieval walls aimed to reinforce a vulnerable part of the city's defenses with the inclusion of a musone bulwark. However, its function was short-lived, as the city’s defensive strategy changed, leading to the construction of the new Porta San Donato between 1629 and 1639, which ultimately replaced the older gate and incorporated it into Lucca’s expanding fortifications.
Despite its diminished role in military defense, the Old San Donato’s Gate retains its monumental façade, adorned with two marble lions that originally stood on a medieval door. It once featured a drawbridge spanning an external moat, a feature now lost to time but still partially visible.
The gate holds additional historical significance beyond its military function. It was the site of Italy’s last execution by guillotine on July 29, 1845, marking a somber chapter in the nation’s history. Today, rather than serving as a passage for soldiers or convicts, the Old San Donato’s Gate welcomes visitors, housing Lucca’s tourist information office. It remains a popular stop for those exploring the city's well-preserved Renaissance walls, offering a glimpse into Lucca’s layered past where medieval, Renaissance, and modern influences converge.
Despite its diminished role in military defense, the Old San Donato’s Gate retains its monumental façade, adorned with two marble lions that originally stood on a medieval door. It once featured a drawbridge spanning an external moat, a feature now lost to time but still partially visible.
The gate holds additional historical significance beyond its military function. It was the site of Italy’s last execution by guillotine on July 29, 1845, marking a somber chapter in the nation’s history. Today, rather than serving as a passage for soldiers or convicts, the Old San Donato’s Gate welcomes visitors, housing Lucca’s tourist information office. It remains a popular stop for those exploring the city's well-preserved Renaissance walls, offering a glimpse into Lucca’s layered past where medieval, Renaissance, and modern influences converge.
4) Porta San Donato (St. Donato's Gate)
Saint Donato's Gate (Porta San Donato) stands as one of the best-preserved and most striking gateways in Lucca, seamlessly blending Renaissance elegance with military functionality. Constructed between 1629 and 1639 to replace the older Antica Porta San Donato (1590), this western-facing entrance was part of the fortified walls encircling the city. The earlier gate still exists, now enclosed within the walls at Piazzale Verdi.
Designed by Muzio Oddi, Saint Donato's Gate exhibits refined architectural details, including marble-framed windows and a triangular gable adorned with statues of Saint Donato and Saint Paolino. Originally, the gate featured a drawbridge, reinforcing Lucca’s strategic defenses. The imposing central archway is flanked by two smaller arches—one of which is purely decorative—adding to its aesthetic and functional intrigue. Inside, remnants of its historical use remain, including a fireplace and a pit, offering a glimpse into its past as a stronghold of city security.
Today, Saint Donato's Gate is not just a testament to Lucca’s Renaissance heritage but also an inviting passage into the city’s vibrant heart. Strolling through, visitors are met with charming artisan shops, cafes, and boutiques, making the area an appealing mix of history and modern life. The nearby city walls provide a scenic promenade, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lucca’s rooftops and surrounding countryside. Whether for its architectural grandeur, historical significance, or picturesque setting, Saint Donato's Gate remains a must-see landmark, embodying the city’s timeless charm.
Designed by Muzio Oddi, Saint Donato's Gate exhibits refined architectural details, including marble-framed windows and a triangular gable adorned with statues of Saint Donato and Saint Paolino. Originally, the gate featured a drawbridge, reinforcing Lucca’s strategic defenses. The imposing central archway is flanked by two smaller arches—one of which is purely decorative—adding to its aesthetic and functional intrigue. Inside, remnants of its historical use remain, including a fireplace and a pit, offering a glimpse into its past as a stronghold of city security.
Today, Saint Donato's Gate is not just a testament to Lucca’s Renaissance heritage but also an inviting passage into the city’s vibrant heart. Strolling through, visitors are met with charming artisan shops, cafes, and boutiques, making the area an appealing mix of history and modern life. The nearby city walls provide a scenic promenade, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lucca’s rooftops and surrounding countryside. Whether for its architectural grandeur, historical significance, or picturesque setting, Saint Donato's Gate remains a must-see landmark, embodying the city’s timeless charm.
5) Porta Santa Maria (St. Maria's Gate)
Saint Maria's Gate (Porta Santa Maria) is a northern gateway in the Walls of Lucca. It was built between 1549 and 1592 as part of the Renaissance walls, and was designed by architect Ginese Bresciani and built by Michelangelo Gabrielli. The gate is dedicated to Virgin Mary – the marble statue of Madonna is found in a niche outside the entrance.
Originally, Saint Maria's Gate had a single entrance; the two side openings were added later. On both sides of the gateway there are several statues, each representing a panther – the symbol of Lucca. Under the central arch there are two frescoes depicting the Annunciation, featuring Archangel Gabriel on the one side and Madonna on the other. At the center of the internal façade is the marble bas-relief depicting Saint Peter along with the inscription "Libertas" underneath, the ancient motto of the city.
From 1883 to 1932 there had been a tram line operating with the terminus of Lucca-Ponte a Moriano outside the city. In 1884 the line was extended with a new terminal station at Porta San Pietro, effectively passing through the Santa Maria gate. Today, the central passage of the gate is solely pedestrian, with the side openings reserved for transit of vehicles.
Originally, Saint Maria's Gate had a single entrance; the two side openings were added later. On both sides of the gateway there are several statues, each representing a panther – the symbol of Lucca. Under the central arch there are two frescoes depicting the Annunciation, featuring Archangel Gabriel on the one side and Madonna on the other. At the center of the internal façade is the marble bas-relief depicting Saint Peter along with the inscription "Libertas" underneath, the ancient motto of the city.
From 1883 to 1932 there had been a tram line operating with the terminus of Lucca-Ponte a Moriano outside the city. In 1884 the line was extended with a new terminal station at Porta San Pietro, effectively passing through the Santa Maria gate. Today, the central passage of the gate is solely pedestrian, with the side openings reserved for transit of vehicles.
6) Porta dei Borghi (Village Gate)
The Village Gate (Porta San Pietro) in Lucca is one of the historic entrances to the city's impressive Renaissance walls. These fortifications, completed in 1648, encircle Lucca’s historic center and remain among the best-preserved city walls in Europe. Built with stone, brick, and earthworks, the walls were intended as a defensive measure against the Republic of Florence but never saw military action.
The Village Gate, located on the southern side of the walls, is one of the main points of access to the old town. Over time, it has adapted to the city’s evolving needs. In the 19th century, under the rule of Maria Luisa de Borbón of Spain, Lucca’s walls were transformed from military fortifications into a public promenade. The Village Gate, like other city gates, now serves as a welcoming entrance for both residents and visitors exploring the city’s rich history.
Today, the area around the gate offers a scenic entryway into Lucca’s charming streets, with the fortified walls functioning as a popular green space for walking, cycling, and cultural events. The Village Gate remains a testament to Lucca’s enduring independence and historical significance.
The Village Gate, located on the southern side of the walls, is one of the main points of access to the old town. Over time, it has adapted to the city’s evolving needs. In the 19th century, under the rule of Maria Luisa de Borbón of Spain, Lucca’s walls were transformed from military fortifications into a public promenade. The Village Gate, like other city gates, now serves as a welcoming entrance for both residents and visitors exploring the city’s rich history.
Today, the area around the gate offers a scenic entryway into Lucca’s charming streets, with the fortified walls functioning as a popular green space for walking, cycling, and cultural events. The Village Gate remains a testament to Lucca’s enduring independence and historical significance.
7) Porta San Jacopo (St. Jacopo's Gate)
Saint Jacopo's Gate (Porta San Jacopo) is the most recent addition to the fortified walls of Lucca, a city famed for its complete Renaissance-era defensive barrier. Built in 1930, it stands as one of the six main gates allowing access to the historic center. Compared to the older, more elaborate entrances, Saint Jacopo's Gate is architecturally simple, earning it the local nickname “the hole”—a contrast to its grand original name, Porta IV Novembre (Gate of Victory of the 4th of November).
Positioned on the northern side of the city, this single-arched gateway was designed to accommodate modern traffic, which has since intensified. While primarily functional, it also holds historical significance due to an interior inscription from the Fascist era, now partially erased but still faintly visible. Despite its utilitarian design, Saint Jacopo's Gate remains a notable point of entry and a reminder of Lucca’s evolving urban landscape.
Positioned on the northern side of the city, this single-arched gateway was designed to accommodate modern traffic, which has since intensified. While primarily functional, it also holds historical significance due to an interior inscription from the Fascist era, now partially erased but still faintly visible. Despite its utilitarian design, Saint Jacopo's Gate remains a notable point of entry and a reminder of Lucca’s evolving urban landscape.
8) Porta Elisa (Elisa's Gate)
Elisa's Gate (Porta Elisa) is the only eastward-facing gate in the Walls of Lucca, a relatively late addition built between 1809 and 1811 during the Napoleonic era. Unlike the city’s other gates, which were named after saints, this one was dedicated to Elisa Baciocchi Bonaparte, Napoleon’s sister and the ruler of Lucca at the time. It was constructed to provide direct access to key destinations like Capannori, Villa Basilica, Pescia, and Florence, a necessity that had previously been avoided due to historical tensions with Florence.
Designed in Neoclassical style, the gate features three arches framed by Tuscan columns supporting a Doric entablature, creating an elegant yet restrained structure. Its white marble stands in stark contrast to the red brick of the surrounding walls, emphasizing its distinctiveness. From the interior, it was conceived as a triumphal arch, leading into the newly planned Via Elisa, which was meant to modernize the city's layout. However, plans to reshape the medieval quarters, including demolishing the Romanesque Porta San Gervasio, were halted after Napoleon’s downfall, leaving only a partial realization of the grand vision.
Today, Elisa's Gate remains a striking historical feature, symbolizing Lucca’s brief Napoleonic chapter and its architectural transition into the 19th century.
Designed in Neoclassical style, the gate features three arches framed by Tuscan columns supporting a Doric entablature, creating an elegant yet restrained structure. Its white marble stands in stark contrast to the red brick of the surrounding walls, emphasizing its distinctiveness. From the interior, it was conceived as a triumphal arch, leading into the newly planned Via Elisa, which was meant to modernize the city's layout. However, plans to reshape the medieval quarters, including demolishing the Romanesque Porta San Gervasio, were halted after Napoleon’s downfall, leaving only a partial realization of the grand vision.
Today, Elisa's Gate remains a striking historical feature, symbolizing Lucca’s brief Napoleonic chapter and its architectural transition into the 19th century.
9) Porta San Gervasio (St. Gervasio's Gate)
Porta San Gervasio is one of the four gates from the 13th century that once formed part of the Walls of Lucca. It was almost completely demolished during the construction of the Renaissance walls (the latter still visible today); the only other similar gate still in place is Porta dei Borghi, located on Via Fillungo.
Also known as dell'Annunziata (the Annunciation gate), Porta San Gervasio was completed in 1255 and was dedicated to Saints Gervasio and Protasio.
The gate has a wide opening, eight meters high, covered by a round arch; the inner lunette carries the image of Madonna and the Child, with two kneeling Saints (probably Gervasio and Protasio) and two Angels uncovering the curtain, as well as a fragment of San Giovannino at the foot of the Virgin.
The two towers, made of gray sandstone with white limestone decorations, originally had battlements and a walkway connecting them at the top. Back in the day, the gate had a drawbridge over a moat; the latter is still preserved and runs opposite Via del Fosso.
Today the two towers are used as private residences. In the top left one, seen from Via del Fosso, Italo Meschi (1887-1957), the guitarist, poet and anarchist-pacifist once lived; while in the right-hand tower, his cousin, painter Alfredo Meschi (1905-1981), had a studio.
The gate underwent restoration in 2006-2007.
Also known as dell'Annunziata (the Annunciation gate), Porta San Gervasio was completed in 1255 and was dedicated to Saints Gervasio and Protasio.
The gate has a wide opening, eight meters high, covered by a round arch; the inner lunette carries the image of Madonna and the Child, with two kneeling Saints (probably Gervasio and Protasio) and two Angels uncovering the curtain, as well as a fragment of San Giovannino at the foot of the Virgin.
The two towers, made of gray sandstone with white limestone decorations, originally had battlements and a walkway connecting them at the top. Back in the day, the gate had a drawbridge over a moat; the latter is still preserved and runs opposite Via del Fosso.
Today the two towers are used as private residences. In the top left one, seen from Via del Fosso, Italo Meschi (1887-1957), the guitarist, poet and anarchist-pacifist once lived; while in the right-hand tower, his cousin, painter Alfredo Meschi (1905-1981), had a studio.
The gate underwent restoration in 2006-2007.
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