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Lucca’s Walkable Walls

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Part of Lucca's city walls

Part of Lucca’s city walls

In Italy, we get used to seeing castles and defensive structures in varying states of ruin, trying to imagine what they once looked like. In Lucca, not only do you not have to imagine what the city walls used to look like, you can actually walk on them.

The walls that circle historic Lucca are completely intact, and the top is wide enough that it was once used as a driving track. Today, walking the walls is one of the best things to do in Lucca, as it affords great views of the town and lets you mingle with the locals who spend leisure time up there.

The first walls around Lucca were built in the third century, though most of that ancient structure is no longer standing. The next set of walls was built around the 12th century, and parts of those walls are visible in places, too. The walls still standing in their entirety today largely date from the 15th and 16th centuries. In later centuries, trees were planted on the wide top of the walls, anchoring the earth beneath them, and a sort of roadway was laid between the rows of trees.

The walkway on the walls is now known as the Passeggiata delle Mura, and it’s popular for strolling, biking and picnicking. Cars are no longer allowed on it, so it’s a wonderfully pedestrian-friendly way to explore Lucca. Rent a bike if you like, or simply bring your afternoon gelato up to the walls for a scenic stroll.

– Contributed by Jessica Spiegel

Lucca’s Walkable Walls from Tuscany Things to Do


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