A distinctive feature of many medieval towns that you will come across while staying in one of our Tuscany Villas are remnants or great sections of the ancient walls that once protected these towns. In Lucca, for example, there are still large stretches of these old walls around and throughout the town that not only add to the romantic historic atmosphere but also boast charming walkways, great views, and even more. For those who book a villa in Lucca and particularly those who might be considering travelling during the autumn months, time should definitely be set aside to wander about and explore this incredible feature of this beautiful town.
Set inside this rather unique wall system, both Lucca and her walls date back to Roman times, though the current iteration actually reflects later periods of rebuilding. Going all the way back to the second century BC, the walls were first built when the original incarnation of Lucca was established. These walls were replaced by another set in the Middle Ages, beginning in the 11th and ending in the 13th centuries, though some fragments of the original Roman walls do still exist. Due to expansion of the town in the 14th and 15th centuries, the walls were rebuilt once more and this was the birth of the monumental walls visible around Lucca today.
Despite the original intention for them to be used as defensive features, the walls came to be used as a space for the public to enjoy and were officially opened up to the townspeople in the 18th century. Today, tourists and locals alike spend time on the walls of Lucca, admiring their incredible construction and design but also gathering and walking, jogging, and cycling along these remarkable structures. 4 km long and interrupted by 11 bastions (all of which are different in design), the walls are planted with trees and are a leafy, charming place to spend time, stretch your legs, and take in views over Lucca itself and the surrounding countryside.
So, if you find your vacation rental in Lucca and are spending time in this splendid Tuscan town, be sure to check out the walls and take a stroll along this picturesque gem...
