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Casermetta San Donato: A Bastion of History in Lucca

Explore Lucca's military past and numismatic history at Casermetta San Donato, a historic building within the city's Renaissance walls.

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Casermetta San Donato, nestled within Lucca's well-preserved Renaissance walls, offers a glimpse into the city's military past. Once a key component of Lucca's defenses, this historic building now stands as a museum, showcasing the city's rich cultural and economic heritage, particularly its long history of coinage.

A brief summary to Casermetta San Donato

  • Lucca, Province of Lucca, 55100, IT

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a walk along Lucca's city walls for panoramic views.
  • Check for temporary exhibitions at the Museo dell'Antica Zecca di Lucca for an enhanced experience.
  • Visit nearby attractions such as Porta San Donato and Museo Nazionale di Palazzo Mansi.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Lucca train station, exit and head towards the city walls. Enter through the passage in front of the station. Turn right onto Via delle Mura Urbane. Casermetta San Donato will be a short walk along the walls.

  • Public Transport

    The bus station in Lucca is located across Piazza Verdi from the tourist office, near Porta Sant'Anna. From there, walk along the city walls to reach Casermetta San Donato. Bus tickets typically cost around €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available at Piazza Santa Maria and Piazza Napoleone. A short taxi ride within the city center will cost approximately €9.00, which is the minimum fare.

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Discover more about Casermetta San Donato

Located on the northern bastion of Lucca's imposing Renaissance city walls, the Casermetta San Donato is a historic building that has evolved from a military structure to a cultural landmark. Constructed between 1504 and 1650, the walls themselves were a response to the expansionist ambitions of neighboring city-states. The Casermetta, strategically positioned atop the Baluardo San Donato, served as a guardhouse and munitions store, playing a vital role in the city's defense. Today, the Casermetta San Donato houses the Museo dell'Antica Zecca di Lucca, a museum dedicated to the history of Lucca's mint. Lucca boasts one of the oldest and most enduring mints in Europe, producing currency from the Lombardic era until 1843. The museum showcases the evolution of coinage, displaying a collection of coins, scales, and monetary weights. Visitors can also view medals by Lucchese engravers and the "Luigi Giorgi Artistic Collection," featuring medals, wax models, bronze castings, and jewelry molds. A visit to Casermetta San Donato offers a unique opportunity to explore Lucca's military and economic past. The building itself is a testament to Renaissance-era military engineering, while the museum provides insights into the city's cultural and economic significance throughout the centuries.

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