Torre delle Ore: Lucca's Timeless Clock Tower
Ascend Lucca's tallest tower for panoramic views and a glimpse into the workings of its historic clock mechanism.
The Torre delle Ore, or Clock Tower, is one of Lucca's most iconic landmarks, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and a stunning vantage point. Standing at 50 meters, it is the tallest of the 130 towers built in Lucca during the medieval era. Located on Via Fillungo, the tower has been a silent witness to the city's evolution. Originally built in the 13th century by wealthy families as a symbol of power and defense, the tower was acquired by the Luccan government in the 14th century. In 1390, the decision was made to install a clock, transforming the tower into a public timepiece. The clock's presence spared the tower from demolition, unlike many other towers in the city. The current clock mechanism dates back to 1752, crafted by Louis Simon of Geneva, with contributions from Sigismondo Caturegli of Lucca. Visitors can climb the tower's 207 original wooden steps to reach the top. Along the way, you can observe the intricate clock mechanism, a remarkable example of 18th-century engineering that is still functioning. The summit provides breathtaking panoramic views of Lucca's rooftops, bell towers, and the surrounding Piana di Lucca. The Torre delle Ore is also entwined with local legends, most notably the tale of Lucida Mansi, a noblewoman who sold her soul to the devil in exchange for eternal youth. According to the legend, when the devil came to collect her soul, Lucida attempted to stop the clock from striking, but failed and was thrown into the lake of the Botanical Garden. It is said that her ghost still appears on full moon nights.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as climbing the tower involves ascending 207 steps on a narrow, winding staircase.
- The staircase may not be suitable for visitors with mobility issues.
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
A brief summary to Torre delle Ore
- Via Fillungo, Lucca, Province of Lucca, 55100, IT
- +39058348090
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Walking
The Torre delle Ore is located on Via Fillungo, in the heart of Lucca's historic center. From Piazza Napoleone, walk north along Via Fillungo, the main shopping street. The tower will be on your right, at the corner of Via dell'Arancio. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are involved.
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Public Transport
From the Lucca train station, located just outside Porta San Pietro, you can reach the Torre delle Ore by bus. Several bus lines connect the station to the city center. Get off at the bus stop closest to Piazza Verdi or Piazza del Giglio and walk north along Via Fillungo. The tower will be on your right. A single bus ticket costs approximately €1.50. Alternatively, it's a 15-20 minute walk from the train station to the tower.
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Parking
If arriving by car, be aware that the historic center is a limited traffic zone (ZTL). Several parking lots are located outside the city walls. Park Carducci and Park Palatucci are good options, offering hourly rates of around €1.00 and €0.20-1.00 respectively. From these parking areas, you can walk to the Torre delle Ore (approximately 15-20 minutes) or take a local bus. Bus tickets cost around €1.50.
