Fortifications

How could we fail to mention the fortifications of Lucca? Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy, whose statue stands before you, would surely remind you that these walls encircle the historic centre for more than 4.2 kilometres. Remarkably, they remain completely intact today, rising up to 12 metres high and reaching nearly 30 metres thick at their base. Construction began at the start of the 16th century and was only completed in 1650, representing almost 150 years of work. Built using the most advanced military engineering techniques of the time, the fortifications were designed to resist gunpowder artillery. The defensive system consisted of eleven bastions linked by curtain walls and punctuated by monumental gates such as Porta San Pietro. Unlike medieval walls, these fortifications relied on thick, sloping ramparts capable of absorbing cannon fire. Yet despite their impressive defensive design, the walls were never tested in a real military siege and served mainly as a deterrent. Their only real protective role came in 1812, when they helped shield the city from flooding caused by the Serchio River. In the 19th century, during the reign of Maria Luisa di Borbone, the ramparts were transformed into a public promenade, becoming one of the earliest examples of an urban park in Europe- a route I will invite you to follow shortly. Before that, however, let us return briefly to the statue before you. Victor Emmanuel II is remembered as one of the Fathers of the Italian nation and played a decisive role in the Risorgimento, the movement that sought to unify the Italian peninsula. In 1861, following military campaigns and popular uprisings led in particular by Garibaldi and his famous Red Shirts, Vittorio Emanuele II was proclaimed King of Italy, a title he retained until his death seventeen years later.