Torre delle Ore

You are standing at the base of the Torre delle Ore, or the Tower of the Hours. Located on Via Fillungo, the most vibrant artery of the city, this tower is a sentinel that has marked the passage of time for the citizens of Lucca…

As you enter the tower and begin your climb, you'll notice that the staircase is a remarkable preservation of the past. Unlike many other towers that have been modernized with metal or concrete, the Torre delle Ore retains its…

Midway through your climb, you will encounter the mechanical brain of the tower: the 18th-century clock mechanism. This is a rare opportunity to see a historical horological device still in working order. …

As you continue your climb, the shadows of the tower might seem a bit longer as you recall the legend of Lucida Mansi. Lucida was a beautiful and wealthy noblewoman of 17th-century Lucca, known for her vanity and her many lovers. …

Finally, you emerge into the open-air belfry at the top of the tower. Here, the experience becomes intensely sensory. …

From the rooftop of the Torre delle Ore, you are rewarded with what many consider the best panoramic view in Lucca. Because this tower is the tallest in the city and more centrally located than the Guinigi Tower, it offers a…

As you prepare to descend, consider the role of this tower as a civic sentinel. While the Guinigi Tower represents the power of a single family, the Torre delle Ore represents the power of the community. …

Our time at the Torre delle Ore has come to an end, but the clock above us continues its relentless march. We have explored the physical heights of Lucca, the mechanical ingenuity of the 18th century, and the haunting depths of…