Torre delle Ore
Climb Lucca's tallest tower for stunning city views and a glimpse of a historic clock mechanism. A rewarding ascent!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Torre delle Ore
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Climb Lucca's tallest tower for stunning city views and a glimpse of a historic clock mechanism. A rewarding ascent!
"Definitely worth the 207 steps you climb for the stunning 360° views of Lucca. "
🎯 Climb for the Views
Worth the 207 steps for stunning 360° panoramas of Lucca!
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Tickets are €8 and can be purchased on-site. Less crowded than Guinigi Tower.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Lucca Views
Summit
Ascend 207 steps for sweeping 360° vistas of Lucca's charming cityscape and the Tuscan hills beyond.
Historic Clock Mechanism
Upper floor
Marvel at the manually wound 18th-century clock mechanism, a testament to historical engineering.
Less Crowded Tower Experience
Throughout the tower
Enjoy a more tranquil visit compared to other Lucca towers, with fewer than 100 visitors typically per day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Climb for Incredible Views
Beat the Crowds & Clock
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Climb for the Views
Worth the 207 steps for stunning 360° panoramas of Lucca!
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Tickets are €8 and can be purchased on-site. Less crowded than Guinigi Tower.
🕰️ See the Clockwork
Don't miss the fascinating, manually wound 18th-century clock mechanism.
🚶♀️ Avoid Foggy Days
Views are spectacular, but skip if the weather is foggy for best visibility.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Climb for the Views
Worth the 207 steps for stunning 360° panoramas of Lucca!
🎟️ Affordable Entry
Tickets are €8 and can be purchased on-site. Less crowded than Guinigi Tower.
🕰️ See the Clockwork
Don't miss the fascinating, manually wound 18th-century clock mechanism.
🚶♀️ Avoid Foggy Days
Views are spectacular, but skip if the weather is foggy for best visibility.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Torre delle Ore for its breathtaking panoramic views of Lucca and its less crowded atmosphere compared to other towers. The climb is considered well worth the effort, and the historic clock mechanism adds a unique historical dimension. Some find the bell's clang intense, and the narrow stairs can be challenging.
"Definitely worth the 207 steps you climb. The video I shared shows how this tower, tallest in Lucca is less crowed than the tree topped tower. Both towers are 8€ way."
Greets Bikes
"The climb to the top is well worth the effort. You'll be rewarded with stunning 360° views of Lucca, though the loud, shaking clang of the bell is an intense experience."
Horia Banciu
"Way less people than the tree tower. They say usually under 100 visitors per day. Great views. Peaceful. Just over 200 stairs. Great experience. My favorite tower. 8 euros."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Torre delle Ore is centrally located in Lucca, making it easily accessible on foot from most parts of the city. It's situated on the corner of Via Fillungo and Via dell'Arancio. If you're arriving by train, it's a pleasant 15-20 minute walk through the historic center.
Parking within Lucca's historic center is restricted. It's best to park in one of the designated public parking lots outside the city walls, such as the Parcheggio Mazzini or Parcheggio Cittadella, and then walk or cycle into the center.
While there are local buses that circulate within Lucca, Torre delle Ore is best reached by walking, as it's located in the heart of the pedestrian-friendly old town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard entrance fee for Torre delle Ore is €8. This provides access to the tower and its clock mechanism.
Tickets can typically be purchased on-site at the entrance of the tower. It's advisable to check for any online booking options in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official Lucca tourism website or local information points for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Due to the 207 narrow wooden steps, Torre delle Ore is not accessible for individuals with mobility issues or those who find climbing challenging.
The steep and narrow wooden staircase makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to bring a stroller up Torre delle Ore. It's best to leave it at your accommodation or use a baby carrier if needed.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
There are exactly 207 original wooden steps to climb to reach the top of Torre delle Ore.
From the top, you'll get stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Lucca's historic center, including its terracotta rooftops, surrounding walls, and the distant Tuscan countryside.
Torre delle Ore is generally less crowded than the Guinigi Tower, with typically under 100 visitors per day. However, it can feel confined due to the narrow stairs.
The tower houses a manually wound clock mechanism from 1754, which is still functional and a significant historical artifact.
Yes, there's a legend that the tower's bells rang for the last time before Lucida Mansi, a woman who made a pact with the devil, was taken away.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic shots of Lucca. The interior staircase also provides unique photographic angles, especially with the light filtering through.
The narrowness of the stairs can make it challenging to maneuver with a camera, especially when other visitors are present. Be mindful of others and take your time.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most beautiful golden hour shots of the city. Midday can be harsh, and fog can obscure the views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great way to incorporate some physical activity into your day. Consider bringing snacks and water, and be prepared for the narrowness of the stairs, which can make it tricky to navigate with multiple children. Torre delle Ore offers a more peaceful experience than the busier Guinigi Tower, which might be preferable for families seeking a less overwhelming environment.
However, due to the stairs, it's not suitable for families with infants or toddlers who require strollers. 🚶 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a walk along the Lucca city walls (which are free to access) and exploring the charming streets.
This makes Torre delle Ore a fantastic addition to a budget-friendly itinerary in Lucca, offering a high-impact experience at a reasonable cost. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget to capture the interior details as well. The wooden staircase, the light filtering through the narrow windows, and the intricate clock mechanism all offer compelling photographic subjects.
+1 Be mindful of the confined spaces and other visitors when composing your shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Climb: A Journey Through Time
The narrowness of the staircase means that passing other visitors can be tricky, so patience is key. As you ascend, you'll notice the perfectly preserved wooden structure, a testament to centuries of maintenance.
+1 The air inside is cool and carries the scent of old wood. Reaching the top is a moment of triumph, offering a sense of accomplishment alongside the breathtaking views. While the climb is challenging, it's also a unique opportunity to connect with the past. The manual winding mechanism of the clock on the upper floor is a fascinating glimpse into historical engineering, making the entire journey from bottom to top a multi-sensory historical immersion.
Views from the Top: Lucca Unveiled
Compared to the more famous Guinigi Tower, Torre delle Ore offers a less crowded experience, allowing for more contemplative enjoyment of the scenery.
+1 The views extend beyond the city, offering glimpses of the surrounding Tuscan landscape, including the Monte Pisano. It's important to note that the visibility from the tower can be significantly impacted by weather.
The Historic Clock: A Timeless Mechanism
Visitors have the opportunity to see this historical marvel up close on the upper floor of the tower. The mechanism is a testament to the ingenuity of 18th-century craftsmanship. Unlike modern electric clocks, this one requires manual winding, a process that has been carried out for centuries to keep time for the city.
Seeing the gears, weights, and pendulums in person offers a tangible connection to the past and an appreciation for the dedication involved in maintaining such a device. While the clock is a significant feature, it's worth noting that the loud clang of the bell can be an intense experience for some visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit