Lucca's monumental mura (wall) was built around the old city in the 16th and 17th centuries and remains in almost perfect condition. It superceded two previous walls, the first built from travertine stone blocks as early as the 2nd century BC. Twelve metres high and 4.2km long, today's ramparts are crowned with a tree-lined footpath looking down on the centro storico and out towards the Apuane Alps. This path is a favourite location for the locals' daily passeggiata (traditional evening stroll).
Children's playgrounds, swings and picnic tables beneath shady plane trees add a buzz of activity to Baluardo San Regolo, Baluardo San Salvatore and Baluardo Santa Croce – three of the 11 bastions studding the way. Older kids kick footballs around on the green lawns of Baluardo San Donato.
