Private tour: The Gothic Line in Borgo a Mozzano (Lucca)
Description
During this private 3-hour guided tour of the Gothic Line you will visit the Museum of the Liberation, enjoy a walking tour exploring two of the area's World War 2-era bunkers. Climb, with your guide, aboard your vehicle and visit a third bunker, and walk across the famous Devil's Bridge from where you may enjoy panorama of the river and surrounding hills.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meet your personal specialized guide is in front of the train station in Piazza Marconi (Borgo a Mozzano) in the morning, or afternoon. The first stop is just a few steps away at the small, but evocative museum, Museo della Memoria, which features many World War II documents in relation to Lucca and the construction of the Gothic Line. The museum also contains uniforms and arms of both the Allied and German Armies, a series of objects issued to the troops, an exhaustive number of communiques released by the fascist prefect in regard to curfews, circulation restrictions, black market sales restrictions, photos, and documents of the local Resistance fighters. Note: Should you not have a car, you may reach Borgo a Mozzano by train.
Next, take a 10-minute walk to the two low-lying bunkers built to defend the antitank wall of the Gothic Line at Borgo a Mozzano. To defend the front, the Germans constructed two large, deep bunkers excavating them in the rock. The soldiers used them as observation posts, ready to defend the antitank wall of the Gothic Line with cannons and machine guns. To visit a third incredible bunker, you must take your car and drive to the nearby medieval hamlet of Anchiano. The bunker extends for many meters into the hill below the church of the village. To defend the left side of the river and the Gothic Line, the Todt Organization had this extraordinary fortification constructed for cannons, machine guns, and observation posts.
Hop into your car again, and proceed to the legendary Ponte della Maddalena (Bridge of Mary Magdalene), better known as the 'Devil’s Bridge'. It was constructed during the Middle Ages so pilgrims traveling from northern Italy and Europe could cross the river on their way to Rome. This was the only bridge across the Serchio River that the Germans did not destroy during the Second World War, and proved to be a huge strategic error on their part. It is a humpback bridge with asymmetric arches and can be crossed on foot. At its highest point, there is a splendid panorama of the river and surrounding hills.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- A maximum of 20 people per booking
- Please wear comfortable shoes
- You must provide your own transportation for this excursion using your own vehicle or a rental. You can reach Borgo a Mozzano also by train from Lucca, Pisa, Florence.
- Turislucca’s tours are in compliance with government health and safety protocols for Covid-19.
Reviews(10)
Tour was great ❤️ Anna was awesome. Highly recommend her. She gave us some history which gave us insight as to how Italians survived the occupation.
Thank you very much for your good review, We are happy that you enjoyed the tour !
Very personable up close look at ww2 Italy. My friend and I drove to Borgo and met our guide a wealth of information and energy. We first went to a museum of remembrance that was moving and informative with an historical overview of the allies push into the Po valley through the mountains in central Italy. I could have stayed for hours but we got a great overview. Then we visited several gun emplacements where we had to go through smaller and tinier caves. In one, we had to wear helmets. Then we saw the “devils bridge “ an unusual and old structure supposedly built by the devil who demanded a soul in payment. The villagers sent a dog over to pay the devil. This was an important memorial to the many brave Italians who sacrificed during the war. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS TOUR. You will be informed and humbled.
A tour that lets you experience the history of the Second World War first-hand. Yes, we all know the photos. And we all know well what the Gothic line was and why. But entering history in this way, touching walls, iron, barbed wire, trenches... Believe me, it's a whole different story. Applause to the volunteers (our cicerone was a very kind volunteer (class 50 and blue eyes), profound knowledge of every detail), who led us by the hand almost on the set of the history of the country at war, giving us anecdotes, details and individual stories of no small importance. Kudos to all they work to keep HISTORY alive. We do not forget.
Paola was the best possible guide. Great experience. Interesting not only for WW2 History geeks but also for the general public.
If you love history or just want to do something that is truly off the beaten track consider this private tour. Anna made it so interesting. It was a private tour and we were able to move at our own pace. The German bunkers and the story of how Lucca was involved in WWII were eye-openers. The museum is small but packed with interesting artifacts. Devils Bridge is included in this tour.
Touring The Gothic Line with Anna was absolutely incredible. Learning the history of the line was fascinating especially hearing the impact on the Italian citizens. Walking through the bunkers while hearing the stories of why and how they were built puts a unique perspective on history. Highly recommend this tour for everyone.
Fascinating tour, led by Carlo. Carlo is very knowledgeable about WWII but was also able to explain the big strategies and local involvement in a way that was interesting and engaging. We spent quite a bit of time in the small museum, learning about the Gothic Line and some of the local individuals that participated in the war activities. Then we headed out to two nearby bunkers. He led us through the bunkers so that we could understand their purpose, construction, and impact.
you are very kind. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the tour so much. grazie mille Carlo
This was excellent. Anna was well informed without being stuffy. The bunkers are fascinating and only open for pre arranged tours. Great value at 160 euros total for 10 people (not each). Highly recommended.
we are really happy that you enjoyed the tour, thank you for your appreciation!
If you are anywhere near this location and are a World War II history buff, had family in the war, or just enjoy a general history and knowledge this is a must-see for you! Anna, our tour guide, had wonderful stories as well as lots of knowledge, History, plus family personal experiences that made the tour extra special - a real eye-opener for anyone that has not lived through this difficult time. The best story is the town coming out to the Piazza waiting for the Americans to arrive... HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!
we are happy you enjoyed thank you
<p>This did not have any reviews, so I was a bit nervous booking this but my husband is a big history buff and really wanted to learn more about the Gothic Line and see the WWII German bunkers. Our tour guide, Carlo, was a great tour guide! The tour lasted about 2 / 2.5 hours. He shared a lot of informative information and also shared personal family stories. You need to rent a car in order to go to all three bunkers, but it was worth it. Very cool learning and seeing something that many people do not know much about. I would recommend this tour if you like history. The town is also pretty and you can see the gorgeous Devil's Bridge once the tour is over. Thank you Carlo for a wonderful experience!</p>
