Private tour: The Gothic Line in Borgo a Mozzano (Lucca)
Overview
Inclusions
- Private small-group tour
- Local, professional guide
- Multiple stops for photography
What to expect
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Comune di Borgo a Mozzano, Via Umberto I, 1, 55023 Borgo a Mozzano LU, Italy
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.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Campo sportivo Borgo a Mozzano, 55023 Borgo a Mozzano, Province of Lucca, Italy
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.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Ponte della Maddalena (detto Ponte del Diavolo), Strada Statale 12 9, 55023, Borgo a Mozzano Italy
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.
Duration: 30 minutes
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- 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.
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Turislucca’s tours are in compliance with government health and safety protocols for Covid-19.
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- The Gothic Line was not hit badly by the Covid-19 epidemic and currently registers no cases. OurNevertheless, we will enforce social distancing and the use of masks until the end of the pandemic.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
Cancellation
Un tour che ti fa toccare con mano la storia della seconda guerra mondiale. Si, le foto le conosciamo tutti. E tutti sappiamo bene cosa è stata la linea gotica e il suo perché. Ma entrare nella storia in questo modo, toccare muri, ferro, fili spinati, trincee…. Credete, è tutta un’altra storia. U...
Un tour che ti fa toccare con mano la storia della seconda guerra mondiale. Si, le foto le conosciamo tutti. E tutti sappiamo bene cosa è stata la linea gotica e il suo perché. Ma entrare nella storia in questo modo, toccare muri, ferro, fili spinati, trincee…. Credete, è tutta un’altra storia. Un plauso ai volontari (il nostro cicerone era un gentilissimo volontario (classe 50 e occhi azzurri), profondo conoscitore di ogni dettaglio), che ci ha condotti per mano quasi sul set della storia del paese in guerra, regalandoci aneddoti, particolari e storie individuali di non poco conto. Complimenti a quanto lavorano per mantenere viva la STORIA. Non dimentichiamo.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...
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 individua...
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.
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 ...
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!
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 mad...
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!!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.
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.