Porta Elisa, Neoclassical city gate in Lucca, Italy
Description
Porta Elisa is a neoclassical city gate in Lucca, built between 1809 and 1811, distinguished by its white marble masonry. The gate features three arches with Tuscan columns and creates a strong visual contrast against the red brick walls surrounding the city entrances.
History
The gate was built during the Napoleonic era and named after Elisa Baciocchi, the French emperor's sister who ruled Lucca at that time. This naming marked a departure from the older tradition of naming city gates after religious subjects.
Culture
The gate is named after Napoleon's sister and reflects a period when such honors were common practice. Its design shows the neoclassical fashion that influenced Italian architecture at the time.
Practical
The gate sits on the eastern side of Lucca and serves as a departure point for roads toward surrounding towns and larger cities. Visitors should know the location is easily reached on foot from the old town, and good footwear is recommended for exploring the area.
Did you know?
The original project planned a grand new street meant to connect the gate with the city center, but this plan was not completed after the fall of Napoleonic rule. Today visitors can still see traces of these ambitious expansion plans in the city layout.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Lucca).
City walls of Lucca
49 m
Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca
292 m
Church of San Francesco
349 m
Villa Guinigi National Museum
258 m
Santa Maria Forisportam, Lucca
455 m
Casa del boia
297 m
Porta San Gervasio
366 m
San Micheletto
258 m
San Ponziano, Lucca
115 m
Massoni Palace
498 m
Palazzo Boccella
440 m
Santissima Trinità
321 m
Villa Niemack
482 m
Center of Contemporary Art (Lucca)
439 m
Villa Bottini
309 m
Monument to Don Aldo Mei
145 m
Palestra dei Bacchettoni
405 m
Baluardo Cairoli
175 m
Baluardo San Regolo
431 m
Baluardo San Salvatore
221 m
Via Francigena Entry Point - Museum La Casa del Boia
297 m
Historic Centre of Lucca
433 m
Casermetta San Salvatore
223 m
Sortita Bastardo
290 m
Garden of Villa Bottini
334 m
San Francesco cloister
391 m
Fontana della Fratta
437 m
Fontana del Nottolini
360 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes