Torre delle Ore
At the corner of Via Fillungo and Via dell'Arancio, a 50-metre medieval tower rises above the roofline of central Lucca, and if you time your visit right, you'll hear it before you see it — one to six strikes, four times a day, keeping a Roman-style count that hasn't changed since the 14th century.
Climbing the 207 original wooden steps brings you up through the mechanism itself, past gears and bells that were redesigned in the 18th century by a Genevan watchmaker and a local clockmaker working together. The arched loggia at the top frames the city's bell-towers and the flat Piana di Lucca beyond.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who've done both towers tend to come here second — and prefer it. The staircase is steeper and narrower than Torre Guinigi's, but the clock room itself is the payoff: you're standing inside a working mechanism, close enough to watch it move. Arrive a few minutes before a quarter-hour to hear the bells from the top.
The story behind Torre delle Ore
The tower dates to the 13th century and passed through several private families — Quartigiani, Diversi, Cristofani, Sesmondi, Ceci — before the city government acquired it in the 14th century. In 1390, the General Council of Lucca commissioned goldsmith Labruccio Cerlotti to install the city's first clock mechanism. A century later, an external dial was added so the time could be read and heard from the street.
The mechanism was overhauled in the 18th century: Louis Simon of Geneva designed a new system, Sigismondo Caturegli of Lucca collaborated on the build, and bell-founder Stefano Filippi cast three new bells. The weathervane still carries the word 'Libertas' and the year 1754. A later restoration by clockmaker Giovanni Ermini involved dismantling and reassembling every piece, with part of the work carried out in a Florence workshop.
Good to know
Reservations are recommended on weekdays and required on weekends. Hours shift seasonally, so confirm the current schedule at the official Lucca tourism site before you go. Ticket prices vary by age and group size; a combined ticket with Torre Guinigi is available. No lift — 207 steps, steep and narrow.
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What travellers say about Torre delle Ore
Torre delle Ore in Lucca is a hidden gem! Climbing the ancient wooden stairs is a thrilling workout that rewards you with breathtaking, panoramic views of the city and Tuscan hills. Standing next to the still-functioning 18th-century clock mechanism is unforgettable. The view is breathteaking! 👀
That was cool. It’s the lesser common one from the other tower here in Lucca. It has its own unique nature from the Guigini. Stairs are al made of wood. It’s cool to hear the creaking as you climb. Didn’t feel unsafe. Great views of the area and of Guigini. If you visit during the weekday, don’t worry about a reservation.
This is a tower you must climb. It's approximately 200 steps but when you get to the top you get a magnificent view of the city of Lucca
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.
After walking up the 200 steps you get fantastic views of the city there is a small fee to pay on entry
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