3 hours
E-voucher
Multiple
Overview
Learn about World War 2 history with a private guide during this self-drive tour of the Gothic Line. Explore the Museum of Liberation, home to memorabilia including military uniforms and arms, before visiting two World War 2-era bunkers. Go off the beaten path with an itinerary that includes a third bunker and a walk across the Devil’s Bridge, dating back to the Middle Ages.
Operated by
Turislucca
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
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Tour was great ❤️ Anna...
William_P, Mar 2026
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.
A MUST DO TOUR OF WW2 Italy
Bill Y, May 2025
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 touching dive into our recent history
danielaO1765NK, Aug 2023
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.
Great experience with a great guide
Juan_S, Apr 2023
Paola was the best possible guide. Great experience. Interesting not only for WW2 History geeks but also for the general public.
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.
30 minutesNext, 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.
2 hoursPonte della Maddalena
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.
30 minutes
Experience
Highlights
Inclusions
- Multiple stops for photography
- Local, professional guide
- Private small-group tour
Exclusions
- Museum entrance fee+ 2 bunkers € 10 per adult or Museum entrance fee + 3 bunkers € 15 per adult
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation to/from attractions
Additional 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.
Guide Languages
English
Spanish
German
Italian
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.