THE GOTHIC LINE (visit to the bunkers of World War II)
20 minutes from Lucca discover an astonishing historical site dating from World War II now open for the first time to visitors. The Gothic Line was a heavily defended fortification ordered by Hitler and organised by Feld Marshal Kesserling during the final stages of the war, known as the Italian campaign. The line was constructed along the mountain peaks of the Apennines, and designed to cover the retreat of the Third Reich Troops. The strength and depth of the fortifications illustrates the iron determination of the German forces to continue fighting the Allies all the way back to the gates of Germany. The Gothic Line runs east and west of the River Serchio and is uniquely well preserved: Tank traps, bunkers, underground tunnel systems and hidden pathways inside the mountain, observation posts and trenches. Discover an imposing and breath...