AS Lu, Archivio Arnolfini, Mappe, n.1

San Donato bastion and gate

On September 16, 1588, the Government of the Republic decided to send the plans for the western area to Alessandro Farnese, then considered the greatest expert in the field of military technology.  In his opinion Lucca was 'so weak that in four days alone it could be taken by force' and, therefore, he provided a complete plan for the reinforcement of the Walls.

Vincenzo Civitali, the only 'ingegnero' (engineer) from Lucca who worked on the Walls, was called upon to translate that project into action. Civitali, in July 1589, proposed the construction of a new bastion and a new gate at the first turret to the north, towards Santa Croce keep. Nevertheless, during the construction phase of the bastion, serious problems soon emerged with following cracks and collapses.

Things went better, however, with the construction of the Gate that currently houses the Tourist Reception Office and is known as Porta San Donato vecchia. Part of the Medieval Wall and remains of the drawbridge are still clearly visible in that area. 

La porta San Donato vecchia con i resti del ponte levatoio e delle mura medievali