Around the end of the 19th century, in correspondence with the development of the suburb of Sant'Anna, a debate was opened on how its connection with the city should be made. Having discarded the hypothesis of an extension of San Donato gate, in 1905 the Municipal Administration decided to proceed with a considerable breach in the Walls that would interrupt their continuity for the first time.

Upon hearing of the project, a strong negative reaction arose. A Committee was formed that launched an appeal to men of culture from all over Italy. The poets Giosuè Carducci, Giovanni Pascoli and Gabriele D'Annunzio were the first to send their support, as did Giacomo Puccini, who considered it 'a true outrage to our beautiful Walls' and sent this telegram: 'I join my voice, which cries out for respect for the ancient monument, to the protest against the disgrace that is being inflicted on the green wreath that surrounds our Lucca.'

Overwhelmed by this wave of criticism, the breach was avoided and the project was modified, taking the form of Sant'Anna gate that we still see today.