Museo della Antica Zecca di Lucca

About the museum

The mint of Lucca is considered the oldest and longest-lived in Europe: it struck coins from the Lombard period to Charles Louis of Bourbon, from 650 to 1843. Its coins were highly prized in markets and circulated across the continent thanks to Lucca's wealthy merchants and bankers; the image of the Volto Santo, the city's symbol kept in the Cathedral of San Martino, also appears on them.

The museum, run by the Fondazione Antica Zecca di Lucca, is housed in the Casermetta San Donato, along the city walls. The permanent exhibitions retrace the history of coinage from its origins to today and include a collection of scales and coin weights, a selection of medals by distinguished Lucchese engravers, and the Luigi Giorgi Art Collection of around 450 objects, including medals, wax and plaster models, bronze castings, small jewels, sealing-wax impressions, drawings and photographs.

The foundation also holds a library-archive of over a thousand volumes, the oldest from the 16th century, on numismatics, engraving techniques and the history of the Lucca area, which can be consulted by scholars and students. The mint has resumed activity, and a workshop strikes historic coins used in the city.

Highlights

• History of the Lucca mint, active from 650 to 1843
• Luigi Giorgi Art Collection with around 450 objects
• Medals by Lucchese engravers, scales and coin weights
• Workshop that strikes historic coins
• Audio guide included in the ticket

Permanent exhibition

• Storia della monetazione e Collezione artistica «Luigi Giorgi» – Route through the history of the Lucca mint and coinage, with medals, scales, coin weights and the Giorgi collection.

Founded

2006

Operated by

Fondazione Antica Zecca di Lucca

Admission & discounts

Audio guide included in the ticket. The museum takes part in the Lucca VisitCard, the combined ticket for the city's main attractions.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is accessible to people with mobility impairments via a ramp at the main entrance.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the Casermetta San Donato, along the city walls of Lucca.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

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