In this alley it is possible to see some remains of the Lucca headquarters of the MAGIONE DEI CAVALIERI DELL’ALTOPASCIO, otherwise known as the “TAU” from their symbol representing the Greek letter “tau”. The tau can be seen in this alley near the door marked with the house number 2, while another example is a little further on the wall on the right for those who enter coming from via S. Croce. As for the meaning of the symbol, it is thought of as a stylized image of a hammer, an instrument with which the Knights performed their duties. In the Germanic tradition the tau would represent the hammer that was cast for the god Thor, and therefore the tau could also mean the “sign of the elect” (Revelation, 7). The hospital order, which dates back to the century. XI, was among the first Catholic orders of a religious-military character. Among his duties were the supervision of the roads to ensure the safety and maintenance of the bridges. It had its main office in Altopascio, and in addition to the Lucca office, it had other branches throughout Italy and the rest of Europe. At the end of a progressive decline, the Order was suppressed in the century. XVI
