This work investigates the mechanical behaviour of lime mortar and clay brick masonry by presenting the results of a comprehensive experimental program carried out in the laboratory. Different kinds of masonry samples were built using either aerial or moderately hydraulic lime mortar. Different tests were carried out to evaluate the compression and shear behaviour of the composite material and its constituents. An important contribution of the research is, besides the presentation of the outcomes from standard experimental tests, the development of non-standard tests of samples that were core-drilled from walls. The extraction of cylindrical samples was intended to simulate the on-site sampling from existing structural members. The comparison among different testing techniques provides an overview of experimental methods for the mechanical characterization of both new and existing masonry.