The results of an experimental study for the mechanical characterization of different types of masonry are presented and compared to those obtained by using analytical models proposed by some technical codes: in details the analytical expression for the estimation of the moduli of elasticity and rigidity are discussed in order to verify their reliability. Diagonal and ordinary compressive tests have been carried out on masonry prisms and compressive tests on the components (mortar and units) have also been executed; hence, the analytical relationships given by the Italian, the European and the American technical codes for the estimation of the mechanical properties of masonry, have been used and the predicted quantities have been compared to the experimental results. In this work the details of the experimental campaign and the prediction capacity of the above codes, for the types of masonry investigated, are commented.