Tower Guinigi, Lucca

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It's estimated that in the Middle Ages, there were about 250 "tower houses", or torre, in the province of Lucca. These towers can still be found all over Tuscany (the little town of San Gimignano is especially known for its 13 remaining towers) and they were meant to symbolize the wealth and power of their owners. The 44 m tall Torre Guinigi was and still is the most important tower in Lucca, and one of the very few examples left in the region. It was built for the Guinigi family who once ruled over Lucca and defended the city against the Medici of Florence, which helped Lucca retain its independence until the 18th century. The tower has become one of the city's most famous symbols, especially thanks to its rooftop garden that can be seen from all over the city.

Admission to Torre Guinigi costs 3.50 Euros, but it's also possible to buy a combined ticket that gives you access to the Torre delle Ore for 5 Euros. There are 230 steps but they are wide and easy to climb. It can be pretty crowded once you reach the top, but the view of the city and surrounding countryside is spectacular. I thought it was especially interesting to look at the Piazza Anfiteatro from up there, you can really see the round shape of the old Roman Amphitheatre.

When we got to Lucca, we climbed a bell tower called the Torre Guinigi with at tree growing at the top. The tower was built by (and named for) Lucca's leading family. It's 230 steps to the top

Admission Charge Open: Winter – 9:00am-12:00pm and 3:

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This is a wonderful tower, and the walk up entertaining. There are museum pieces along the way, and in the lobby a small museum showing the local wares. The green top is a trend from the era where they grew trees and some shrubs for shade and to relax on the top where air circulates more frequently. These are oak trees The tower was built to watch over estate home and insure it would not be attacked by other locals in town or outsiders. The tower was constructed in the 15th century and has 230 steps to the top. It is open 9-7:30 during tour season, and lesser times winter and fall. Fee is Euro 3.50, and it is located on Via S. Andrea.

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The Guinigi tower is famous because belongs to one of the richest families of Lucca and in particular to Paolo Guinigi, Lord of Lucca during the first 30 years of the 15th century. The tower rises at 44 meters above the town. Not only this is a particular detail of the tower as there is the unusual Holm trees that are on top of it.

It is a worth to climb its 230 steps from the bottom to the top garden and admire the beauty of the city of Lucca as well as to have some peace if the time and tourists allow it.

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Climbinbg the Guinigi tower in Lucca takes a little effort but the reward is fantastic, you can see all of the Old Town from up there (and the newer town plus other things) and take some fantastic pictures. There are some trees up there as well, the only tower I've ever seen with full grown oak trees on the top.

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Virtually smack dab in the middle of Lucca is Guinigi Tower. Providing a stellar view in all directions of the city of Lucca, the climb and the 3 or 4 euro to get there are well worth it.

Some of the signs may not be so obvious in directing you to the tower so when in doubt look for the only tower with trees on top. Here are the hours:

Winter opening: daily 9.00 – 17.30
summer opening: daily 9.00 – 20.00
october opening: daily 10.00 – 18.00

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One of our guidebooks stated that there was a bar on top of this tower. We braved the over 230 steps and to our dismay-no booze! The view was spectacular and the top was a bit crowded, but a great experience.

Guinigi was a family that ruled Lucca for a while, and of course for that they had to have the nicest residence. They've built a palazzo and more adiacent houses, and this impressive 40 meter tower. On that time Lucca had a lot of towers, around 170 - including church towers. Guinigi Tower is known and easily recognised for the fact that it has an ancient oak tree on top of it. And the view from the tower to the city of Lucca below is very rewarding.