Guinigi Tower

The Guinigi Tower stands in Lucca, a walled city in Tuscany. Built in the late 14th century, it is one of the few remaining medieval towers in the city. The Guinigi family, wealthy merchants and bankers, constructed it as a symbol of their status. The tower rises 45 metres with 230 steps divided into 28 flights. At its summit, visitors find a small garden of holm oaks planted centuries ago. The Guinigis donated the tower to the city in 1968. Its Romanesque-Gothic design reflects the period’s architectural style. The tower offers a quiet contrast to the bustling streets below. From the top, views stretch over Lucca’s red roofs and surrounding countryside. The holm oaks on the roof remain a distinctive feature. Inside, the stone staircase winds upward past narrow windows. The climb is rewarded with a peaceful terrace surrounded by trees. The air is cooler at the top, offering respite from the city heat. The tower stands as a reminder of Lucca’s medieval past.