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Monument · Lucca, Toscana
Torre Guinigi
Medieval tower of about 44 metres belonging to the Guinigi family, with a small garden of centuries-old holm oaks planted on the top.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Torre Guinigi
The Torre Guinigi was erected in the 14th century by the Guinigi family, merchants and bankers who dominated Lucca at that time, next to the family's houses on Via Sant'Andrea. It is about 44 metres high and is the only family tower that was not cut down or demolished in the 16th century, when the city had more than 250 towers.
What makes it famous is the garden at the top: seven holm oaks, evergreen oaks called leccio in Italian, grow in beds of earth on the terrace, tens of metres above the ground. They are recognised as monumental trees and serve as a symbol for the city, visible from several points in the centre and from the walls.
The ascent is on foot, about 230 steps, first on stone stairs and, in the final section, on narrow metal ramps. Up there, in the shade of the trees, you can see Lucca's roofs, the oval shape of the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the church bell towers, the line of the walls and the surrounding mountains.
The tower belongs to the town hall and is visited with a ticket. Opening times vary by season, with later hours in summer.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 30 to 45 minutes, counting the climb and the stop at the top.
Best time
In the late afternoon, when daylight saving time allows, to see the low sun over the rooftops. On days of heavy rain the visit may be suspended.
How to get there
It is on Via Sant'Andrea, in the centre, about a 5-minute walk from the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and around 15 minutes from the station.
Tip
The ascent is narrow and there is no lift. Combine it with the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, which can be seen in full from the top.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Torre Guinigi
Why are there trees on top of the Torre Guinigi?
The Guinigi family planted a garden on the tower's terrace. The holm oaks there today are recognized as monumental trees of Italy.
Is the climb tiring?
It's a climb on foot up narrow stairs, with no elevator, but it's about 230 steps—much fewer than the large towers in Siena and Pisa.
What can you see from the top?
The roofs of Lucca, the oval shape of the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the bell towers, the walls, and the mountains surrounding the town.