The Torre Guinigi is a brick tower in the typical Tuscan Romanesque-Gothic style of architecture and has become the main symbol of Lucca thanks to its crown of live oaks growing on the battlements.

The tower was built, together with the Palazzo Guinigi, during the 14th century as one of the residences of the wealthy Guinigi banking and merchant family.

At that time, it was common for the most influential inhabitants of the city to build palaces with defensive towers to show their power.

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Legends of the treetop

There wouldn't be too much to like about a 44-metre high tower, after all there are plenty of similar towers in Lucca and Tuscany.

Torre Guinigi, however, stands out because the top of the tower is planted with live holm oaks, which is unique in the world among medieval buildings.

There are several legends about the reason for the planting. One of them says that there was a kitchen on the very top floor of the tower and the roof was used by the cooks as a garden for growing herbs. The trees then served as a natural screen.

The second legend mentions that the trees were planted by Paolo Guinigi as a symbol of rebirth after the death of his first wife and the early birth of two sons after his marriage to his second wife.

Admission to the viewpoint

The tree-lined roof is open to the public and offers spectacular views of Lucca and the Apuan Alps in the background. The lookout is open daily from 9:30am, closing times vary according to the season and can be found on the official city website.

There are 232 steps on the way up.

The price of a ticket to the viewpoint is 5 eur for adults 4 eur for under 18 and over 65.

Alternatively, it is possible to opt for a combined ticket for 12 eur, which is still valid for the climb to the Torre delle Oro and to the Botanical Gardens.