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Guinigi Tower

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Guinigi Tower (Italy)

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The Guinigi Tower (Torre Guinigi) is the most distinctive landmark of Lucca, Tuscany. Built in the 14th century by the powerful Guinigi family, it served as a symbol of their wealth and influence during their rule of the city. Its most striking feature is the roof garden located at the summit, where seven centuries-old holm oak trees grow. During a time when noble families competed by building tall towers, the Guinigis chose to decorate theirs with trees to represent rebirth and prestige. The tower stands approximately 45 meters tall and is one of the few medieval towers still standing within Lucca's historic center. Visitors must climb 230 steps to reach the top, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the medieval town and the surrounding countryside. The brick structure remains a fine example of local Romanesque-Gothic architecture.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C3471115202322181394
Rain mm6166645660443538659210876

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Guinigi Tower is a medieval tower that can be climbed. At the top you will find the famous rooftop garden with oaks, accessed via a narrow staircase.
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Typical hours
The tower is typically open daily with seasonal hours. In winter it often has shorter hours than in summer.
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Photography
Photography is allowed on the tower and rooftop garden. The view from above gives great panoramas of Lucca - avoid tripods due to the narrow space.
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Time needed
The climb and time on the rooftop garden take about 20 to 30 minutes. In total, allow around one hour for the visit.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk on the city walls of Lucca. The Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and San Martino Cathedral are also within walking distance.
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Getting there
The tower is located in the historic center of Lucca on Via Sant'Andrea. The center is car-free; best reached on foot or by bicycle.
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Insider tip
Buy your ticket early in the day as the tower is very popular. The narrow stairs are not suitable for those with vertigo or claustrophobia.

Geography

Population
81,748 (2022)
Coordinates
43.84370, 10.50650

Facts

  • The tower was constructed in 1384.
  • There are 230 steps leading to the roof garden at the top.
  • The tower reaches a height of exactly 44.25 meters.
  • The holm oaks on the roof are ancient symbols of rebirth.
  • It is one of only a few survivors among more than 250 original towers in Lucca.
  • The Guinigi family eventually donated the tower to the city of Lucca.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town Guinigi Tower (10)

Sant'Anastasio⛪ church

Torre Guinigi

🕒 Nov-Feb: 10:00-16:30; Mar-May: 10:00-17:30; Jun-Sep: 10:00-1💶

Mercato del Carmine

Palazzo Guinigi

Museo Storico della Liberazione🏛 museum

Museo Barsanti e Matteucci🏛 museum

MUST - Museo della Città di Lucca - Memoria Urbana Storia Territorio🏛 museum

Sant'Andrea

Santa Giulia

Chiesa dei Santi Simone e Giuda⛪ church

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Guinigi Tower: where is it located?
Guinigi Tower is located in Italy.
Guinigi Tower: what is there to see?
Highlights include Sant'Anastasio, Torre Guinigi, Mercato del Carmine.
Guinigi Tower: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Guinigi Tower: why is it worth visiting?
The Guinigi Tower (Torre Guinigi) is the most distinctive landmark of Lucca, Tuscany.
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