Torre Guinigi

Welcome to the Torre Guinigi, perhaps the most poetic and recognizable symbol of Lucca. While the city once boasted over 250 towers in a 'skyscraper competition' during the Middle Ages, the Torre Guinigi stands as one of the few…

To understand the Torre Guinigi, one must first understand the family that built it. The Guinigi rose to prominence in the 14th century, not through military conquest, but through the lucrative silk trade. …

The construction of the Torre Guinigi is a prime example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture. It is characterized by its exposed red brickwork and a series of elegant arched windows that decrease in size as the tower ascends, a…

As you climb higher, the legend of Paolo Guinigi, the most famous member of the family, begins to resonate. Paolo was the lord of Lucca from 1400 to 1430, and it was under his rule that the Guinigi power reached its peak. …

Emerging onto the rooftop, you are greeted by an sight that is truly surreal: a lush garden of seven holm oaks growing high above the city. The space is small and intimate, enclosed by a stone wall that acts as a giant planter. …

From the edge of the rooftop garden, the panoramic view of Lucca is breathtaking. Because you are standing in the shade of the trees, you can linger and study the details of the city in a way that is impossible on most other…

As you prepare to descend, take one last look at the holm oaks. In Lucchese culture, these trees are a powerful symbol of rebirth and renewal. …

Our journey to the garden in the sky at Torre Guinigi is complete. We have climbed through the history of the silk traders, stood in the shade of ancient oaks, and looked out over the red roofs of one of Italy’s most beautifully…