Guinigi Tower

Guinigi Tower

The Guinigi Tower is the most important tower in Lucca and one of the few remaining towers around the city walls, the Guinigi is an impressive 44.25 meters high tower that used to be the residence of one of the most powerful and wealthy families in Tuscany during 1300’s. The Towers was used for protection and defensive purposes, Lucca had around 170 towers during the middle Ages however only a few towers survived the last 700 years. The Guinigi Tower is a typical example of local Romanesque-Gothic architecture.

The Tower stands at 44.25 meters high and at the top of the tower you will see a hanging garden where large centuries-old holm oaks have been planted, you can reach the top of the tower after climbing 230 steps, however, the panorama view of Lucca from the top of the tower is well worth the trip. The ancient trees are holm oaks symbolizing rebirth and renewal.

From the 13th Century the Guinigi Family, who were rich merchants and a leading family of the town, concentrated their mansions between Sant’Andrea and via Guinigi, which preserved its medieval appearance intact. The Tower of Guinigi was built out of brick with mullioned three lights and four light windows, and coat of arms, cornices, and plaques of the family was decorated on to the tower. The Tower was restored and reopened in the 1980’s.

The Guinigi Tower was donated to the local government, Lucca Town Council, by the descendants of the Guinigi Family.

Guinigi Tower
Guinigi Tower Photography by flickr user:barbara steele

Telephone: +39 0583 48090 | Official Website |

How to get there:

  • By Train: The nearest train station is the Lucca Station, situated on Piazzale Bettino Ricasoli Road, 900-meter, 11 minutes walk from the Guinigi Tower.
  • By Bus: the nearest bus stop is situated on via Santa Croce, bus service: LAM ROSSA, then a 3-minute walk up to  Via Angelo Custode and left on to Via Sant’Andrea. 
  • By Foot: The Guinigi Tower is located only 5 minutes away from the St Martin Cathedral and 5 minutes away from Villa Bottini.

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Admission

Ticket Type Full Price Reduced Price
Single Ticket €4.00 €3.00
Cumulative ticket €6.00 €4.00
Children under 6 years old Free Entry

Note: Tickets reduced for groups over 10 people accompanied by a guide, Children between the age of 6 and 14 years old and students, required to provide a suitable card. 

Free Entry to Disabled with a guide, schools of the Municipality of Lucca and students for study reasons with Authorization. 

Animals are not allowed.

Information

  • Architectural style: Romanesque architecture
  • Province: Province of Lucca
  • 44.5 meter high
  • Recommended Duration: 30 minutes

More Photography’s

Guinigi Tower
Guinigi Tower Photography by flickr user:orkomedix
Guinigi Tower
Guinigi Tower Photography by flickr user:leiris202

Location

Address: Via Sant’Andrea, 55100 Lucca LU, Italy

[su_button url=”https://isolatedtraveller.com/european-cities/Lucca/” style=”flat” background=”#000000″ size=”6″ wide=”yes” center=”yes” radius=”0″ icon=”icon: arrow-circle-right”]Explore the City of Lucca[/su_button]