Have you ever dreamed of climbing a medieval towerto brave a staircase that will put your calves to the test, ending at the summit surrounded by holm oaks in a hanging garden perched above the roofs of Lucca? No? Rest assured, neither do most tourists. However, the torre guinigi and its incredible hidden garden are worth a thousand times the classic Tuscan sunflower fields seen over and over again under every Instagram hashtag. And believe me, it's a sight even your stories can't do justice to.
Discovering the Torre Guinigi: family legend and vertical challenge
To understand this unique monumentyou need to delve into the history of the Guinigi familya wealthy merchant dynasty of the XIV centurye century, whose motto might well have been "see the city from above or nothing at all". This inordinate ambition (or this oversized ego, depending on your mood) gave rise to the famous torre guinigithe ultimate symbol of prestige in the Medieval Tuscany.
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Building towers was then the height of fashion in Lucca. Everyone wanted to impress their neighbors - or give passers-by a stiff neck, the choice was yours. At the beginning of the 15th century, the town had almost 250 of them; today, only a few remain. Visit torre guinigi is undoubtedly the most eccentric, as it hosts a veritable hanging garden at the summit. Yes, you read that right: a green space perched 45 metres high, crowned by seven majestic holm oaks! If you'd like to get a clear idea of how long it will take to enjoy these wonders, we recommend you consult this excellent guide on the ideal time to visit Tuscany.
The architectural secret behind the medieval tower
The architecture of the torre guinigi is striking in its rare audacity. Why plant trees up there? The story goes that Paolo Guinigi, the local lord, wanted to offer his family a spot of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city, somewhere between an ecological strategy ahead of its time and a princely whim. One thing's for sure: these holm oaks have not been chosen at random. With their sturdy roots, they anchor this hanging garden like a challenge to gravity, defying centuries... and photographers in search of perfect angles.
Beneath the stone slab, the ingenious gardeners laid a thick layer of soil, carefully drained to nourish these reckless oaks. The result is a veritable medieval rooftop garden, well ahead of the trend for trendy rooftop bars in New York. Except that here, your cocktail is the fresh air and the panoramic view on the city of Lucca. Nothing artificial, everything authentic - and you can feel it from the very first breath. In fact, to prolong your immersion and discover all the facets of LuccaThere's nothing like lingering at the foot of the tower.
Why is Torre Guinigi so fascinating today?
Every year, the torre guinigi attracts around 60,000 visitors (Official statistics of the Municipality of Lucca, 2023). As soon as you cross the threshold, you leave behind the busy streets, full of tourists gourmands de gelato, to venture into a historic staircase composed of 232 steps to climb. Even amateur sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do here - and sometimes even muscles they never imagined they had! For those wishing to organize their getaway in the best possible way, there are also recommendations for ideal time to travel in Tuscanyto avoid summer crowds.
Climbing this staircase is like stepping back in time, shortness of breath included. The thick walls, studded with traces of the past, tell as many stories as the official guidebooks. It's not for nothing that the tower is listed as a protected Italian monument (source: Ministero della Cultura, Beni culturali italiani). If you like to feel history under your fingers (and sweat on your forehead), you've come to the right place.
How do you explore the Torre Guinigi without ending up in the XXL queue?
If you're thinking of enjoying top of the towerthink again. Between overexcited school groups and hordes of visitors in shorts that are too short, it's best to keep your wits about you to enjoy the panorama with complete peace of mind.
My best tip? Aim for the early morning opening (usually around 9 a.m.), when the crowds are still asleep in their B&Bs. In low season - February-March or November - it's almost a daydream: only a few local regulars share the view. In summer, arm yourself with patience, especially if selfies under the holm oaks are as vital as the evening pasta... 🍝
- Weather: opt for clear days to take advantage of the city view breathtaking (the Tuscan mist can turn your photos into monochrome paintings...)
- Attire: forget the spikes, but opt for comfortable shoes - slippery espadrilles are unforgiving on the stairs.
- Ticketing: buy your ticket online; it saves a cumulative thirty minutes of grumbling in the queue (and preserves your good mood).
What does the hanging garden at the top of the tower look like?
When you reach the top, prepare yourself for a sensory shock. The contrast between the antique brickthe ruffled greenery of the holm oaks and the blue sky create an almost unreal scene. Occasionally, the sun's rays filter through the branches, decorating the terrace like an old illuminated book.
This hanging garden isn't huge: you'll soon come full circle (there's no labyrinth or picnic lawn, sorry for the fans...). But the raw magic is everywhere. As if each tree were silently whispering the light weight of the centuries, facing the remains of Lucca below. Here, every breath of air seems charged with history.
Holm oaks star at the top of the tower
Planting holm oaks a crazy idea? Not really, when you consider that this hardy tree is valiantly resistant to wind and drought. In the Tuscan traditionIt symbolizes strength and longevity. Today's specimens were replanted in the 19th century.e century, but some documents already mention a centuries-old presence on the roof of the medieval tower.
Even more incredible: in strong storms, these trees sway without flinching. I remember one windy morning when, squeezed in with a handful of brave tourists, we felt as if we were on a ship moored to the clouds... Sensations guaranteed, zero seasickness included!
City view: Lucca's best panorama?
Climbing the torre guinigiis to embrace everything Lucca with a circular gaze, as if you suddenly had the eye of a medieval eagle. From east to west, the town unfurls its cobbled streets, Romanesque churches and shady squares. In the distance, you can make out the rolling hills of the Tuscanycovered with olive and cypress trees.
This panorama is addictive! The temptation to stand there and watch the light move over the rooftops is great. Even for those who swear never to give in to mass tourism, it's impossible not to pull out the camera. Those who leave with nothing but their memories often take with them a sense of nostalgia... until the next visit.
| Tower height | Number of steps | Trees at the top | Construction date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44,25 m | 232 | 7 holm oaks | end XIVe century |
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Frequently asked questions about torre guinigi and its hanging garden
How do you get to the top of the Torre Guinigi without suffering?
Impossible to avoid the famous 232-step staircaseNo modern elevator betrays this medieval gem. Plan strategic breaks and hydrate well before the ascent. Climbing slowly, admiring the views from every landing, transforms the effort into an immersive adventure. You don't have to be a marathon runner, just motivated and curious!
Which periods offer the best visiting experience?
Spring and autumn are ideal, with fewer tourists and mild weather. Avoid the scorching days of July and August, when the top of the tower is becoming very popular. Outside the school vacations, visitor numbers remain reasonable, except during long bank holidays.
- Early May to late June: pleasant climate, moderate crowds
- Mid-September to mid-November: sublime colors and unobstructed views
What other points of interest are in the immediate vicinity of torre guinigi?
The historic center of Lucca regorge of fascinating sites. After your visit to the towerstop at the piazza dell'Anfiteatrotake a tour of the ramparts that encircle the old town, or discover the basilica of San Frediano famous for its golden façade. Allow a full day to explore the city's cultural diversity.
- Piazza dell'Anfiteatro
- Lucca walls
- Basilica of San Frediano
- Torre delle ore (for a second climb, if your legs hold out!)
How old are the holm oaks in the hanging garden?
The holm oaks date back to the 19th centurye century, following a restoration campaign documented by the municipality of Lucca. But the original concept of hanging garden dates back to the tower's construction in the 14th century.e century. A centuries-old tradition, regularly updated with the goût of the day.
| Planting period | Number of trees planted | Shaft type |
|---|---|---|
| XIXe century | 7 | Holm oaks |
In short, the torre guinigi is more than just a curiosity for LuccaIt's an invitation to take a step back in time, to defy the tourist routine and discover the Tuscany from an unexpected angle. So, ready to climb the steps? You'll see, the real luxury here is to slow down, breathe and contemplate a panorama that never lets itself be tamed by the crowds.