Torre Guinigi
Climb a medieval tower crowned with ancient oak trees for unparalleled views of Lucca and the Tuscan landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Torre Guinigi
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Climb a medieval tower crowned with ancient oak trees for unparalleled views of Lucca and the Tuscan landscape.
"It's quite unique to see such a 45 m high tower made of brick and stone with trees growing on its top."
🎯 230 Steps to the Top
The climb is rewarding but requires stamina. Take your time and enjoy the resting spots along the way. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Ticket Tips
Buy tickets online to save time, but be aware of potential website glitches. Expect a short wait if buying on-site. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Oak-Topped Summit
Top of Torre Guinigi
Ascend 230 steps to a medieval tower crowned with a lush garden of Holm Oak trees.
Panoramic Lucca Views
Summit of Torre Guinigi
Enjoy stunning 360-degree vistas of Lucca's red-tiled rooftops and the rolling Tuscan landscape.
Romanesque-Gothic Architecture
Exterior of Torre Guinigi
Admire the historic brick tower, a prime example of Lucca's unique architectural heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Climb to the Canopy
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 230 Steps to the Top
The climb is rewarding but requires stamina. Take your time and enjoy the resting spots along the way. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Ticket Tips
Buy tickets online to save time, but be aware of potential website glitches. Expect a short wait if buying on-site. :admission_tickets:
🌳 Unique Tree Garden
Marvel at the ancient Holm Oaks growing atop this medieval tower – a truly unique sight! :evergreen_tree:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 230 Steps to the Top
The climb is rewarding but requires stamina. Take your time and enjoy the resting spots along the way. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Ticket Tips
Buy tickets online to save time, but be aware of potential website glitches. Expect a short wait if buying on-site. :admission_tickets:
🌳 Unique Tree Garden
Marvel at the ancient Holm Oaks growing atop this medieval tower – a truly unique sight! :evergreen_tree:
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Not for Mobility Issues
The tower involves many stairs with no alternative access. It's best to skip if you have walking difficulties. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Torre Guinigi, calling it a 'number one place to visit in Lucca' for its unique charm and breathtaking views. The climb is considered manageable and rewarding, with the oak trees atop the tower being a particular highlight. While some find it a bit pricey and note potential crowds on the small summit, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, offering a memorable glimpse into Lucca's history and beauty.
"A stunning view of one of the most authentic cities in Tuscany.
Lucca is known as the “city of one hundred churches” and one tower - a true example of genius in simplicity.
The climb is relatively quick and not too difficult, with spots to rest along the way.
Reaching the top, you find yourself on a small 20-square-meter island among the trees, surrounded by mountains. It’s an incredible feeling.
They’ve even managed to grow new trees up there — a tiny garden raised high above the city.
The view is breathtaking from nearly every angle!"
Olga Voitiuk
"The view is stunning and the history behind the tower is also something to appreciate!
We queued for only 5 min to get the tickets and made our way up straight away.
The terrace view is breathtaking and it's so unusual to find trees on the top of a tower. During summer they offer a perfect shade to be underneath it."
Gaia Tomasin
"To my opinion this is a number one place to visit in Lucca. Its quite unique to see such a 45 m high tower made of brick and stone of local Romanesque-Gothic architecture with trees growing on its top. Just imagine, in the beginning of 14th century there was about 250 towers in Lucca!
And as for every tower, if you climb up 233 steps you'll be awarded by 360deg view of old city of Lucca and surrounding mountains. View is stunning, just keep in mind the upper platform is very small that you can barely surround it because of crowds. Entrance is from behind the tower, not on the main street. If you want to buy ticket on place you'll have to probably wait about 15 minutes till the new slot is released, as this place is the most visited in the city. To buy tickets online its very difficult as the website doesn't work properly."
Tomi Valny
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a train from Florence to Lucca, which typically takes around 1.5 hours. From Lucca's train station, Torre Guinigi is a pleasant walk through the charming city streets. Some travelers combine a day trip to Pisa and Lucca, but it can be rushed.
Yes, Torre Guinigi is centrally located within Lucca's historic center and is easily reachable on foot from most parts of the city. It's a popular landmark, so it's hard to miss!
Lucca is a very walkable city, and many visitors also rent bicycles to explore the city walls and streets. Torre Guinigi is easily accessible by foot from anywhere within the historic center.
Driving into Lucca's historic center is restricted for non-residents. It's best to park outside the city walls and walk or cycle in. Torre Guinigi is then a short walk from the parking areas.
While there isn't direct public transport to the tower itself, Lucca has a local bus system. However, most attractions within the historic center, including Torre Guinigi, are best explored on foot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Torre Guinigi is approximately 8 euros for adults and 6.5 euros for children aged 8-14. Some tickets may also include access to an exhibition.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the entrance. However, to avoid potential queues, especially during peak season, buying tickets online in advance is recommended.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Online booking is available, but some visitors have reported issues with the website. It's worth trying in advance, but have a backup plan for purchasing tickets on-site.
Some ticket packages may include entry to other towers in Lucca, such as Torre delle Ore. It's best to check the specific ticket details when purchasing.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers incredible panoramic shots of Lucca. Don't forget to capture the unique perspective of the oak trees against the cityscape.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside and on top of Torre Guinigi. Be mindful of other visitors when taking photos, especially on the narrow summit platform.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most flattering conditions for photography, with fewer crowds and softer shadows.
Drone usage is typically restricted in historic city centers and around major landmarks. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
Capture the contrast between the ancient brickwork and the vibrant green of the oak trees. The view looking down onto Piazza dell'Anfiteatro is also a great shot.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The climb itself takes about 10-15 minutes, and you'll likely want to spend another 15-30 minutes at the top enjoying the views and taking photos. Allow about an hour total for the visit.
The climb involves around 230 steps. While there are resting spots, it can be challenging for those with respiratory or mobility issues.
At the summit, you'll find a unique garden with several Holm Oak trees, offering shade and a distinctive natural element atop the historic tower. The main attraction is the panoramic view.
Children can enjoy the climb and the novelty of the trees on the tower. However, adult supervision is crucial due to the height and stairs.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the base or near the ticket office of Torre Guinigi. It's advisable to use facilities before you begin your ascent.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for the best light and to capture the city bathed in warm hues. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Canopy: Torre Guinigi's Living Crown
+1The experience of reaching the top is often described as magical. After ascending the 230-odd steps, visitors are greeted by this unexpected green oasis. The contrast between the weathered stone of the tower and the vibrant foliage creates a memorable scene. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine, offering a moment of tranquility and a unique perspective on Lucca's urban landscape.
Travelers often express surprise and delight at this feature, highlighting it as a must-see aspect of the tower. It’s this peculiar charm that elevates Torre Guinigi from a simple viewpoint to a truly distinctive landmark, embodying the spirit of Lucca's rich history and its enduring connection to the natural world.
Ascending Through History: The Climb and the Views
Upon reaching the summit, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Lucca. The sea of red-tiled roofs, the surrounding ancient walls, and the rolling Tuscan hills stretching out to the horizon create an unforgettable vista. This vantage point provides a unique perspective on the city's layout and its harmonious integration with the surrounding countryside. It's a prime spot for photography and for simply soaking in the atmosphere of this historic Tuscan city.
While the view is consistently praised, some visitors note that the upper platform can become crowded, making it difficult to move around freely. Despite this, the overall consensus is that the climb and the spectacular views are well worth the effort, solidifying Torre Guinigi as a top attraction in Lucca.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit