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Il Torre Guinigi
(The Guinigi Tower)

^{Image Credit: Flickr User AJansen}

The city of Lucca in Tuscany, Italy, is famous for its medieval architecture and intact city walls. Yet among all of its exquisite buildings one stands out. The Torre Guinigi or Guinigi Tower rises like an ancient beacon over the city.

^{Image Credit: Flickr User sidstamm}

The Guinigi family once ruled Lucca, and like 250 other influencial families in the walled city, built defensive towers to guard their property. There are only 9 of those ancient towers still standing today, and one of the most famous is the Guinigi Tower. Seven Holm oak trees were grown at the top of the 44.5 meter (146 ft) high Guinigi tower, which was built in the late 1380's. Local lore says that the reason for seven trees is because the Guinigi family has seven sons.

^{Image Credit: Atlas Obscura website}

The tower is open to visitors at no charge, but the journey to the top is not for the faint of heart or health. The 230 stairs (now modernized from the way they were back in the 1300's, and now with added railing), end short of the top, and the climb to the top from there is by ladders.

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^{Map Credit: Google Earth}

If you got impressions for which this feedback is insufficient, more information,
pictures and videos can be found at the following web sites:

Kurositas
Atlas Obscura
Italy Guides (history & 360 degree interactive view of the top)