Guinigi Tower (Torre Guinigi) Tours and Activities

The red-brick Guinigi Tower (Torre Guinigi) pierces the sky above Lucca’s medieval center, and is particularly notable for its impressive rooftop garden shaded by several ancient holm oaks that date from the early 17th century. Climb the 230 steps inside the tower for views across the historic rooftops of Lucca.
The Basics
During the Middle Ages, Lucca had more than 200 tower houses inside the city walls, defensive residences where the wealthy families could live and work in safety. Today, only nine remain and the most famous is the Guinigi Tower (Torre Guinigi), built in the 14th century by the powerful family of silk merchants who once ruled the city. This rooftop garden was renovated in the 1980s and can be visited via the internal staircase. From its ramparts, you can make out Lucca’s three concentric rings of historic city walls and other remaining towers, and the green Tuscan hills beyond.
Lucca is about 90 minutes from Florence, and a popular day trip together with Pisa. You can explore the town center with a walking tour or by bike, hitting on other highlights like Lucca Cathedral, San Michele in Foro church, and Piazza dell’Anfiteatro.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Kids especially enjoy climbing to the rooftop garden, both for the bird’s-eye view and the novelty of full-size trees growing on a tower.
- Because of the many steps to the top of the tower, the climb is only recommended for those in good physical condition.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather if planning on exploring the center of Lucca on foot or by bike.
How to Get There
The Guinigi Tower is located in the center of Lucca’s old town, an easy walk from the train station. To reach Lucca, you can take a train or drive from Florence or Pisa.
When to Get There
Lucca holds a popular music festival each summer featuring Italian and international rock and pop artists, and the city has a particularly vibrant atmosphere during the months of July, August, and September.
Lucca’s Walls
The historic center of Lucca is encircled by what many consider to be the most beautiful medieval city walls in Italy. The wide top of the walls has been landscaped with shade trees, benches, and biking and walking paths, and is a popular area to stroll and relax for visitors and locals alike.
Address: Via S. Andrea, Lucca, Tuscany 55100, Italy
Admission: Varies
10 Tours and Activities to Experience Guinigi Tower (Torre Guinigi)
Sort by:Featured

Lucca Highlights Private Walking Tour
1
Take a stroll through Lucca’s medieval history and architectural highlights on a private, 3-hour walking tour. Learn the backstory behind local landmarks like the city walls, Palazzo Ducale, Teatro del Giglio, Guinigi Tower and Basilica di San Frediano from your knowledgeable guide, who will also point out hidden gems that many visitors miss. Ask all the questions you like during the personalized tour, and finish with a glass of wine or prosecco at a local ‘enoteca.’
…More
From
$124.20
Price varies by group size
From
$124.20
Price varies by group size

Private Tour: Historic Lucca by bike
1
Nestled on the shores of the Serchio River in Tuscany, Lucca boasts cobblestone streets, Renaissance architecture, and centuries of colorful history. On this private bike tour, choose a morning or afternoon ride and spin through the narrow medieval streets with your guide to lead the way. Hit top attractions including the Guinigi Tower and the 11th-century Lucca Cathedral with ease, and head up to the top of the Renaissance city walls for uninterrupted views over the Lucca rooftops.
…More
From
$81.98
From
$81.98
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Lucca 2 hours private walking tour with a local guide
Explore the scenic town of Lucca with a private guide during this walking tour. Learn about Lucca’s history while you visit top landmarks including its intact Renaissance city walls, the birthplace of the composer Puccini, and Piazza Napoleone. Stroll down the upscale shopping street Via Fillungo and see Lucca’s medieval towers.
…More
From
$122.97
Price varies by group size
From
$122.97
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

One-hour tour through the historic center and half Renaissance walls
2
Within an hour, you can discover all the secrets of the city sitting comfortably on our carriage, accompanied by a horse and his driver.
…More
From
$126.13
per group
From
$126.13
per group

Carriage tour in the historic center of Lucca
16
Through the charm of a carriage, we will take you to discover the most beautiful squares and monuments of the ancient city of Lucca, passing through the streets of the center, in the company of a horse and its driver.
…More
From
$80.41
per group
From
$80.41
per group

Lucca: walking tour of the city centre and the walls
2
SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF THE HISTORICAL CENTER AND WALLS OF LUCCA ON FOOT
If you are individual travelers, families or small groups and are curious to discover the monuments, squares, artistic beauties, the most famous characters and stories of Lucca, but also the secret passages and curiosities of this surprising city, follow one of our official tour guides on a fun and interesting guided walking tour of Lucca and the city walls.
Includes a map with descriptions of the main monuments.
The departure of the walking tour is also available from your accommodation in Lucca.
Difficulty: Very Easy - Walls and historic center
…More
From
$94.69
Price varies by group size
From
$94.69
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Learn More

Complete tour of the city and walls
3
With this tour it is possible to visit the entire city of Lucca at 360 degrees, also including its history and development in over 2500 years of history, all accompanied by a horse, Luigi, who has now become an icon of the city!
…More
From
$237.12
per group
From
$237.12
per group

Lucca by Bike
Lucca is an ideal city to explore by bike. It is a car-free city (only permit holders allowed), so very relaxing and in this way there is much more to discover in a short time. The guide is Dutch who has lived in Italy for years. We will visit the important historical sites, but we will also let you discover the local secrets.
…More
From
$56.76
From
$56.76

Carriage tour on the Renaissance walls of Lucca
this tour will allow you to travel the entire route of the walls in total comfort and relax on a Break-style carriage drawn by a beautiful horse, which will take you to admire the historic center from more than 10 meters high.
…More
From
$94.60
per group
From
$94.60
per group

Lucca Aperitivo Adventure Small groups with food and wine
Discover the magic of Lucca on an evening walking tour that invites you to enjoy one of Italy’s favourite traditions - the aperitivo. Uncover local landmarks with your expert guide, as we navigate the historic streets and introduce you to some of the best food and drink in Tuscany. Get an insider’s view into Italian and Luccan culture as you visit craft stores, and sample local wines. All accompanied by traditional Italian snacks of course! Your love for Lucca will last forever after this tasty tour.
…More
From
$66.90
$16.72 savings
Price varies by group size
From
$66.90
$16.72 savings
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More