Originally shared by Tuscany Villas
The Hanging Garden Of Lucca: Torre Guinigi
Lucca, famous for its medieval architecture and intact city walls was once home to many tall towers, precursors to skyscrapers. Of the 250 towers like this that once existed in the city, the Torre Guinigi is sadly one of the very few that still stands there today.
The towers were built and added on to buildings as defensive features. However, the wealthy families that built them often had other considerations in mind, such as showing off and making bold statements about their wealth and power. The taller the tower, the more prestigious the family – or so they wanted others to believe.
At an impressive 125t tall, the Torre Guinigi certainly makes a statement about the status of the Guinigi family – a wealthy group of silk merchants who were one of the leading families in Lucca at the time. Learn more about the origins of the unusual garden added at the top of this tower: http://www.tuscany-villas.it/to-tuscany/2015/must-see-attractions/torre-guinigi-lucca
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