The Guinigi Tower, emblem of the importance of one of the most famous families of Lucca, rises 44,25 metres proud above the town, crowned by its unusual plume of centuries-old holm trees on its summit. Next to the palace of the same name which belonged to Michele, Francesco and Nicolao Guinigi, the tower is the last remaining testimony of the 250 towers which once enriched the city in medieval times and adds the final perfect touchg medieval atmosphere which Via S.Andrea has retained, perhaps because of the warm colours of too brick and the stone typical of its buildings. 230 steps separate the bottom from the hanging garden where the 7 holm trees act as e reminder of the grandeur, the strenght and the immortality of a family name which made the city great; in particular in the person of Paolo Guinigi, Lord of Lucca during the first thirty years of the 15th century, in a period when commerce and money seemed to count more than arms. The panorama from that height is splendid: the distant hills seem to surround a myriad of red rooves interlaced with airy piazzas that highlight the beauty of the churches of Saint Marie and Saint Michael, while towards east the Guinigi Villa, suburban residence of this powerful family of silk merchants and bankers, now peers out, where in the past it was outside the medieval city walls. ... (Apt Lucca)