Talk About A View

I suppose you could say that the Torre Guinigi is one of the most recognizable sights in Lucca. Built by the reigning Giunigi family, this tower from the 14th century is one of the few left standing in the centro. There are towers in towns all over Italy but this one is especially interesting for its little grove of oaks growing in a little garden at the top.

We set out as a group and walked the few blocks to the tower. It’s 230 steps to the top, but for for such an incredible view, who’s counting? I mean take a look around-it’s really quite a spectacular sight, or so I was told. I got two thirds of the way up and when the wide concrete steps turned into narrow metal ones that wound around and around to the top, I called it quits. Have I mentioned I’m afraid of heights? I’m lucky to have made it to the top having a of the mountain earlier in the week without latching on to the person next to me in the car!