Torre Guinigi is built of red bricks and on top are planted several old stone oak trees. It approx. the 40-meter-high Guinigi Tower is one of the few remaining tower houses in Lucca. It is believed to have been built in 1384 by wealthy silk merchants, and although no one knows exactly how old the roof garden is, it dates back at least to the 17th century, as can be seen from old drawings of the town.

When there were most towers in Lucca, there were approx. 250. These were primarily intended to protect the population from enemies, but were also status symbols. Today there are only 9 tower houses left in the old fortress town. The towers were built in the 14th century after the plague had ravaged Italy and as Tuscany had been repeatedly plagued by violent diseases, raids and civil war, it made sense to have its own personal defense tower.

Chiesa di San Michele in Foro - Summer 2018

The Church of San Michele in Forno is dedicated to the Archangel St. Michael and already existed in the 8th century and is probably from the Longobard period. Shortly after the construction, a "hospital" was added so that one could receive pilgrims traveling via the Francigena pilgrimage route. Among these pilgrims was the "holy Davino" - an Armenian whose relics are found under the altar of the church. In the first part of the 11th century, Bishop John II added this crypt.

The church itself as it is seen today is the result of the reconstruction that took place in the second half of the 11th century under Pope Alexander II, Bishop of Lucca. He was one of the most important figures in the Gregorian Reformation, whose purpose was to return to original pure moral values. Construction continued in the 12th century until 1383, when the facade was finally completed.