According to a popular belief, a noblewoman named Lucida Mansi would have made a pact with the devil to stop time and stay young forever. Thirty years later, at midnight on August 14, , the devil returned for demand payment of his debt. The woman climbed running into the tower to stop the bell ringing, but she failed.
The devil then took the his soul and his body fell into the pond of the Botanical Garden, where it seems that her ghost still appears on full moon nights. The "Tower of the Hours" is 50 meters high and its famous clock has a dial with Roman numerals and a single hand. Although it dates back to , the tower already had a clock in and it was precisely because of its importance that the building was never demolished. Climbing the wooden steps of this tower you will then be able to observe the magnificent mechanism of this vintage clock, as well as enjoying a breathtaking view over the whole city.
Are you ready to organize your visit to Lucca? Book one of our properties in the town's centre, like Flavia Apartaments or Villa de Ranieri! Giovanni 12th cent. The palazzo della Provincia an unfinished work by Ammannati. Palazzo Mansi 17th century rises up in the Galli Tassi. It contains many magnificent richly —furnished rooms, including the lovely Camera degli sposi , an 18 century alcove with carving in Baroque style. Michele in Foro 12th th cent. The splendid facade has four tiers of loggias and the tripartite interior has a perfectly round apse.
Another striking religious building is the Church of S. You can spot oak trees growing from the top of the tower from far away. That structure is the Torre Guinigi or the Guinigi Tower. Built of bricks that are a stunning red color, the top of the tower is home to many ancient Holm oaks. At ft high in the sky, the views from the tower roof are one of the most stunning sites you will ever set eyes on. The Torre Guinigi is one of the few tower houses that were built in Lucca.
The tower was first constructed somewhere around the year by rich silk merchants. At that time, the rooftop garden was obviously not here, but there is no certainty as to when it came into being. Many historians believe that it probably dates back as far as the s. Most of my time was spent in Asia during my military days. An enjoyable article, thanks for sharing it.
Hi Anne. Thank you, glad it brought back some nice memories. Thank you for bringing back some wonderful memories. Such a beautiful place, and too often overlooked. Love the photos. Thanks Linda. We very much enjoy these types of places also and love exploring the many medieval communities of Italy. Each one is different and has so many stories to tell. Have a wonderful weekend. I'm always a bit envious when I read your travel articles, Bill, especially when they involve a visit to Europe.
You visit such wonderful places. I love exploring old churches and cathedrals, so I'm sure I'd enjoy a trip to Lucca. Once again, you've shared some lovely photos. Hi Flourish. The trees, which are holm oaks were planted. These towers, of which there were hundreds at one time were tower homes where families lived.
This one, the Guinigi Tower is named for the family that owned it. As soon as I saw the garden atop the tower I knew we were climbing it. What a spectacular find! The structure with trees on it was fascinating; did someone plant them purposely or did they happen to spring up there? Hi Heidi. Being so close to Pisa and Florence probably helps keep it that way.
Glad you enjoyed the tour, have a great day. Thank you Mary. This way we get our bearings, hear the history, pick the guides brain, it always helps for the remainder of our visit. Our Lucca guide, Wanda, was wonderful, so full of personality. It worked out well. Thanks again, have a wonderful weekend. Hi Mary. You said it, anywhere in Italy is fun and an adventure.
This was our first visit to Lucca, an amazing place. Thanks for stopping by, have a great day. Hi Bill. Lucca was really was amazing. These Tuscan, medieval communities have so much history to them, everywhere you turn there is a story.
We really enjoyed this trip but it was good to get home. Have a great weekend.
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