Italian neighbors used to compete by building tall towers. See inside one that's still standing after 600 years.

Torre Guinigi in Lucca, Italy, is home to a unique rooftop garden.Maremagnum/Getty Images

• Torre Guinigi, or Guinigi Tower, was built in Lucca, Italy, in the late 1300s.
• It was common for wealthy families to commission towers to see who could build the tallest one.

In 2024, homeowners' displays of wealth might include at-home movie theaters, helipads, sprawling subterranean garages — or even a towel warmer.

But in medieval Italy, homeowners were more obvious: The taller their structure, they thought, the greater their wealth and influence.

The rich sought to one-up each other by building the tallest towers they could. In some cities, like Lucca in Tuscany, the competition led to a skyline of medieval skyscrapers.

However, in Lucca today, just two towers remain from the time period, according to the city's tourism office. One is Torre Guinigi, or Guinigi Tower, which was built in the 14th century. Beyond its fascinating history, it's also notable for its unique rooftop garden of oak trees, which is visible from the street.

Here's a closer look at the tower, its history, and the spectacular views offered from its garden.