At the time it was built, neighbors competed to see who could build the tallest structure. Animaflora PicsStock/ShutterstockIt was common in Italy for rich families to commission towers to see who could build the tallest one. "Towers were symbols of power, of importance, prestige, and wealth," MP Tours founder Paula Stanghetta, who has visited the city, told Business Insider. "Families competed to create the highest, most unique tower, which could also serve as a strategic advantage in times of attack." "Beyond a certain height, however, the tower often collapsed, to the mockery of the owner and great satisfaction of the enemy families," wrote Lucca's tourism office.

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Persons: Torre Guinigi, Animaflora, Paula Stanghetta Locations: Italy