Paolo Guinigi

Paolo Guinigi was the lord of Lucca from 1400 until 1430.

Biography

Paolo was born in Lucca in 1372. He was the youngest son of Francesco Guinigi, member of one of the most outstanding families of Lucca. He was sent to London in 1389 and then to Flanders (1390–1392) to care for the family's affairs. In 1392, he entered Lucca's General Council and later held the position of Anziano (Elder). He fought against his brother, Antonio Guinigi, who had killed the head of the family, his elder brother Lazzaro. To obtain this, he held peaceful relationships or alliances with the other Italian states, including the Papal States.

In 1429, the Republic of Florence attacked Lucca due to its alliance with Filippo Maria Visconti of Milan. The Florentine troops, led by Niccolò Piccinino, ravaged the Lucchese countryside and besieged the city. Only the intervention of Ladislao Guinigi and Francesco Sforza saved the city. However, a popular revolt followed, causing Guinigi's fall in 1430 and the restoration of the Republic. He died in Pavia in 1432.