Standing in the heart of Bologna, I gazed up at the medieval towers that define this Italian city’s unique skyline. The Two Towers – Asinelli and Garisenda – lean at strange angles, remnants of a time when wealthy families built these structures as symbols of power and prestige.
For just €5, you can climb the 498 steps to the top of Asinelli Tower and enjoy breathtaking views across Bologna’s red-roofed cityscape. The reward for this leg-burning climb is well worth the effort.
The Towers of Bologna once numbered in the hundreds during the Middle Ages, creating a medieval Manhattan of sorts. Today, only about twenty remain, with the Two Towers serving as the most iconic symbols of the city.
As I made my way up the narrow wooden stairs inside Asinelli, I couldn’t help but marvel at this 12th-century structure still standing after 800 years.
The climb isn’t for everyone – the steps are steep and the passage narrow – but reaching the top offers a unique perspective on Bologna that you simply can’t get any other way.
I spent nearly an hour at the summit, picking out landmarks like Piazza Maggiore and San Petronio Basilica while catching my breath. The shorter Garisenda Tower can’t be climbed due to its extreme tilt, but seeing these ancient skyscrapers up close connects you to Bologna’s rich medieval history.
The Twin Icons: Asinelli and Garisenda
Bologna’s skyline is defined by two medieval towers standing close together in the heart of the city. These structures, built by rival families in the 11th century, have survived nearly a millennium to become the most recognizable symbols of Bologna.
Asinelli Tower: Ascending the Symbol of Bologna
When I visited Torre degli Asinelli, I was immediately struck by its impressive height of 97 meters. This makes it the tallest leaning medieval tower in Italy! The tower was built between 1109 and 1119 by the Asinelli family as both a defensive structure and a status symbol.
Climbing the 498 wooden steps to reach the top is quite the workout, but absolutely worth the effort. The narrow staircase winds upward, giving me glimpses of the tower’s ancient construction.
The panoramic view from the top is breathtaking. I could see Bologna’s distinctive red rooftops spreading out in all directions, with the hills of the Apennines in the distance. On clear days, you can even spot other cities in the Emilia-Romagna region.
Garisenda Tower: Leaning into History
Next to its taller neighbor stands the Garisenda Tower, noticeably shorter at 48 meters but with a much more pronounced lean. The tower, built by the Garisenda family around the same time as the Asinelli, originally stood taller. Its dramatic tilt developed early in its history.
The lean became so severe that in the 14th century, they had to reduce its height for safety reasons. Today, Garisenda leans at about 4 degrees – enough to make it instantly recognizable as part of Le Due Torri (The Two Towers).
Unlike Asinelli, visitors can’t climb inside Garisenda. I spent time admiring it from the outside, noting how the famous Italian poet Dante mentioned its distinctive lean in his Divine Comedy, comparing it to a person bending over.
The two towers stand as a testament to Bologna’s medieval wealth and the competitive tower-building that once saw over 100 such structures throughout the city.
Historical Context: Bologna’s Towering Past
Bologna’s medieval skyline once rivaled that of modern Manhattan, with over 180 towers dotting the cityscape during the 12th and 13th centuries. These remarkable structures served as both symbols of power and practical defensive fortifications.
Medieval Might: Bologna’s Skyline Definers
When I first gazed upon Bologna’s Two Towers, I couldn’t help but imagine what the city looked like eight centuries ago. During the 12th century, the urban landscape was dramatically different, with towers rising like stone giants throughout the city center.
These medieval skyscrapers were built between the 11th and 13th centuries, creating one of Europe’s most distinctive urban profiles. The wealthy families competed to build the tallest structures, some reportedly reaching heights of 60-70 meters.
Today, only a handful remain standing, with the Two Towers (Due Torri) being the most iconic survivors. The Asinelli and Garisenda towers have become Bologna’s defining landmarks, standing as testaments to medieval engineering and ambition.
Families and Fortifications: The Power Struggles
Walking through Bologna’s historic center, I’m struck by how these towers represented more than architectural achievements. They were physical manifestations of social status and family prestige.
Noble families built these towers as defensive structures during times of urban conflict. The higher your tower, the more powerful your family appeared to rivals. These vertical fortresses provided refuge during street battles and served as watchtowers to monitor approaching dangers.
The towers became central to Bologna’s power struggles, with families sometimes attacking rival towers during disputes. This explains why so many fell or were intentionally demolished over the centuries.
By the late medieval period, many towers were repurposed or incorporated into other buildings as the city evolved. The remaining towers offer us a glimpse into Bologna’s complex past of family rivalries, urban warfare, and architectural innovation.
The Climb Experience: Worth Every Step
Climbing the Asinelli Tower demands effort but rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of Bologna’s terracotta rooftops. The 498-step journey takes you up the tallest leaning tower in Italy through a historic spiral staircase that has stood for centuries.
Preparing for the Ascent: Tips and Insights
I recommend splitting the text up into at most two sentences per paragraph to make it easier to read.
I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a small water bottle for the climb. The tower doesn’t have an elevator, so be ready for a physical challenge.
Tickets must be purchased in advance, as they limit the number of daily visitors to preserve this medieval structure. Morning visits offer cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. I found that mid-week climbs are less crowded than weekends.
The entire experience takes about an hour, including time at the top to enjoy the views. Don’t bring large backpacks or bulky items – the staircase is narrow and you’ll appreciate having your hands free to steady yourself on the railings.
Spiral Staircase: The Way to the Top
The wooden spiral staircase is steep, narrow, and can feel a bit stuffy, especially during summer months. I needed to take several short breaks during my ascent, which gave me a chance to catch my breath and appreciate the tower’s interior construction.
The stairs wind upward in a tight spiral, with worn wooden steps that speak to centuries of visitors before us. Some sections feel more enclosed than others, which might challenge those with claustrophobia.
The effort becomes worthwhile with each step closer to the summit. Occasional small windows along the way offer glimpses of what awaits and provide welcome airflow during the climb. The final stretch reveals increasingly impressive views that build anticipation for the spectacular 360-degree panorama at the top.
From Piazzas to Peaks: An Integrated Journey
Bologna reveals itself in layers, from its vibrant squares to its soaring towers. The journey between these spaces connects the city’s historic heart with breathtaking views that have captivated visitors for centuries.
Cultural Squares: The Heartbeat of Bologna
Piazza Maggiore pulses with energy at all hours. I love watching locals gather here, their conversations flowing as freely as the cappuccinos at nearby cafes.
This magnificent square showcases the grandeur of the Basilica of San Petronio, its unfinished facade telling stories of medieval ambition.
Just a short walk away, Piazza di Porta Ravegnana offers a different experience. It’s here that I first gazed up at the famous leaning towers, feeling both intimidated and excited about the climb ahead.
The Renaissance Portico provides welcome shade as you move between squares. These covered walkways are uniquely Bolognese – I’ve counted nearly 40 kilometers of them throughout the city!
Don’t miss the Archiginnasio, once the main building of Europe’s oldest university. Its walls are decorated with thousands of family crests from former students.
Panoramas and Porticoes: The Celestial Experience
The 498 steps up Torre degli Asinelli are worth every huffing breath. The staircase is narrow and steep, but I recommend taking your time to appreciate this medieval engineering marvel.
At the top, Bologna’s terracotta rooftops spread out like a warm blanket. The view transforms with the changing light – golden at sunset, crisp and clear in morning sunshine.
I spotted distant hills and even glimpsed the Adriatic Sea on a particularly clear day. The panorama helps you understand Bologna’s strategic importance throughout history.
The city’s network of porticoes appears like arteries from above, connecting everything in elegant covered pathways. This view helps me appreciate how the towers and squares work together as part of Bologna’s unique urban fabric.
Pack water and wear comfortable shoes. The climb isn’t technically difficult, but the confined space can feel challenging for some visitors.
Artistic Echoes: Tales in Terracotta
Bologna’s terracotta artistry tells stories through color and form. The warm, reddish-brown clay that decorates many of the city’s most treasured buildings serves as both artistic medium and historical record.
Saint Bartholomew’s Church: A Spiritual Ascent
I discovered Saint Bartholomew’s Church almost by accident while wandering Bologna’s portico-lined streets. This gem is part of the famous Sette Chiese complex, where terracotta sculptures create a visual narrative of faith.
The church features remarkable terracotta work depicting biblical scenes, including a stunning Annunciation that stopped me in my tracks. The expressions on the figures’ faces seem almost alive, their emotions captured perfectly in the clay.
The craftsmanship here shows Bologna’s artistic heritage at its finest. I spent nearly an hour examining the details in the Madonna with Child scene, where every fold in Mary’s garment tells part of the story.
Frescoes and Facades: The Influence of Albani and Reni
The artistic legacy of Francesco Albani and Guido Reni permeates Bologna’s terracotta world. Both masters influenced generations of artisans who translated their painting techniques into clay.
Walking through the Basilica di San Petronio, I marveled at facades clearly inspired by Reni’s distinctive style. His influence appears in the flowing movement and emotional depth of the terracotta figures adorning the church.
Albani’s softer approach to religious imagery finds expression in many smaller chapels throughout Bologna. His preference for gentle curves and pastoral settings translated beautifully to the terracotta medium.
The warm, earthy tones of these works create a uniquely Bolognese aesthetic that differs from marble-dominated cities like Florence or Rome. This terracotta tradition continues today through local artisans preserving these ancient techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bologna’s towers hold fascinating stories and offer incredible experiences for visitors. These medieval structures provide both historical insights and breathtaking panoramic views that showcase the city’s distinctive red roofs and surrounding landscapes.
Bologna’s towers date back to the Middle Ages, between the 12th and 13th centuries. They served as symbols of wealth and power for noble families who competed to build the tallest towers.
These structures also provided practical defense functions during times of conflict. Families could retreat to their towers for safety when street fighting broke out.
Today, the remaining towers represent Bologna’s rich cultural identity and architectural achievement. They stand as a testament to the city’s importance as a medieval urban center.
Bologna once boasted nearly 100 towers throughout the city during its medieval heyday. The construction boom occurred primarily during the 12th and 13th centuries when tower-building became a status symbol.
Today, only about 20 towers remain, with the Two Towers (Due Torri) being the most famous. Many towers collapsed due to poor construction, while others were intentionally demolished to make way for new buildings.
Some towers were also removed for safety concerns after leaning dangerously. As the city evolved through centuries, priorities shifted away from these medieval structures.
From the top of the Asinelli Tower (97.2 meters high), I love gazing across Bologna’s characteristic red rooftops that give the city its nickname “La Rossa” (The Red One). The panorama is truly spectacular.
You can spot key landmarks like San Petronio Basilica, Piazza Maggiore, and the endless porticoes that crisscross the city. On clear days, the view extends to the rolling hills of Emilia-Romagna and even the Apennine Mountains.
The perspective offers a unique appreciation of Bologna’s medieval urban layout with its grid pattern still visible from above.
Yes, the Asinelli Tower is open to visitors who can climb its 498 wooden steps to reach the top. The interior is sparse but authentic, preserving the medieval character of the structure.
The climb is challenging but rewarding. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and being prepared for narrow staircases and limited space inside. The entrance fee is about €5, with discounts available for students.
The neighboring Garisenda Tower cannot be climbed due to its pronounced lean and safety concerns. However, you can still admire both towers from ground level.
Wealthy families built towers in Bologna to display their status and power. The higher the tower, the more prestigious the family was considered.
These towers also served practical purposes as defensive structures during conflicts between rival noble families. They provided both security and surveillance advantages.
Additionally, some towers housed commercial activities on lower levels while offering residential space above. This vertical integration of functions was an innovative solution to limited space within the medieval city walls.
Throughout history, several of Bologna’s towers have collapsed or required demolition due to structural issues. The Garisenda Tower has been gradually leaning since the 14th century. This prompted a height reduction for safety.
In 1989, a minor earthquake caused concerns about the stability of the Two Towers. This led to temporary closures and reinforcement work. Modern engineering interventions have helped preserve these historical structures.
Most dramatically, many towers were intentionally demolished in the 13th century. The ruling faction ordered families to reduce their towers’ heights to prevent them from being used as military strongholds.
