Two Towers (Due Torri)

Overview

The Two Towers—Torre degli Asinelli (97.2 m) and Torre Garisenda (48 m)—are Bologna's most recognizable landmarks. They are the tallest survivors of the roughly 100 towers that dotted the medieval skyline.

Highlights

• 498 Steps: Climbing the Asinelli tower rewards you with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama.
• Garisenda's Lean: At 3.2 degrees, this tower leans more dramatically than Pisa's—Dante mentioned it in his Inferno.
• Medieval Engineering: The wooden internal staircase is original 12th-century construction.

History

Built between 1109 and 1119 by the Asinelli family, the towers served as symbols of wealth and power. Bologna once had between 80 and 100 such towers; only about 20 survive today.

Visitor Tips

• Book ahead: Timed-entry tickets sell out quickly in high season.
• Fitness: The climb is steep with narrow wooden steps.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes including the climb.