Towers of Bologna

The Towers of Bologna are a pair of medieval towers and a unique part of the city's history and architecture. It is said out of 180 towers in Bologna only 24 remained standing. The most famous and widely visited towers among these are-- the Asinelli Tower and the Garisenda Tower.

Originally built between the 12th and 13th centuries as defensive structures, these towers have become an iconic symbol. The Torre degli Asinelli is the taller of the two towers. It was built in the 12th century by the Asinelli family and served as a defensive structure and a symbol of their wealth and power. Tourists can climb the tower's 498 steps to reach the top and enjoy panoramic and stunning views of the city. Meanwhile, the Torre Garisenda is a shorter tower that stands and was built by the Garisenda family in the 12th century. Although originally taller, the Garisenda Tower began to lean due to structural issues and had to be partially dismantled. The tower's unusual tilt and its rich history are admired by tourists as it provides a glimpse into the challenges of medieval construction.