Overview

The tallest of the 2 towers symbol of the city.

Built between 1109 and 1119 by the Asinelli family, to give prestige to the family and with a defense function, it is the highest leaning medieval tower in Italy.

It is one of the 22 towers that still define the city of Bologna skyline and it is certainly the most famous. Visitors can access it from Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, where the entrance is located.

There are 498 steps to climb, for a total height of 97.20 meters, to reach the tower roof terrace and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city. In the distance, on clear days, you can see the Paduan hills and the Venetian Prealps to the north, while to the east and west the Po Valley and to the south the Apennines.

The Torre degli Asinelli was hit several times by lightning bolts and in 1824 a lightning rod was installed to protect it. It withstood various fires and emerged unscathed from the bombings of World War II.