The Two Towers

You can’t visit Bologna and not notice its two iconic towers - Asinelli (97m) and Garisenda (48m). These have become a symbol of the city. A beautiful view awaits at the top of the taller one.

A City of Towers

Bologna has always been known for its towers - and not just the two.

As you wander the old town streets, or perhaps enjoying the view from Torre degli Asinelli, you might notice there are other similar towers around the city - around 20 or so in total. But, during the 12th-13th century, more than 100 of those tall, thin towers (and possibly even more) dotted the historic centre. Have a look at some pictures and you will see how back in the day Bologna looked something like medieval Manhattan!

These towers usually belonged to rich families, who had them built for defensive purposes, but also as a symbol of wealth and status. These kind of towers are not uncommon for medieval Italy (I’m thinking San Gimignano), but the fact that so many of them were built within the old city walls using the limited resources of medieval Italy is still fascinating.

As one might expect, these aren’t the most stable of structures. Over time, some collapsed, others were demolished so that they wouldn’t collapse, and others were restored and repurposed. The last tower demolition took place in 1917, so not that long ago.

Asinelli

You can climb up to the top of Torre degli Asinelli. The entrance fee is 5€ and tickets can be booked here. This is cheap compared to other similar landmark-tower kind of attractions around Italy (mostly costing at least 10-15€), and the view is definitely one of the better ones. There are time slots every 15 minutes, with a capacity of just 9 people each. As visitor numbers are limited, I would strongly recommend booking this one in advance, especially if you are eyeing a certain time e.g. around sunset.

There are 498 steps to the top (they just couldn’t add another 2!), so it’s a good leg workout. The ascent isn’t difficult, just long - and you don’t want to spend too long climbing up, so that you still have sufficient time left at the top. No, there is no elevator.

The view from the top is spectacular and the best that Bologna has to offer. You can see the entire city in all directions, and beyond that. I would recommend visiting around sunset time, as that really brings out that beautiful terracotta colour of Bologna’s buildings and rooftops. You also get the chance to look straight downwards - the view to the north, of Torre Garrisenda from above is quite cool (watch out for your phone or camera!).

There is a local superstition saying that those who climb all the way to the top of Asinelli will never get to finish their studies. So, if you are a student, maybe save this one for later! ;)

Both Asinelli and Garisenda are both leaning towers. Yes, Pisa isn’t the only Italian city with a cool leaning tower! With its impressive height, Asinelli is Italy’s tallest leaning tower, 40m higher than Italy’s most famous tower, though it only tilts by 1.3°. Even Garisenda, with its 4° slope, beats the Leaning Tower of Pisa in terms of inclination, by just 0.03°.

All in all, climbing up Torre degli Asinelli is an integral part of the Bologna experience. If you visit one attraction in Bologna, let it be this.