Towers of Bologna: what to visit

Known for being the highest original medieval tower in Italy (97 meters), the Asinelli Tower has an overhang of 2.23 meters and an internal staircase of 498 steps.
The effort to climb to the top is undoubtedly rewarded by the view that you can enjoy, a 360° panorama over the city of Bologna, from the centre to the hills, also allowing you to admire the adjacent Garisenda tower from above, which is “only” 47 meters high.
The construction of the Asinelli Tower is linked to a legend, one of the many little-known stories related to the city.

Entry methods and opening times

Bologna, view from the Asinelli Tower Ph. @dorpell via Instagram

Located in Piazzetta Prendiparte, the Prendiparte Tower is 59.5 meters high and was built around 1150 by the very rich family of the same name.
The tower, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the historic centre and the Due Torri as well, is also known as the Coronata (crowned) Tower, due to the “crown” shaped indentation placed near to its top, at 50 meters high .

It is not open regularly to the public, but it is possible to visit it during the “Towers Tour” or the many events organized by the property.

The tower also houses a B&B that could be unique in the world: if you have always wanted to feel “noble for a day”, spending a night in an ancient tower reserved just for you and your better half, this is undoubtedly the ideal place!

Two Towers Bologna, view from the Prendiparte Tower Ph. @nmcob via Instagram

The bell tower of the Cathedral of San Pietro (perhaps not everyone knows that the Dome of Bologna is not the Basilica of San Petronio in Piazza Maggiore, but the Cathedral of San Pietro in Via Indipendenza!) with its 70 meters, is the second tower for height of the city.

It is actually composed by two towers built at different times (X and XIII century), one inside the other.
The belfry houses the largest bell that can be played “alla bolognese” (in a timed manner and with a complete rotation of the bell); think that this bell alone weighs 33 quintals, while the whole bell complex weighs 65 quintals in total.

Even from the bell tower you can enjoy an evocative panoramic view of the city center and the hills.

Entry methods and opening times

Bologna, view from San Pietro bell tower Ph. @luciabucciarelli via Instagram