Two Towers (Due Torri)
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Good Views / Viewpoint,
Monument - Historical,
Tower
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Teetering at a staggering angle, and rivaling the Leaning Tower of Pisa for gravity-defying architecture, Bologna’s Two Towers - Due Torri - are relics of the city’s warfaring medieval past.
Known as Garisenda and Asinelli, the towers were built to provide defensive protection, as an early-warning lookout, and to impress and outdo the neighbors.
In medieval days, more than 100 towers dotted the horizon, but today less than 20 have survived.
You can climb the 498 steps to the top of the tallest tower, the Asinelli, built by the family of that name in 1119, for fabulous views of Bologna and the surrounding countryside. The tower stands 97 m (318 feet) high.
Its shorter contemporary, Garisenda, leans too steeply to climb.
Latest Reviews
Review by Carlos A, September 2012
Doing what: Private Tour: Bologna Cycling Sightseeing Tour
Excelent
Review by Anthony P, September 2011
Doing what: Private Tour: Classical Bologna Walking Tour
Our guide Paula was very informative. Very cordial. No better way to get to understand a new foreign city.
Review by Barbara O, August 2011
Doing what: Private Tour: Classical Bologna Walking Tour
This tour was wonderful and the guide was fabulous! She shared history, anecdotes and adjusted the tour to show us the food side of Bologna, which was of great interest to us!
Practical Info
The Two Towers are a few streets east of Piazza Maggiore in the old city.
