Asinelli and Garisenda Towers

The Asinelli and Garisenda Towers, in Bologna

The Asinelli and Garisenda Towers, the Two Towers, are the most famous symbol of Bologna. The Bologna audio-guided tour stops here to evoke these high leaning medieval towers, vestiges of the tower-bristling town that the town was in the Middle Ages.

The Two Towers, symbol of the medieval town

The Asinelli and Garisenda Towers, which the Bolognese simply call the Two Towers, are the emblem of the town. Erected at the beginning of the twelfth century by powerful families, they testify to an era when Bologna was bristling with dozens of towers, raised by the noble families to assert their prestige and their power. Most have today disappeared, but these two, neighbours, have remained and still dominate the centre. The Asinelli Tower, the highest with nearly one hundred metres, can be climbed by a long staircase that leads to an exceptional panorama over the town and its red brick roofs. The Garisenda Tower, shorter, is clearly inclined, which struck the imagination and earned it being cited by Dante in the Divine Comedy. Dizzying and laden with history, the Two Towers are the symbolic heart of Bologna.

What to see

You admire the two leaning medieval towers, erected in the twelfth century by powerful families, vestiges of the town formerly bristling with towers: the Asinelli Tower, nearly one hundred metres high and which you climb for an exceptional panorama, and the Garisenda Tower, shorter and clearly inclined, cited by Dante. The Two Towers are the symbol of Bologna. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Asinelli and Garisenda Towers lie in the heart of Bologna, reachable on foot. You admire them freely from the street; the climb of the Asinelli Tower follows its own hours and conditions, often by reservation, and includes a long demanding staircase. It is best to check the arrangements and the opening before coming.

What is the difference between the Asinelli and Garisenda Towers in Bologna?

The Asinelli Tower is the highest, with nearly one hundred metres, and can be climbed for an exceptional panorama; the Garisenda Tower, shorter, is clearly inclined, which earned it being cited by Dante in the Divine Comedy.

Where are the Asinelli and Garisenda Towers?

In the heart of Bologna, in Italy.