Le Due Torri: Bologna’s Medieval Icons

The skyline of Bologna is instantly recognisable thanks to Le Due Torri, the Asinelli and the Garisenda. Rising at the entrance to the ancient Via Emilia, these two medieval towers have shaped the city’s identity for almost a thousand years.

During the Middle Ages, Bologna was home to an extraordinary number of towers. Historians estimate that between 100 and 180 once stood across the city. Today, only around twenty remain. Le Due Torri now stand as clear reminders of a time when architecture reflected social status, political rivalry, and defensive strength.

The Two Towers at a Glance

Torre degli Asinelli

The Asinelli Tower rises to 97.2 metres, making it the tallest leaning medieval tower in the world. Builders constructed it between 1109 and 1119. It tilts gently at around 1.3 degrees, a lean that becomes more noticeable the longer you stand beneath it.

When open to visitors, the tower allows access via 498 narrow wooden steps. The climb is demanding, but the view from the top makes the effort worthwhile. From here, you can see Bologna’s terracotta rooftops, Piazza Maggiore, and the surrounding hills of Emilia Romagna. Late afternoon and early evening are popular times to visit, when the light softens across the city.

Torre della Garisenda

The Garisenda Tower is shorter but more dramatic in appearance. It stands 48 metres tall and leans by roughly 4 degrees, more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Builders originally raised it to about 60 metres. Engineers removed its upper section in the 14th century after structural problems made it unsafe.

The tower gained literary recognition through Dante Alighieri, who mentioned it in the Inferno. He used its steep tilt as a visual metaphor. This reference secured the Garisenda’s place in Italian cultural history.

Why the Towers Were Built

Aerial view of Bologna Cathedral and towers towering above of the roofs of Old Town in medieval city Bologna in the sunny day, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Symbols of Power and Prestige

The Asinelli and Garisenda families built Le Due Torri during the Investiture Controversy. This period was marked by tension between religious and secular authorities. Wealthy families used towers as fortified homes and as visible symbols of influence within the city.

Their position near the Via Emilia held strategic value. From here, families could observe movement through Bologna and assert control over an important access route.

A City Defined by Towers

At its medieval peak, Bologna’s skyline was crowded with towers. Many stood close together in the historic centre. Several once rose in Piazza di Porta Ravegnana alone. Over time, authorities dismantled most of them as they became unsafe or unnecessary.

Science, Conflict, and Survival

A Centre of Scientific Experimentation

In the 17th century, the Asinelli Tower played an unexpected role in scientific research. Physicist Giovanni Battista Guglielmini carried out experiments from its summit. By dropping objects from the tower, he studied the Earth’s rotation. These tests took place decades before similar experiments elsewhere in Europe.

Enduring Through Turbulent Times

Both towers have survived centuries of lightning strikes, fires, and conflict. During the Second World War, Allied pilots reportedly joked about aiming for the towers. Despite this, both structures emerged largely unharmed.

Engineering Challenges and Preservation

The Fragility of the Garisenda

The Garisenda stands on a base of selenite, a gypsum-based stone. Over time, humidity, heat, and environmental exposure weakened this material. Medieval fires also altered the stone’s structure, which contributed to internal deterioration.

Today, conservation teams rely on steel reinforcements, containment systems, and constant monitoring. These measures limit movement and help prevent further damage.

Monitoring the Asinelli

Engineers closely monitor the Asinelli Tower using advanced sensors. These devices detect even minor structural changes. The tower is so sensitive that it can register distant seismic activity. This makes it valuable not only as a historic monument, but also as a scientific reference point.

Visiting Le Due Torri Today

Location and Practical Access

Le Due Torri stand in Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, at the heart of Bologna’s historic centre. When access is available, visitors must book entry to the Asinelli Tower in advance. Authorities limit numbers to protect the structure.

The tower has no lift. The climb is unsuitable for visitors with limited mobility or certain medical conditions.

Experiencing the Surroundings

Even without climbing the tower, the surrounding area is one of the city’s most atmospheric spots. In the evening, lights illuminate the towers and cafés fill the square. It is an ideal place to pause and observe daily life in Bologna.

Curious Facts About the Two Towers

Traditions and Superstitions

A long-standing local belief warns students not to climb the Asinelli before graduating. According to tradition, doing so may prevent them from completing their studies. Many students still respect this superstition today.

Unusual Historical Details

In 1513, a celebratory cannon shot struck the Asinelli during festivities marking the election of a new pope. The tower remained standing. Locals have also calculated that more than 12,000 strands of cooked tagliatelle laid end to end would equal the height of the Asinelli.

Planning Your Time in Bologna

Getting Around the City

Bologna is compact and easy to explore on foot. Its extensive network of covered porticoes makes walking comfortable in all weather. For longer journeys, the local bus system offers a practical option.

Best Time to Visit

Late summer and early autumn usually bring comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. These seasons work well for exploring the historic centre.

To complete your itinerary, browsing things to do in Bologna can help you combine Le Due Torri with food markets, museums, and nearby excursions.

Discover Bologna with Exoticca

Le Due Torri sit at the heart of Bologna’s identity, but they represent only one part of a wider Italian story. With Exoticca, travellers can explore Bologna through carefully planned trips and itineraries that highlight Italy’s cultural, historical, and regional diversity.

Exoticca creates complete travel experiences that include flights, accommodation, and guided sightseeing. This approach allows travellers to focus on discovery rather than logistics. Whether Bologna is one stop on a broader Italian journey or part of a multi-city European itinerary, travelling with a structured plan helps make the most of every destination.