The Garisenda Tower was originally taller but was shortened in the 14th century due to concerns about its stability.
Dante Alighieri mentions the Garisenda Tower in his Divine Comedy, comparing its lean to the movement of the giant Antaeus.
During the 13th century, the towers were connected by a wooden bridge at a height of 30 meters, which was destroyed by fire.
The Asinelli Tower has a tilt of 1.3 degrees, whereas the Garisenda Tower leans at a more dramatic 4-degree angle.
The towers were constructed using a technique involving a deep foundation of selenite blocks to support the weight on soft clay soil.
Bologna once had over 100 towers during the Middle Ages, with the Two Towers remaining the most prominent survivors.
The Asinelli family, who commissioned the taller tower, were minor nobility who likely built it to compete with rival clans.
The Two Towers, Asinelli and Garisenda, are medieval structures located in the heart of Bologna that define the city's skyline. The taller Asinelli Tower stands at approximately 97 meters, while the shorter Garisenda Tower measures 48 meters. Construction dates back to the early 12th century, likely between 1109 and 1119. The towers were built by noble families as symbols of power, prestige, and defensive fortification. Only the Asinelli Tower is open to the public for climbing, requiring the ascent of 498 wooden steps. The structures exhibit a visible lean, a result of soil subsidence and structural instability encountered during their medieval construction. Visitors reaching the summit of the Asinelli Tower gain a 360-degree panoramic view of Bologna's red-tiled rooftops and the surrounding Apennine mountains. The Garisenda Tower is closed to the public due to its significant structural tilt and ongoing preservation efforts. The site is a focal point of the city, serving as the geographic and social center of medieval Bologna.
From the corner of Via Rizzoli looking up to capture both towers in a single frame.
Advance online booking is mandatory for the Asinelli Tower ascent; tickets sell out days in advance.
Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear, as the wooden steps are steep, uneven, and narrow.
Pack light, as there is no storage for large bags or backpacks at the entrance.
Check the weather before booking; the tower summit is exposed and closes during high winds or severe lightning.
Do not attempt to walk to the base thinking you can buy tickets on-site; they must be pre-booked online.
Open daily year-round, except for occasional maintenance or severe weather closures; always check the official reservation portal for daily availability.
Maintain a quiet demeanor inside the staircase and be mindful of other climbers on the narrow passages.
