Due Torri

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Due Torri - Bologna's Leaning Towers

Medieval Skyscrapers Since 1109

Asinelli Tower • Garisenda Tower • 900 Years of History

Explore → Get Early Access

🎓 Your Perfect Bologna Experience

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Piazza di Porta Ravegnana

Historic crossroads

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Daily 10am-7pm

Last entry 6:15pm

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45-60 Minutes

Including climb time

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From €5

Students €3

🧭 Why Visit

Two leaning towers, no queue-management theater — the Asinelli's 498 wooden steps buy the best view in Emilia, with the drunken Garisenda tilting beside it. Bologna's skyline once bristled with a hundred of these; the survivors carry the story.

🏛️ A Little History

Feuding medieval families built tower-houses as fortresses and flexes — the taller, the mightier — until the commune ordered them cut down to size. The Asinelli (97 m) and Garisenda (48 m, four-degree lean) survived as the city's emblem.

💡 Did You Know?

Dante name-checked the Garisenda in the Inferno, comparing a stooping giant to its overhang. Local superstition bars students from climbing the Asinelli before graduation — the degree, they say, will never come.

🏰 Tower Experiences

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Climb Asinelli Tower

498 steps to the best views in Bologna
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Medieval Tower History

Learn about Bologna's 100+ medieval towers
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Asinelli Tower Climb

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Medieval Towers Walking Tour

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Sunset Tower Experience

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Climbing Tips

  • Not suitable for claustrophobia - stairs are narrow and enclosed
  • Good fitness required - 498 steps with no elevator
  • Bring water in summer - it gets hot inside the tower
  • Secure cameras/phones - windy at the top

Photography Tips

  • Wide angle lens essential for tower shots from below
  • Best tower photo spot: Via Rizzoli looking back
  • Sunset from top illuminates the red rooftops perfectly
  • Morning light best for shots toward San Luca

Best Times to Visit

  • Early morning for smallest crowds and best light
  • Sunset hour for golden views (book ahead - limited spots)
  • After rain for clearest views to the Alps
  • Weekdays to avoid weekend crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I climb both towers?
Only the Asinelli Tower is open for climbing. The Garisenda Tower has been closed to the public since 1970 due to its severe lean and structural concerns. You can admire Garisenda from the outside and learn about its history.
How difficult is the climb?
The 498 wooden steps require moderate fitness. The stairway is narrow and can feel claustrophobic. There are small windows for rest and views along the way. Most people take 15-20 minutes to climb up. Not recommended for those with heart conditions or mobility issues.
Why does Garisenda lean more than Pisa?
Garisenda leans at 4 degrees (3.2 meters off vertical) compared to Pisa's 3.97 degrees. The lean began during construction due to soft ground and inadequate foundation. It was shortened from 60m to 48m in the 14th century to prevent collapse.
Is it safe to climb during bad weather?
The tower closes during severe weather, lightning storms, or high winds. Light rain doesn't usually affect access, but the wooden steps can be slippery. The view platform at the top is partially enclosed but still exposed to elements.
Are there student discounts?
Yes! Bologna is a student city. EU students under 26 get reduced entry. Bring your student ID. Some tours offer special student rates. Ask about the University of Bologna partnership discounts.

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