The Two Towers are of course the most distinctive landmarks which indentifies the city of Bologna to all Italians and indeed to the World at large.
During the Middle Ages, towers were built primarily for military purposes, but also as a status symbol to indicate the wealth and power of the family that constructed it. The city was once known as `the towered` because it had so many towers and is believed to have featured over one hundred towers at it`s zenith of tower construction.
From all the towers that stood in the city, two were and indeed still are the most famous and important in that they indentify Bologna to this very day.Torre Garisenda is about 50 metres high today and like La Torre degli Asinelli is believed to have been much higher when first put in place. It was reduced in size during the 1300`s. There is a curious urban legend that it may be unlucky for students to climb the tower before finishing their studies. For a dilatory student to climb the tower might give an excuse for a poor mark in an exam.
The Torre degli Asinelli can be visited for an admission fee of €3.00 and is located in Piazza di Porta Ravegnana.
OPENING TIMES:
Your visit will last about one and a half hours