Asinelli tower, Medieval tower in Bologna, Italy
The Asinelli is a medieval structure in Bologna reaching just over 97 meters (318 feet), making it the tallest tower of its kind in Italy. The construction leans slightly to one side and rises from the historic city center with a narrow footprint and massive brick walls.
Construction began around 1150 and was commissioned by a wealthy family seeking to solidify their position in the city. During medieval times the structure served as a defensive post and later as a landmark for travelers approaching the city.
The name comes from the family who commissioned the construction in the 12th century, documenting their social rise. Today visitors climb the narrow spiral staircase and experience how the observation platform opens up the entire city panorama with its tiled roofs.
The spiral staircase leads up 498 steps to the upper platform and requires a certain level of physical fitness. From the top the view extends across the rooftops to the Apennines, with early mornings or late afternoons offering quieter conditions.
In the 17th and 18th centuries researchers used the height to conduct falling experiments and demonstrate Earth's rotation. The tilt measures about four degrees and is clearly visible from the base when looking along the outer wall.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Two Towers
20 m
Garisenda tower
27 m
Palazzo della Mercanzia
68 m
Corte Isolani
194 m
Palazzo Pepoli
175 m
Santi Bartolomeo e Gaetano
16 m
Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande
164 m
Palazzo Malvezzi de' Medici
186 m
Piazza della Mercanzia
61 m
Jewish Museum of Bologna
220 m
Palazzo Sampieri Talon
181 m
Palazzo Ronzani
204 m
Torre degli Alberici
63 m
Palazzo Bolognetti, Bologna
82 m
Torre degli Uguzzoni
136 m
San Nicolò degli Albari
194 m
Museo della Storia di Bologna
171 m
Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita
188 m
Statua di San Petronio
21 m
Casa Isolani
189 m
Museum of the History of Bologna
167 m
Casa Azzoguidi
170 m
Case Seracchioli
54 m
San Donato
137 m
Palazzo degli Strazzaroli
25 m
Museo della cattedrale di San Pietro
221 m
Casa-torre Alberici - Casa Bolognini
60 m
Palazzo Malvasia
170 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes