Prison tower of Castelvetro di Modena

The Prison Tower rises 22 meters above Piazza Roma with thick stone walls and defensive features typical of 14th-century structures. The building shows rough stonework and narrow openings that served its original military and detention purposes.

Built around 1350, the tower was first designed as a strategic lookout to monitor the surrounding Modena region. Over time it evolved into a detention facility that played an important role in the city's administration.

The tower sits beside the Clock Tower in the main square, where black and white stones form a distinctive checkerboard pattern on the ground. This pattern gives the piazza its distinctive visual identity that locals and visitors notice right away.

The tower is accessible through guided tours that explain its medieval construction and former use as a detention facility. Plan a visit in advance since access depends on seasonal schedules and local events.

The tower preserves its original medieval prison cells inside, showing how detainees were actually held during that period. These spaces offer a direct look at the harsh living conditions and practical solutions of medieval justice.

Location: Castelvetro di Modena

Inception: 14 century

Height: 22 m

GPS coordinates: 44.50338,10.94295

Latest update: December 15, 2025 13:28