Torre dei Gualandi, Medieval tower in Knights' Square, Italy
Torre dei Gualandi is a medieval tower on Knights' Square in Pisa, forming part of the Palazzo dell'Orologio and marked by rounded arches and solid proportions. The structure displays Romanesque architecture with thick walls that have endured across centuries.
In the 13th century, Count Ugolino della Gherardesca and his family members were imprisoned in this tower, where they died in 1289. These tragic events left a lasting mark on the city's memory and connected the place to one of the Middle Ages' most told stories.
The tower marks a story that Dante recorded in his work, remaining part of the city's collective memory. This link to literature makes the place a point where medieval history and artistic tradition meet for visitors.
The tower is managed by the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa and accessible to visitors by request. It is wise to plan ahead, as access is controlled and information should be obtained directly from the institution.
The name Torre della Fame (Tower of Hunger) comes from the tragic circumstances of 1289, when those imprisoned there died. The nickname remains alive today and is still used when people speak of this location.
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