Torre del Mangia, Medieval tower in Siena, Italy
Description
The Torre del Mangia rises 102 meters above Piazza del Campo with thick red brick walls and a white travertine summit section adjacent to Palazzo Pubblico. The structure narrows slightly toward the top, where a stone crown surrounds the viewing platform.
History
Construction of the tower occurred between 1338 and 1348 under the direction of brothers Muccio and Francesco Di Rinaldo from Perugia, with the summit designed by Lippo Memmi. The commune commissioned the project to demonstrate the power of civil government.
Culture
The name originates from Giovanni di Balduccio, the first bell ringer nicknamed Mangiaguadagni, who gained notice for spending his earnings rapidly on food and drink. His habits became so well known that the tower carries his nickname to this day.
Practical
Visitors must climb 400 steps through narrow passages to reach the top, with seasonal opening hours from 10 AM to 4 PM in winter and until 7 PM in summer. The ascent takes about 20 minutes and requires moderate physical fitness.
Did you know?
The tower height matches the Siena Cathedral to demonstrate the equal authority between civil administration and religious power in medieval Siena. This deliberate choice reflects the city government's desire to show its independence.
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Piazza del Campo
62 m
Palazzo Pubblico
38 m
Fonte Gaia
74 m
Loggia della Mercanzia
110 m
Palazzo Chigi-Saracini
172 m
Palazzo Piccolomini
102 m
Palazzo Sansedoni, Siena
85 m
Cappella di Piazza
10 m
San Martino
121 m
Logge del Papa
118 m
Museo Civico
14 m
Teatro dei Rozzi
172 m
Teatro Comunale dei Rinnovati
27 m
Archivio di Stato di Siena
96 m
Palazzo Patrizi
123 m
Palazzo Chigi Zondadari
71 m
San Vigilio
158 m
Castellare degli Ugurgieri
174 m
Palazzo Bindi Sergardi
178 m
Historic Centre of Siena
56 m
Palazzo Piccolomini-Clementini
125 m
Torre di Roccabruna
114 m
Sant’Antonio da Padova (Siena)
163 m
Torre delle Sette Seghinelle
126 m
Oratorio dell'Arciconfraternita della Misericordia
172 m
San Niccolò in Sasso
183 m
Archivio e percorso storico dell'università di Siena
105 m
Palazzo Rinuccini
181 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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