Torre Rognosa, Medieval tower in San Gimignano, Italy.
Torre Rognosa is a medieval tower in San Gimignano's old town that rises about 51 meters high, making it the second tallest remaining structure in the city. The stone construction is visually prominent from Piazza del Duomo, where it stands beside the Palazzo del Podestà and other medieval buildings.
The tower was built around 1200 and originally belonged to the Gregori family before later passing to the Oti family. It subsequently became a municipal prison, marking an important shift in its role within the city's life.
The tower takes its name from its role as a prison in the 1300s, where people facing legal troubles were held. This past still shapes how visitors and locals view the structure within San Gimignano's medieval townscape.
The tower is easy to spot from Piazza del Duomo and can be viewed from the outside without needing special access. The best viewing angle comes from different spots around the main square, where you can also see other medieval buildings nearby.
A law from 1255 banned the building of towers taller than this one, showing its importance in the city's power structure at that time. This rule reflected how San Gimignano controlled its skyline and balanced power among families.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
