Torre Troyana, Medieval tower in Piazza Medici, Asti, Italy.
Torre Troyana is a stone tower with a square base located in the heart of Asti, rising 44 meters tall. The structure spans three levels, each featuring four pointed-arch windows divided by stone mullions that create a regular pattern on the facade.
The Troya family of bankers started building it in the late 1100s and finished between 1260 and 1280. It was one of many defensive towers that wealthy families constructed during the medieval period to protect their interests and show their status.
The tower reflects how medieval families used height and stone to display their power and wealth in the city. Walking past it today, you can still sense how these structures dominated the urban landscape and represented family prestige.
The climb involves 199 steps to reach the observation level at the top, requiring a fair amount of stamina. Once you reach the top, you get unobstructed views across the city and the surrounding countryside, making the effort worthwhile.
The bell inside dates from 1531 and ranks among the oldest still-ringing bells in the Piedmont region. Hearing it toll connects you to nearly 5 centuries of the city's daily rhythm and local memory.
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