Torre di Catilina, Medieval tower in Piazza del Duomo, Pistoia, Italy
Torre di Catilina is a medieval tower standing on a rectangular base at Piazza del Duomo in Pistoia, rising to about 30 meters in height. The Rossi family coat of arms is carved into the corners of the structure and defines its external appearance.
Construction began in the 9th century and the tower takes its name from a street associated with the Roman general Catiline and his burial after defeat in 62 BC. The building reflects medieval Pistoia when noble families displayed their power through such structures.
The tower bears the Rossi family coat of arms and originally served as a defensive structure before becoming a commercial building with a shop at street level. This transformation shows how the city shifted from military concerns to trade during medieval times.
The tower is not open to the public and can only be viewed from the outside on Piazza del Duomo. The best views of the architectural details and the coat of arms can be seen from different positions around the square.
During the 1990s a panoramic terrace was created at the tower's summit with views across central Pistoia. This viewing platform offers a different perspective on the medieval city layout below.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
