Torre degli Alberici

Welcome to Bologna, a city rich in history and culture. Today, we will be exploring one of the approximately 20 remaining noble towers in the historic center of the city - La Torre degli Alberici. La Torre degli Alberici was built by the Alberici family in the 12th century. It is located to the left of Palazzo della Mercanzia, where the old customs house used to be. For many years, the tower was hidden behind a later building, which was removed in 1920 during a massive restoration project that also involved the tower and surrounding buildings. The ground floor of the tower houses what is considered to be the oldest shop in Bologna. In 1273, when the shop was established, the walls of the tower were thinned out on the first floor to create more space. The shop is still visible and functional today. The tower currently stands at a height of 27 meters, but the thickness of its walls suggests that it may have been larger in the past. It is likely that over the centuries, the tower was lowered to reduce its weight, making it more stable and preventing the risk of leaning. On the facade of the tower, you can see holes, some of which are from the construction site, while others were used to anchor stairs and floors that connected the tower to other external structures. La Torre degli Alberici is just one of the many towers that make up the skyline of Bologna. These towers were once symbols of power and wealth for the noble families that built them. Today, they serve as reminders of the city's rich history and are a must-see for any visitor to Bologna. We hope you enjoyed this tour of La Torre degli Alberici and the fascinating history behind it. Be sure to explore more of Bologna's landmarks and attractions during your stay.

Height: 27 m

Address: Via Santo Stefano 4a, Bologna

Source: Wikimedia