Towers of Italy
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Latest page update: 23 January 2025
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By Dion Protani
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The following towers of Italy are some of the most famous, quirky and interesting that the country has to offer. From this list of 20 we have several that lean, including of course the undisputed king of lean, the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Leaningness is just one quality that can see any aspiring tower make this list and others such as the Two Towers of Bologna, the Leaning Tower of Portogruaro and the Leaning Tower of Burano do just that and to an alarming degree. Other towers detailed here are magnificent examples of historic engineering such as Giotto's Bell Tower in Florence which provides some of the best views of the city whilst maintaining aesthetic harmony with the Cathedral. |
Curon Bell Tower, Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol
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Similar accolades can be laid at the feet of Saint Mark's Bell Tower in Venice, the Torre dei Lamberti in Verona and the soaring Torrazzo of Cremona. Aside from those that lean, there's no shortage of quirk when it comes to Italian towers; below you'll find a bell tower that sticks out from the centre of a lake (the Curon Bell Tower), another one that has oak trees growing from the top of it (the Torre Guinigi in Lucca) and another one where you'll find a bucket that started a war.
The last of those is the Torre Ghirlandina in Modena where the very bucket that started the beautifully-named War of the Buckets is displayed in its own room which does of course have a bucket-related name, the Sala della Secchia. I wish I had the imagination to make these things up but they are actually true!
The last of those is the Torre Ghirlandina in Modena where the very bucket that started the beautifully-named War of the Buckets is displayed in its own room which does of course have a bucket-related name, the Sala della Secchia. I wish I had the imagination to make these things up but they are actually true!
Leaning Tower of Pisa
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The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a world-famous architectural marvel located in the city of Pisa. Constructed as the bell tower for the nearby Pisa Cathedral, it stands in the Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between 1173 and 1372, the tower began leaning early in its construction due to unstable foundation soil.
Despite the tilt, it features a Romanesque design with eight stories, including a base and six rows of graceful, colonnaded arches. Standing 56 meters tall, its white marble façade is adorned with intricate carvings. Today, extensive engineering efforts have stabilized the structure whilst preserving its unique tilt. |
Leaning Tower of Pisa
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Giotto's Bell Tower
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Giotto’s Bell Tower, or Campanile di Giotto, is a stunning Gothic structure located in Piazza del Duomo in Florence. Standing 84 meters tall, it is an integral part of the Florence Cathedral complex, alongside the Duomo and Baptistery.
Designed by Giotto in 1334 and completed by Andrea Pisano and Francesco Talenti, the bell tower features intricate marble panels in white, green, and pink, harmonizing with the cathedral’s façade. Its exterior is adorned with exquisite reliefs and sculptures depicting biblical stories, human virtues, and astronomy. Visitors can climb its 414 steps for panoramic views of Florence. |
Giotto's Bell Tower, Florence
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Saint Mark's Bell Tower
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Saint Mark’s Bell Tower, or Campanile di San Marco, is an iconic landmark in Venice, located in St. Mark’s Square near the Basilica di San Marco.
Standing 98.6 meters tall, the brick tower features a pyramid-shaped spire topped with a golden statue of the Archangel Gabriel. Originally built in the 9th century as a lighthouse, it was rebuilt multiple times, with its current form completed in 1912 after collapsing in 1902. The bell tower offers panoramic views of Venice, the lagoon, and its islands. Historically, it served as a lookout and symbol of Venetian power. |
Saint Mark's Bell Tower, Venice
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Torre dei Lamberti
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The Torre dei Lamberti is an iconic medieval tower located in Verona's historic centre, overlooking the bustling Piazza delle Erbe.
Standing 84 meters tall, it is the tallest tower in the city and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Verona and the surrounding countryside from its observation deck. Construction began in 1172 by the Lamberti family and was later expanded, incorporating Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. The tower features a distinctive clock and houses two historic bells, the Rengo and the Marangona, historically used to signal meetings and emergencies. |
Torre dei Lamberti, Verona
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Two Towers of Bologna
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The Two Towers of Bologna, known as Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda, are iconic medieval landmarks located in the historic centre of Bologna. Torre degli Asinelli, the taller of the two, stands at 97 meters, while Torre Garisenda reaches 48 meters.
Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, these towers were constructed by wealthy families to display their power and wealth. Torre degli Asinelli offers panoramic views of the city from the top, accessible by a steep climb. The towers are a symbol of Bologna’s medieval past and are among the most recognized features of the city’s skyline. |
Two Towers, Bologna
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Torre del Mangia
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The Torre del Mangia is a striking medieval tower located in the heart of Siena, adjacent to the Piazza del Campo.
Standing at 102 meters tall, it is one of the tallest and most recognizable structures in the city. Built between 1338 and 1348, the tower was part of the Palazzo Pubblico and served as a symbol of the power and wealth of the city’s government. The name "Mangia" comes from Giovanni di Duccio, the tower’s first bell-ringer, known for his insatiable appetite. Visitors can climb the 400 steps to the top for panoramic views of Siena and its surrounding countryside, making it a popular attraction. |
Torre del Mangia, Siena
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Bosco Verticale
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The Bosco Verticale, or "Vertical Forest," is a pair of striking residential towers located in Milan, Italy, in the Porta Nuova district. Completed in 2014, the towers stand at 111 and 76 meters tall and are renowned for their innovative design, featuring over 9,000 trees, 5,000 shrubs, and 15,000 plants planted on balconies and terraces.
The project was designed by architect Stefano Boeri and aims to combine urban living with nature, improving air quality and promoting biodiversity in the city. The Bosco Verticale is celebrated for its sustainable architecture and has received numerous awards, becoming a symbol of Milan. |
Bosco Verticale, Milan
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Torrazzo of Cremona
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The Torrazzo of Cremona is a magnificent medieval tower located in the heart of Cremona, Lombardy. Standing at 112 metres tall, it is one of the tallest brick bell towers in Europe. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, the Torrazzo is part of the Cremona Cathedral complex and is renowned for its architectural beauty.
It features intricate brickwork and a large clock, the "Astronomical Clock," which dates back to the 16th century. Historically, the tower served as a symbol of the city’s power and pride. Today, visitors can climb to the top for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes. |
Torrazzo and Cremona Cathedral, Lombardy
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Palazzo Vecchio Tower
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The Palazzo Vecchio Tower, also known as the Torre di Arnolfo, is located in Florence, Italy, within the historic Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria. Standing at 94 meters, the tower is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks. Built in the 13th century by the architect Arnolfo di Cambio, it was originally part of the Florentine government’s seat.
The tower's medieval design features a crenellated top and an imposing clock. Historically, it served both as a defensive structure and a symbol of political power. Today, visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of Florence, including the nearby Duomo and surrounding hills. |
Palazzo Vecchio Tower, Florence
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Leaning Tower of Portogruaro
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The Leaning Tower of Portogruaro is located in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy, in the town of Portogruaro. The tower stands next to the Church of Saint Andrew in the town's historic centre.
Originally built as a bell tower in the 12th century, it leans due to the soft, marshy ground upon which it was constructed. The tower, made of brick, features a simple yet striking design, with an octagonal base and a gradual incline. Historically, it was part of the medieval town’s fortifications. Over the centuries, the lean has become a unique feature, making it one of the town’s most recognizable landmarks. |
Leaning Tower of Portogruaro, Veneto
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Torre Velasca
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Torre Velasca is an iconic skyscraper located in the centre of Milan, near the city's historic district. Completed in 1958, it is a striking example of mid-20th-century Italian architecture, blending elements of modernism with traditional forms.
The tower’s unique design features a broad, square base that tapers as it rises, topped by a distinctive roof that resembles a medieval fortress. At 106 metres tall, Torre Velasca was once one of the tallest buildings in Milan and remains a symbol of the city's post-war urban development. |
Torre Velasca, Milan
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Torre di Federico II Enna
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The Torre di Federico II is a medieval tower located in Enna, Sicily, perched on the top of a hill that offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Built in the 13th century during the reign of Emperor Frederick II, the tower is an example of Sicilian-Arabic architecture.
The structure features a robust stone design with a circular base and a conical roof, typical of the period. The tower was part of a larger castle complex, which served as a strategic military stronghold. Over the centuries, it has been partially restored and is now a popular historical landmark, reflecting the region's rich Norman and Swabian heritage. |
Torre di Federico II, Enna
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Campanile di Santa Sofia
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The Campanile di Santa Sofia is a historic bell tower located in Benevento, a city in southern Italy. It is part of the Church of Santa Sofia, which was built in the 8th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The bell tower, constructed in the 12th century, stands as a remarkable example of medieval architecture. Its distinct structure rises above the city, adorned with brickwork and small windows. The campanile is an important feature of the church, which has served various roles throughout history, including as a symbol of Benevento's religious and cultural significance. |
Campanile di Santa Sofia, Benevento
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Leaning Bell Tower of Burano
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The Leaning Tower of Burano is located on the island of Burano, part of the Venetian Lagoon. Known for its colourful buildings and lace-making tradition, Burano is home to this charming bell tower, which leans at a noticeable angle.
The tower is part of the Church of San Martino, dating back to the 16th century. Originally built to be straight, the tower began leaning due to unstable foundations and the island's shifting ground. The bell tower stands as a picturesque and quirky landmark, drawing visitors with its unique tilt, colourful surroundings, and historical significance. It is one of Burano's most photographed and beloved features. |
Leaning Bell Tower of Burano, Venice
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Pistoia Bell Tower
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The Pistoia Bell Tower is located in the historic centre of Pistoia, Tuscany, beside the Cathedral of San Zeno. Standing at 67 metres tall, it is one of the tallest medieval towers in the region.
Built in the 12th century, the bell tower features a Romanesque design with a striking stone façade and a distinctive clock face. Its elegant, narrow structure is topped with a spire and offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. The tower was originally part of the cathedral complex and served both religious and defensive purposes. Today, it is a key architectural landmark in Pistoia. |
Pistoia Bell Tower, Tuscany
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Porta Torre
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The Porta Torre is a historic gate located in the city of Como, Lombardy, near the city centre. Built in the 12th century as part of the medieval city walls, it served as one of the main entrances to the city. The gate is an imposing square tower made of stone, with narrow slits for defence and a large archway for passage.
It stands at about 30 metres tall, offering stunning views of the surrounding area from its top. Over the centuries, Porta Torre has been an important symbol of Como’s fortifications. Today, it remains a prominent landmark and a reminder of the city’s medieval past. |
Porta Torre, Como
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Torre Civica of Trento
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The Torre Civica is a historic tower located in the centre of Trento, near the main square, Piazza del Duomo. Built in the 13th century, it was originally part of the city's defensive walls and has since become an iconic landmark.
The tower stands at 34 metres tall and features a simple yet elegant design, with a clock face and a bell that chimes on the hour. It is topped by a small spire and offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding Alps. The Torre Civica played an important role in Trento’s history, serving both as a symbol of civic power and a timekeeping device. |
Torre Civica, Trento
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Torre Ghirlandina
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The Torre Ghirlandina is a historic bell tower located in the heart of Modena, next to the Modena Cathedral. Standing at 86 meters tall, it is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Built in the 12th century, the tower is named after the decorative "ghirlanda" (garland) at its top. Its Romanesque architecture features a series of narrow windows, a simple yet elegant stone façade, and a series of bell chambers. The Torre Ghirlandina served as a symbol of civic power and as a timekeeping device. It offers panoramic views of Modena and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
Torre Ghirlandina in Modena, Emilia Romagna
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Torre Guinigi
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The Torre Guinigi is a historic tower located in the heart of Lucca in Tuscany. Built in the 14th century by the wealthy Guinigi family, it stands 44 metres tall and is one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks.
The tower is notable for its unique feature: a rooftop garden with ancient holm oak trees growing on top, offering panoramic views of the surrounding city and countryside. The tower was originally part of a family residence and served as a symbol of the Guinigi family's power and wealth. Today, the Torre Guinigi is open to visitors. |
Torre Guinigi, Lucca
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Curon Bell Tower
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The Curon Bell Tower is a striking landmark located in the town of Curon, in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy.
Situated in the area of Lake Resia, the bell tower is famously half-submerged in water, with its top portion rising above the lake’s surface. Originally built in the 14th century as part of a church, the tower remains a symbol of the town’s history. In the 1950s, the construction of a hydroelectric dam submerged the original village, leaving only the tower visible. Today, it stands as a poignant reminder of the town's past and is a popular tourist attraction. |
Curon Bell Tower, Lake Resia
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