Bologna Towers Travel Guide: Climb the Iconic Leaning Towers of Bologna

Welcome to Bologna, one of Italy’s most underrated yet fascinating cities, where red rooftops, medieval arcades, and leaning towers create a skyline like no other. Among its treasures, two towers stand out — Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda, collectively known as Le Due Torri (The Two Towers).
 

Rising above the historic heart of Bologna, these towers are among the last survivors of over 100 medieval towers that once symbolized wealth and power in the city. Today, they serve as a stunning testament to Bologna’s medieval legacy and offer the best panoramic views of the city and beyond.

As your virtual tour guide, I’ll take you through the history, highlights, and travel tips you need to make the most of your visit to Bologna’s iconic towers.

📍 Where Are the Bologna Towers?

📌 Location: Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, Bologna, Italy

🕒 Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:45 PM daily (last entry 5:15 PM)

🎟 Admission: Around €5 for Asinelli Tower (Garisenda is closed to the public)

🚶‍♂️ Distance from City Center: 5-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore

🏛 Quick Facts: The Two Towers of Bologna

🕰 A Brief History of the Bologna Towers

During the 12th and 13th centuries, Bologna was a thriving city-state. Wealthy families, vying for influence and prestige, built tall towers as symbols of their power. These towers served both as private fortresses and visible signs of status.

At one point, more than 100 towers dotted the city. Today, less than 25 remain, and the Two Towers — Asinelli and Garisenda — are the most famous.

🏗 The Builders

Torre degli Asinelli was built by the Asinelli family around 1109. Its name may come from “asinello” (donkey) or the family name.

Torre Garisenda was constructed around the same time by the Garisendi family, but its unstable foundation caused it to lean dramatically over time.

🧭 Exploring Torre degli Asinelli

🪜 The Climb

Get ready for a workout — climbing the 498 wooden steps inside Torre degli Asinelli is not for the faint of heart. But the reward? A 360° panoramic view of Bologna’s red-tiled roofs, surrounding hills, and the Apennine Mountains.

Tips:

Wear comfortable shoes

Bring water (no elevator!)

Not recommended for those afraid of heights or with mobility issues

📸 The View

From the top, you’ll spot:

Piazza Maggiore and San Petronio Basilica

The University of Bologna (Europe’s oldest)

The green hills of Emilia-Romagna

On clear days, even the Alps

🚧 Why You Can't Climb Torre Garisenda

Torre Garisenda leans at a dramatic angle due to unstable soil, and it has always been shortened from its original height for safety. Mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy, it now stands as a fascinating sight — but one you can only admire from the ground.

In late 2023, Torre Garisenda was closed indefinitely for structural preservation, though it still dominates the skyline with its dramatic tilt.

🎓 Literary & Cultural Legacy

The Two Towers have inspired artists, writers, and filmmakers for centuries.

🖋 Dante Alighieri references Torre Garisenda in Inferno.

🎥 Appeared in movies and travel shows about Italy’s medieval history.

📚 A symbol of Bologna University pride and student culture.

📅 Best Time to Visit the Towers

Golden Hour (just before sunset) is the best time for photos and fewer people at the top.

🍝 Where to Eat Near the Towers

You’ll find excellent places for traditional Bolognese cuisine just steps from the towers.

🌟 Top Picks

Trattoria di Via Serra – Handmade tagliatelle al ragù

Osteria dell’Orsa – Student-favorite, delicious and affordable

Tamburini – Historic deli and restaurant

☕ For Coffee or a Quick Bite

Caffè Terzi – Artisan espresso

Fico Bar – Italian pastries with a tower view

🏨 Where to Stay Near the Towers

🛍 Local Souvenirs to Bring Home

Mortadella & Parmigiano from nearby markets

Bologna ceramics with tower motifs

Postcards featuring the red skyline

Books about medieval Bologna and its towers

🧭 What to Do Nearby

The Two Towers sit in the very heart of Bologna’s Old Town, so you’re steps away from other must-see spots:

🕍 Piazza Maggiore – Main square with Gothic and Renaissance architecture

⛪ San Petronio Basilica – Italy’s 6th largest church

🎓 University of Bologna – Oldest university in Europe (founded in 1088)

🏛 Archiginnasio Library – Ornate anatomical theatre and archives

🚉 How to Get to the Bologna Towers

From Bologna Centrale Station: 20-minute walk or 10-minute bus ride

By Bus: Use lines 11, 13, or 27 to get close to Piazza di Porta Ravegnana

By Car: Not recommended; ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) restricts access

🎟 Booking Tickets

You can buy tickets:

On-site (subject to availability)

Online via Bologna Welcome (recommended)

Note: Combo tickets often include other attractions like San Petronio’s terrace.

♿ Accessibility Info

Torre degli Asinelli is not wheelchair accessible due to stairs.

Ground-level areas around the towers are accessible and photogenic.

No elevator or lift — plan accordingly if climbing is a concern.

🧳 Travel Tips from a Tour Guide

Climb early morning or just before sunset for best views and fewer crowds.

Book your time slot in advance, especially during holidays or weekends.

Wear sturdy shoes — the stairs are wooden and narrow.

Check weather conditions before your climb — the tower may close in high winds.

Look up! The towers are most impressive from below.

💬 What Visitors Say

“The climb was tough but worth every step — the view is unforgettable.”
– Amanda, Australia

“The leaning Garisenda looks like it might fall over — so cool and eerie!”
– Johan, Sweden

“You can feel the medieval history all around. Truly one of Bologna’s highlights.”
– Elisa, Italy

🏁 Final Thoughts: Why the Bologna Towers Are a Must-See

The Two Towers of Bologna are more than historical monuments — they are enduring symbols of the city’s identity, resilience, and artistic spirit. Torre degli Asinelli invites you to rise above the rooftops and see Bologna like never before, while Torre Garisenda reminds you of the city’s poetic and architectural legacy.

Whether you're capturing photos, climbing for the view, or simply admiring from below, a visit to Le Due Torri is an essential part of experiencing Bologna’s heart and soul.