The two towers: Garisenda and Asinelli

The two towers are commonly recognized as symbols of Bologna and are located in the heart of the city at the point where the ancient Via Emilia (Aemilian Way) entered the city.

They were built during the Middle Ages and had a military function (signalling and defence) as well as representing, with their grandeur, the social prestige of the family that had them built.

ASINELLI TOWER (TORRE DEGLI ASINELLI) 

The Tower was built between 1109 and 1119 by the family bearing the same name and was handed over to the Municipality as early as the following century. 498 internal steps lead to the top at a height of 97.02 metres offering spectacular views of the city.

TORRE GARISENDA

Torre Garisenda, built at the same time as the previous tower, is different due to its shorter height of 47 metres. It is known for its steep overhang due to a subsidence of the land and the foundations, so much so that Dante featured it in Canto XXXI of the Inferno. It was lowered for fear of it collapsing during the 14th century and is currently being restored.