Medieval Manhattan: Bologna once had over 100 towers built by rival noble families in the 12th century. Only 22 remain. These two — Asinelli (97m, climbable) and Garisenda (48m, leaning) — are the city's signature. Garisenda is currently sealed off and fenced for structural stabilisation works; only Asinelli can be climbed, offering the best viewpoint over the terracotta roofs.
Location
Centro Storico, Bologna
Map
Insider Intel
Climb Asinelli (498 wooden steps, no elevator, narrow passages). The views at the top are the best orientation to Bologna's layout you will get — the hills, the porticoes, the sprawl of terracotta. Garisenda leans more than Pisa and is currently sealed off behind fencing for stabilisation works — you cannot approach it, let alone climb it. Dante mentioned it in the Inferno. That matters.
Morning for clearer air and fewer climbers on the narrow stairs. Late afternoon for golden light on the rooftops. Tickets are timed entry — book ahead in summer. The climb takes about 15 minutes if you are fit, longer if you pause at landings.
In the 1100s, Bologna had between 80-100 towers — noble families built them as status symbols and defensive positions. Most were dismantled for building material or collapsed. Asinelli was built around 1109, used as a prison and fortress, survived lightning strikes and earthquakes. The climb is genuine physical effort — narrow medieval stairs, no handrails for much of it. Not suitable for claustrophobia or limited mobility. Worth it.