A bit of history…
The Two Towers of Bologna are the most characteristic symbol of the city, located in Piazza di Porta Ravegnana.
In particular, the respective names of the Towers are: Torre degli Asinelli, 98 meters high, and Torre Garisenda, 48 cm high.
Both were part of the countless towers present in the city, of which only twenty-four remain today. Of these we remember the Azzoguidi Tower, called Altabella – 61 m high, the Prendiparte Tower called Coronata (59.50 m), the Scappi (39 m), Uguzzoni (32 m), Torre degli Oseletti (31 m), Guidozagni and Galluzzi.
The reason why so many were initially built in the city is unknown, but it is hypothesized that the wealthy resident families used them as an instrument of offense/defense and symbol of power in the period of the pro-imperial and pro-papal investiture fight.
The Two Towers are located in an area of Bologna that was the main communication gateway for trade towards the sea and for political relations. They constitute a treasure of history, art and culture that is always worth discovering and visiting.
Curiosity: The Garisenda Tower.
The Garisenda Tower, shortly after its construction, began to take on a particular inclination following which it was deemed necessary to reduce the height by approximately 12 metres, bringing it to the current height of 48 metres. The inclination is approximately 3.4 meters.
The particularity of the Tower attracted the attention of the famous Dante Alighieri, who saw it when it had not yet undergone the lowering of 12 meters and cited it in his best-known work, the Divine Commedia.
Inside the Bologna Guide, you can find more information about the two Towers, on the Bologna Ravegnana route.
