The Asinelli Towers are named after the family that had them built: an impressive 97.2 metres high, they had few rivals in height at the time.
The slope gives rise to an overhang of 2.23 metres and the top can be reached via a staircase of 498 steps leading to the terrace, to enjoy a very impressive view of the city, as Goethe did when he stopped in Bologna during his trip to Italy.
Shortly after its construction, the Garisenda Tower already took such a steep slope that it is believed that construction was interrupted and even some 12 metres were demolished in the 14th century, bringing its height to the current 48 metres.
Dante Alighieri saw it when it was still intact and not lowered and compared it to the Giant Antaeus leaning over him and Virgil in the XXXI canto of the Inferno. The overhang is a good 3.4 metres from the base. Along with the towers is a statue of San Petronio, the patron saint of Bologna.
