The symbol of Pisa needs no presentation: it’s the most famous tower in the world and one of the most photographed thanks to its characteristic inclination.
It is also one of the most visited monuments in Italy and for security reasons the entrance is limited.
The Torre del Mangia in Siena was built between 1338 and 1348 and is located in the Piazza del Campo, Siena's main square. At the time when it was built, it was one of the tallest secular towers in medieval Italy. Literally meaning “Tower of the Eater”, the name refers to its first bell ringer, Giovanni di Balduccio, nicknamed Mangiaguadagni (profit's eater).
To reach the top you have to climb more than 500 steps through a narrow staircase. From the top you can admire Piazza del Campo, the rooftops of Siena and the splendid landscape surrounding Siena.
1.
Giotto's bells tower
Giotto's bell tower - Credit: Marco Monetti
Considered one of the most beautiful campaniles in Italy, Florence's Duomo bell tower was designed by Giotto and its construction began in 1334.
It's 84.7 metres tall and you’ll need to climb 414 steps to reach the top.
1.
The tower of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence (Torre di Arnolfo)
The 95mt high tower of Palazzo Vecchio is one of symbols of Florence. Inside the tower, a stone staircase of 223 steps leads to the highest level, offering a spectacular view over the city.
Access to the tower is suspended when it rains.
1.
Torre Grossa in San Gimignano
The view from Torre Grossa in San Gimignano - Credit:
Luca Aless
Located in Piazza del Duomo, next to the Palazzo del Podestà, the 54 meters high Torre Grossa (or Big Tower) is the highest tower in San Gimignano. Its construction was finished in 1311 and it’s the only one, along with the twin towers known as Torri dei Salvucci, open to the public.
On the top, which offers wonderful views of the town and surrounding countryside, there is a belfry. The tower can be visited with the same ticket of the Civic Museum.
