The Two Towers: Difference between revisions
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Over 100 towers were built in Bologna during the twelfth century as a way for a family to flaunt wealth and status. Many | Over 100 towers were built in Bologna during the twelfth century as a way for a family to flaunt wealth and status. Many remain to this day, the two most famous being Asinelli and Garisenda. Located in the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, the leaning towers stand tall above the city and seem to defy gravity. | ||
Revision as of 20:00, 23 February 2005
Due Torre The Two Towers
Over 100 towers were built in Bologna during the twelfth century as a way for a family to flaunt wealth and status. Many remain to this day, the two most famous being Asinelli and Garisenda. Located in the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, the leaning towers stand tall above the city and seem to defy gravity.
The taller of the two is Asinelli which stands at 330 feet, with 498 steps and a lean of 4 feet. Legend says that this tower was built by the Asinelli family at the beginning of the twelfth century. It has strong foundations and it is surrounded by a protective railing. There are some great panoramic views at the top, across the city and surrounding countryside. It is open to tourists 7 days per week from 9am to 5pm.
The other tower, Garisenda, stands at 162 feet and is closed to the public due to its more extreme lean of over 10 feet and possible instability. Built in the 12th century, these leaning towers have poor foundations and were originally built as status symbols by wealthy families.
