Torre Civica - Ghirlandina

Soaring above the red roofs of the historic center, the Ghirlandina Tower serves as the main landmark and a source of pride cherished by Modena. This majestic bell tower, standing over 86 meters tall, is considered one of the most beautiful Romanesque-Gothic structures in Italy. Thanks to its unique architectural value, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997.

Ghirlandina Tower. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The tower's exterior finish gives it a special charm: the walls are clad in light marble that once decorated the ancient Roman city of Mutina. The name "Ghirlandina" comes from the elegant marble railings (ghirlande) at the top, which from afar resemble light lace wreaths. This structure is not just part of the cathedral, but a true symbol of the city's independence and history.

Hidden inside the tower are not only bells but also amazing rooms with preserved frescoes and intricate carvings. The combination of a stark Romanesque base and a light Gothic spire makes its appearance harmonious and memorable, attracting thousands of tourists wishing to touch Europe's medieval past.

For more details about your visit or to obtain up-to-date information, you can use the following contact details. Staff at the city information service are always ready to help tourists with schedules and visiting rules.

The main adventure awaiting every guest is the climb to the top. After conquering the steps of the historical staircase, you will find yourself at a height offering a breathtaking panorama of the city and its surroundings. On a clear day, you can even see the distant peaks of the Apennines.

Inside the tower, be sure to linger on the fifth floor in the Stanza dei Torresani (Watchmen's Room). Here you can examine unique medieval capitals decorated with figures and ornaments. Also of interest is the Sala della Secchia, which houses 15th-century frescoes and a copy of the famous "Stolen Bucket"—an artifact that became a symbol of the ancient rivalry between Bologna and Modena.

Don't forget to take note of the tower's five bells. Tuned in the key of C major and cast during the Renaissance, they still fill the city with their powerful and clear sound. A walk through the interior allows you to literally feel how the medieval tower lived when its tolling regulated city life and warned of danger.

Finding this majestic symbol of the city is easy, as the tower is located on the central Piazza Grande. If you arrive by train, the walk from the railway station to the historic center takes only about 15–20 minutes. This is a great opportunity to see the charming streets before you ascend to the observation deck.

For those who prefer public transport, city buses run regularly toward the center. You can also always use a taxi, which will quickly take you from any part of the city directly to the foot of the tower.

If you are traveling by car, keep in mind that the historic center is a limited traffic zone (ZTL). It is recommended to leave your car in one of the paid parking lots located within walking distance of Piazza Grande and continue on foot, enjoying the atmosphere of an ancient Italian city.

The history of the tower's construction began back in 1160 when its first foundations were laid. Originally, the structure was called Torre di San Geminiano. Construction was carried out in several stages: by 1184, the tower had grown to the fifth floor, and nearly a century later, in 1260, a sixth level was added, uniting the corner turrets into a single structure.

The landmark acquired its final appearance in 1319, when the architect Enrico da Campione completed the construction of the octagonal Gothic spire. This elegant finish gave the tower its characteristic silhouette, which is now recognizable worldwide. The collaborative work of the architect Lanfranco and the sculptor Wiligelmo turned the complex into a true masterpiece of Romanesque art.

Interestingly, in addition to its religious functions, the tower played a key role in civic life. Within its walls was the city's sacristy—a highly secured area where the commune's treasury, important state documents, and valuable relics were kept in heavy chests. Thus, the Ghirlandina was not just a bell tower, but a real safe and a symbol of freedom for the city.

To explore the interiors at a leisurely pace and enjoy the views, most travelers find that 1–2 hours is sufficient. This time is enough for the climb, examining the historical rooms, and an extended photo session at the top.

Keep in mind that the climb requires some physical effort, so it is worth taking small breaks along the way to examine the masonry details and medieval capitals. If you also plan to visit the cathedral and adjacent museums, it is better to set aside half a day to explore the Piazza Grande ensemble.

When planning your visit, please note the tower's operating schedule. On weekdays (Monday to Friday), the landmark is open to visitors from 09:30 to 13:00 and, after a lunch break, from 14:30 to 17:30.

On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), the Ghirlandina operates without a long midday break—from 09:30 to 18:30, providing more opportunities to enjoy sunset views of the city. Keep in mind that the last entry is usually 30 minutes before closing.

A walk around the city's main tower is just the beginning of discovering the cultural heritage of this region. Its location in the heart of the historic center allows you to reach other iconic sites in just a few minutes, each of which completes the picture of life in a medieval city.

Exploring the surrounding palazzos and squares will allow you to feel the rhythm of life in an Italian province more deeply and see details hidden from a cursory glance. Here is a list of interesting places located in the immediate vicinity: