These two ancient towers are the symbol of the city. They stand in the center and serve as a reminder of the struggle between two historical political factions — the Guelphs and the Ghibellines — who fought each other for many years in northern Italy. Building tall towers was a sign of power and dominance.
The taller tower, about 100 meters high, is the Asinelli Tower, named after a noble family. A climb of 498 steps leads to the top, offering a spectacular panoramic view.
The second tower, the Garisenda Tower, is about 50 meters high and is notable for its significant tilt — almost 3 meters off vertical. The best place to observe the tilt is from Palazzo del Podestà, in Piazza Maggiore.