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1 / 6The Two Towers (Le Due Torri) are Bologna's defining landmark: a pair of medieval leaning towers rising straight out of the city's historic centre. The taller of the two, Torre degli Asinelli, has long been the one visitors could climb for a view over the red rooftops. Before you plan a visit, there's one essential thing to know: the climb is currently closed, and it has never been sold by any third-party ticket seller. This page explains exactly where things stand and how the official ticketing works.
🎟️Browse things to do in Bologna →Where it is
The towers stand in Piazza di Porta Ravegnana, in the heart of Bologna's centro storico, with the entrance in the piazza at the foot of the two towers, just off Via Rizzoli. You can walk to them in a couple of minutes from Piazza Maggiore.
What to see
- Torre degli Asinelli is the taller of Bologna's two medieval leaning towers, standing around 97 metres high. Its neighbour, the Garisenda, has never been open to the public.
- When open, the climb is 498 steps to a panoramic viewpoint over the city's terracotta rooftops.
- Even from ground level, the pair make a striking sight — you can admire and photograph them from the piazza at any time, completely free.
Climb status: currently closed
Climbing is closed. The site was sealed off in October 2023 over structural concerns at the leaning Garisenda tower, and there is no confirmed reopening date — some estimates point toward 2028. If you're travelling specifically to climb the tower, check the official Bologna Welcome site for the latest status before you book anything or build your trip around it.
Getting your ticket (official site only)
When the climb is open, tickets are sold only through the official Bologna Welcome website: Le due Torri – Book your visit to the Asinelli Tower. A few rules have always applied:
- Entry is timed-slot only, booked online at least 24 hours ahead.
- Tickets are approximately €5 for an adult.
- Tickets are never sold on-site — you cannot just turn up and pay at the door.
Because entry has only ever been sold officially, no third party sells valid tickets for the climb. Any "skip-the-line" or entry ticket offered elsewhere is not valid, and buying one risks being turned away. There is no queue-jumping product to buy — the official timed slot is the only way up.
How to book Asinelli Tower (Two Towers), Bologna
⚠️ The Asinelli Tower climb is CLOSED as of 2023 with no confirmed reopening date — do not sell or imply "skip-the-line tickets" for it. When it is open, tickets (approx €5 adult) are official-only via Bologna Welcome, must be booked online 24h+ ahead, and cannot be bought on-site. No third party (including GetYourGuide) sells entry.
Insider tips
- Treat the towers as a free viewpoint from below. The piazza is open at all hours, so you lose nothing by simply admiring them even while the climb is shut.
- If the climb reopens, book your timed slot as far ahead as you can — slots are limited and must be reserved online, not bought on the day.
- Always confirm status on the official Bologna Welcome page rather than relying on third-party listings, which can be out of date.
Is it worth it?
As a free landmark to see and photograph from the piazza, absolutely — the Two Towers are one of Bologna's great sights and cost nothing to admire. The paid climb, when running, is a modest, well-priced experience (around €5) with a rewarding rooftop view, but it's currently closed. For now, enjoy the towers from below and fold them into a wider wander through Bologna's arcaded centre.
What to do nearby
With the climb closed, the best way to make the towers part of your day is on foot. Bologna's centro storico rewards walking, and guided walking tours and food tours of the city routinely pass the Two Towers as part of a wider route through the historic centre — a good option if you'd like context and a local guide, even though none of them include going up the tower itself.
FAQs
Can I climb the Asinelli Tower right now?
No. The climb has been closed since October 2023 over structural concerns at the neighbouring Garisenda tower, with no confirmed reopening date.
Where do I buy tickets when it's open?
Only on the official Bologna Welcome website. Tickets are timed-slot, booked online at least 24 hours ahead, around €5 for an adult, and are never sold on-site.
Can I buy a skip-the-line ticket from another provider?
No. Entry has only ever been sold officially, so no third party sells valid tickets. Anything advertised as a skip-the-line or entry ticket elsewhere is not valid and could see you refused at the door.
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