Torre Civica - Ghirlandina

Torre Ghirlandina is an impressive landmark, both inside and out. We’re really glad we bought tickets to climb to the top—it was definitely worth it. The tower has a slight lean, which you can actually notice as you make your way up the stairs. The interior is fascinating, with the staircase winding up along the walls in a spiral pattern through all four sides, which was really unique and fun to experience. At the top, there’s a panoramic viewpoint offering stunning views of the city from every direction. A truly amazing experience and one I’d highly recommend!

We climbed up in to the tower. Nice views and guide introduced the tower and its history. The bellringers have lived up there in the tower ! Cool circumtances !

The Torre Civica, famously known as Ghirlandina, is one of Modena’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that beautifully complements the grandeur of the nearby Modena Cathedral. Rising 86 meters above the city, this Romanesque-Gothic tower is both an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of Modena’s cultural heritage. The name “Ghirlandina” comes from the graceful balustrades at the top, resembling garlands (“ghirlande”). This elegant detail adds to the tower’s charm and uniqueness. Inside, visitors can also learn about its role as a civic symbol and its historical function as a bell tower for the cathedral.

Nearly 200 steps lead to the top of the tower, from where a wonderful view opens in every direction. On hot summer days, the temperature is perfect up there—cool and airy. Architecturally, it’s outstanding as well; I really don’t understand why it doesn’t receive as much attention as the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Be sure to *kindly* ask the attendant at the observation deck for more information about the construction of the tower. When we visited the very nice woman had some photos of the staircase in the spire above the bells. She also noted there used to be ropes that extended through the floors of the observation deck, which were used to ring the bells all the way from the ground level.

It’s quite a climb to the top. There is no elevator and the stairs are dark and narrow. You don’t have to be an athlete to do it but make sure you place yourself. It’s an amazing structure that leans a bit but the tour guide is saying that an earthquake helped to right it. The metal screens don’t let you take a clear picture of the town but it’s quite beautiful. There were once bells here that rang out for the town. It is an unesco site. Enjoy!

Stunning Romanesque stonework and a slender bell tower with wide views; the climb is short but memorable.

Great panoramic view. The tickets were only 3 eur pp. We purchased tickets in the ticket stand inside the tower, but you can also get them online, however the page did not work at the time of our visit.