Tallest Towers and Bell Towers in Italy

Italy can rightfully be called a true treasure trove of towers and bell towers. In nearly every town across the country, you’ll find majestic vertical beauties rising gracefully above rooftops and modern buildings.

While Italy may not compete with Europe, America, or Asia in terms of the number of skyscrapers and high-rises, it stands out with the timeless quality of its towers, many of which have withstood the test of centuries. Here’s a list of the most iconic and tallest among them:

Bell Tower in Mortegliano – 371 feet (113 meters)

The tallest bell tower in the country stands next to the Cathedral in the town of Mortegliano, located in the Friuli – Venezia – Giulia region. It reaches an impressive height of 371 feet (113 meters)! However, the tower doesn’t boast an ancient past—it was originally built during World War I in 1914, but was destroyed. The structure visitors see today is a reconstruction completed in the late 1950s, seen by only a handful of tourists who make their way to Mortegliano.

Torrazzo Bell Tower in Cremona – 367 feet (112 meters)

The Torrazzo Bell Tower (Campanile Torrazzo) is the second tallest among Italy’s historic structures.

Located in the town of Cremona, it is considered the city’s most important landmark. Historians believe it’s significantly older than the Mortegliano bell tower—constructed in the 13th century, it stands 367 feet (112 meters) tall. Visitors are invited to climb to the very top. To do so, you’ll need to conquer 502 steps. But the breathtaking panorama of Cremona waiting at the summit will make you forget everything else—including your tired legs.

St. Mark’s Campanile in Venice – 322 feet (98 meters)

The bell tower of the renowned St. Mark’s Basilica (San Marco) in the romantic city of Venice (Venezia) is also considered one of the tallest historic structures in Italy.

Standing at 322 feet (98 meters), the campanile impresses countless visitors with its timeless elegance, having withstood centuries of challenges.

Constructed in 1513, the bell tower originally served as a lighthouse for ships. These ancient walls have seen it all—lightning strikes, earthquakes, and even total collapse in 1902.
Recommended reading: how to choose a hotel in Venice

The tower was completely rebuilt in 1912. Today, beneath the Campanile’s roof lies an observation deck that draws thousands of visitors each year—especially since a high-speed elevator was installed during the reconstruction.

Asinelli Tower in Bologna – 318 feet (97 meters)

The construction of the Asinelli Tower (La torre Asinelli) is documented as beginning in 1109, according to archival records.

Some legends suggest the tower began rising as early as the 11th century. It stands at 318 feet (97 meters) tall.

Read more about the Asinelli Tower and other medieval towers in Bologna.

Palazzo Vecchio Tower in Florence – 308 feet (94 meters)

The Palazzo Vecchio Tower, located in the heart of Florence (Firenze), rises to 308 feet (94 meters). This iconic structure, considered one of the city’s architectural jewels, was completed back in 1310.

Inside the building is a small room that was once reserved for the most hardened criminals.

One of its infamous inmates was the Florentine dictator Girolamo Savonarola, who was later sentenced to death by hanging in the city’s main square. Over the centuries, the bell tower has seen very few modifications—its most notable addition came in 1667 when large clock faces were installed.