Bologna - Leaning Towers

(Local Name: Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda / Le Due Torri) In the middle of the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana in Bologna are the Leaning Towers, two plain brick towers (Torre degli Asinelli and Torre Garisenda) originally built for defensive purposes, which have become a landmark and an emblem of the city. The Torre degli Asinelli (1119; 498 steps), 97.6m/322ft high, leans 1.23m/4ft from the vertical; the Torre Garisenda (begun end of 11th century), 48m/158ft high, is 3.22m/10.75ft aslant.

From the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana five streets radiate to the gates on the east side of the town - Via Castiglione, Via Santo Stefano, Strada Maggiore, Via San Vitale and Via Zamboni.