Ghirlandina Tower
Modena's iconic bell tower, a UNESCO site offering medieval frescoes and breathtaking city panoramas after a unique spiral climb.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Ghirlandina Tower
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Modena's iconic bell tower, a UNESCO site offering medieval frescoes and breathtaking city panoramas after a unique spiral climb.
"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."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs! Opt for supportive footwear for a more enjoyable ascent. :athletic_shoe:
Check Opening Hours
Hours can vary seasonally. Always confirm before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Top of the tower
Ascend to the summit for breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Modena's historic center and surrounding Emilia-Romagna landscape.
Unique Spiral Staircase
Interior of the tower
Experience the fascinating architectural design as you climb the spiral staircase winding along the tower's walls.
14th-Century Frescoes
Interior of the tower
Admire the preserved medieval frescoes that adorn the tower's interior, offering a glimpse into its rich history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Prepare for the Climb
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs! Opt for supportive footwear for a more enjoyable ascent. :athletic_shoe:
Check Opening Hours
Hours can vary seasonally. Always confirm before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Ask About History
Attendants often share fascinating stories about the tower's construction and bell ringers. :bulb:
Capture the Lean
Notice the tower's slight, charming lean as you ascend – a unique feature! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs! Opt for supportive footwear for a more enjoyable ascent. :athletic_shoe:
Check Opening Hours
Hours can vary seasonally. Always confirm before your visit to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Ask About History
Attendants often share fascinating stories about the tower's construction and bell ringers. :bulb:
Capture the Lean
Notice the tower's slight, charming lean as you ascend – a unique feature! :camerawithflash:
Combine with Duomo Visit
The tower is part of the UNESCO site, so explore the Cathedral too! :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ghirlandina Tower for its unique interior, especially the spiral staircase, and the rewarding panoramic views from the summit. The historical significance as a UNESCO World Heritage site and the fascinating anecdotes shared by attendants add to the experience. However, the climb itself can be challenging due to narrow, steep stairs and the lack of an elevator, which may deter some visitors.
"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!"
KAnfetti
"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 !"
Päivi Eskelinen
"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."
Austin Sørensen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ghirlandina Tower is centrally located in Modena's historic center, adjacent to the Modena Cathedral. It's easily accessible on foot from most parts of the city. If arriving by car, look for public parking garages on the outskirts of the historic center. Public transport options include local buses that stop near Piazza Grande.
Yes, the Ghirlandina Tower, along with the Modena Cathedral, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its significant cultural and historical importance.
Walking is the best way to explore Modena's charming historic center, allowing you to discover hidden alleys and soak in the atmosphere. The Ghirlandina Tower and Cathedral are key landmarks within this area.
Parking in Modena's historic center is restricted. It's advisable to use designated public parking garages located a short walk from Piazza Grande, where the tower is situated.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore Modena and its surroundings. There are cycle paths that can lead you to the city center, and you can often find bike racks near major attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for climbing the Ghirlandina Tower can vary. It's recommended to check the official Modena tourism website or the tower's dedicated page for the most current pricing information. Booking in advance is often a good idea.
While not always strictly required, purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee entry and avoid long queues.
The opening hours for the Ghirlandina Tower can change depending on the season and day of the week. It's best to consult the official Modena tourism website or local information sources for the most accurate and up-to-date schedule.
No, there is no elevator to the top of the Ghirlandina Tower. Visitors must climb a series of narrow, winding stairs to reach the panoramic viewpoint. +1
Refund policies typically depend on the vendor or ticketing platform. It's crucial to review the terms and conditions at the time of purchase or contact the ticket provider directly for information on cancellations or rescheduling.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside the Ghirlandina Tower, you'll find fascinating 14th-century frescoes and a unique spiral staircase that winds along the walls. The climb itself is an experience, leading to the top with its panoramic views.
From the top of the Ghirlandina Tower, you'll enjoy stunning 360-degree panoramic views of Modena's historic center, including the Cathedral, and the surrounding Emilia-Romagna countryside.
Due to the narrow, winding stairs and lack of an elevator, the Ghirlandina Tower is not easily accessible for individuals with significant mobility issues. The climb requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
The time it takes to climb the Ghirlandina Tower can vary depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the interior. Most visitors spend around 30-60 minutes for the climb and enjoying the views from the top.
The Ghirlandina is Modena's bell tower and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its name comes from the 'garlands' (ghirlande) of balustrades at its summit. Historically, bell ringers lived within the tower, and there are stories of bells being rung from the ground level. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic photo spots in Modena include Piazza Grande with the Ghirlandina Tower and Cathedral, the Ducal Palace, and charming streets like Castelmaraldo and Lanfranco. The tower itself offers great photo opportunities from various angles. 
You can capture beautiful cityscapes from the top, but the metal screens might slightly obstruct clear, unobstructed photos. However, the panoramic views are still very photogenic.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting for photographing the Ghirlandina Tower and the surrounding Piazza Grande. Weekday mornings can also be good for fewer crowds.
Focus on the unique 'garlands' of balustrades at the summit, the Romanesque-Gothic architecture, and the interior frescoes and spiral staircase for detailed shots.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the tower's grandeur and the panoramic views. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions if you plan to stay for sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and water for the climb, and ensure children wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. The panoramic views from the top are a fantastic reward and can spark curiosity about the city below. It's also a great opportunity to talk about history and architecture in an engaging way, especially if you can learn some interesting facts from the attendants.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To maximize your budget, consider visiting during off-peak hours on weekdays to potentially avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Combine your visit with exploring the free-to-access Modena Cathedral and wandering through the charming Piazza Grande to soak in the city's atmosphere without additional cost.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ghirlandina: A Symbol of Modena
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Ghirlandina served a crucial civic function as the cathedral's bell tower, its chimes marking the rhythm of Modenese life for centuries. Visitors can explore its fascinating interior, which features preserved 14th-century frescoes and a unique spiral staircase that winds its way up the tower's walls. The climb, though physically demanding due to the narrow, dark stairs and absence of an elevator, offers a unique perspective on the tower's construction and leads to a rewarding panoramic viewpoint.
Insights from visitors highlight the unique experience of the interior, with one reviewer noting the 'spiral pattern through all four sides' of the staircase as particularly memorable.
Climbing the Ghirlandina: What to Expect
As you ascend, take note of the unique architectural design of the staircase, which hugs the inner walls of the tower. This design is not only functional but also offers glimpses into the tower's construction. Along the way, you might encounter preserved 14th-century frescoes, adding a layer of historical and artistic discovery to your climb.
Upon reaching the summit, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Modena. While metal screens might slightly obscure the absolute clearest shots, the expansive vistas of the city's rooftops, the Cathedral, and the surrounding Emilia-Romagna landscape are undeniably spectacular.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit