Torre dell'Orologio: Bologna's Timekeeper

The Torre dell'Orologio, also known as Torre Accursi, is a prominent historical landmark in Bologna, situated on Piazza Maggiore. Its origins trace back to the mid-13th century when it was built as part of the Accursio family's residence. Accursio, a famous jurist, had the tower constructed as part of his home, which also included a school. In 1287, the Accursio family sold the property to the City of Bologna, who integrated the tower into the Palazzo d'Accursio, the first seat of the municipal government. The tower was raised by about 10 meters in 1451 to accommodate a large astronomical clock, one of the largest in Italy. The clock was initially adorned with wooden automata that paraded before an image of the Madonna and Child. Over the centuries, the clock mechanism was updated, most notably in 1773 by Rinaldo Gandolfi, and is still functioning today. The tower itself underwent restoration in the late 19th century, giving it a medieval appearance. Today, visitors can ascend the tower to enjoy stunning panoramic views of Bologna and explore the Municipal Art Collections housed within Palazzo d'Accursio. The collections feature paintings, furniture and textiles from the Middle Ages to the present.