Background

Torre dell'Orologio: Bologna's Timekeeper

Climb Bologna's iconic Clock Tower in Piazza Maggiore for panoramic views and a glimpse into the city's rich history and art collections.

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The Torre dell'Orologio, or Clock Tower, stands proudly in Piazza Maggiore, Bologna's main square. Dating back to the 13th century, with significant additions in the 15th century, it offers panoramic views of the city and houses part of the Municipal Art Collections.

A brief summary to Torre dell'Orologio

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early in the day or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Check the schedule for guided tours to enhance your understanding of the tower's history and significance.
  • Purchase tickets online in advance to secure your spot and skip potential lines.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll around Piazza Maggiore to fully appreciate the lively atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From anywhere in Bologna's city center, Piazza Maggiore is easily reachable on foot. The Torre dell'Orologio is located in Piazza Maggiore, next to Palazzo d'Accursio. Walk towards the Basilica di San Petronio; the tower is to the right of the basilica.

  • Public Transport

    From Bologna Centrale train station, take bus lines 11, 14, 20, 25, 30, or 39 towards Piazza Maggiore. The bus ride takes approximately 10 minutes. Get off at the Piazza Maggiore stop. Walk towards the Basilica di San Petronio; you'll find the Torre dell'Orologio to the right. A single bus ticket costs €1-€2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from Bologna Centrale train station to Piazza Maggiore. The ride is short, approximately 2 km, and will cost around €8-€12.

Unlock the Best of Torre dell'Orologio

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Discover more about Torre dell'Orologio

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.

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