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Torre del Mangia: A Symbol of Siena

Ascend Siena's iconic Torre del Mangia for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and Tuscan countryside. A historical landmark in Piazza del Campo.

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The Torre del Mangia, a slender tower soaring above Siena's Piazza del Campo, is one of Tuscany's most iconic landmarks. Built in the 14th century, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside after a climb of approximately 400 steps. Named after its first bell ringer, known for squandering his earnings, the tower stands as a testament to Siena's rich history and architectural prowess.

A brief summary to Torre del Mangia

  • 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

  • Purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid long queues and ensure entry.
  • Be prepared for a challenging climb of approximately 400 steps with narrow and uneven stairs.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for climbing stairs and navigating the tower's tight spaces.
  • Check the opening hours and plan your visit accordingly, noting that the ticket office closes earlier than the tower itself.
  • Take breaks during the climb to catch your breath and enjoy the views from the small openings along the way.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza del Campo, the entrance to Torre del Mangia is located on the north side of the square, adjacent to the Palazzo Pubblico. The ticket office is at the base of the tower. Allow a few minutes to walk across the piazza.

  • Public Transport

    Siena's bus station at Piazza Gramsci is a short walk to Piazza del Campo. From Piazza Gramsci, walk southeast along Via Banchi di Sopra, then turn right onto Via di Citta, which leads directly to the piazza. Several bus lines stop near Piazza del Campo, including routes S21, S54 and 637. A single bus ticket costs approximately €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available at the Siena train station and can take you directly to Piazza del Campo. Note that the piazza is within a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL), so the taxi may drop you off at the edge of the zone, requiring a short walk. A taxi ride from the train station to Piazza del Campo typically costs between €6 and €8.

  • Parking

    If arriving by car, be aware that Siena's historic center is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) with restricted access. Several parking garages are located outside the ZTL, including Il Campo (Porta Tufi), Santa Caterina, and San Francesco. Hourly parking rates are around €2.00, with daily rates reaching €35.00. From the parking garages, you can walk or take a bus to Piazza del Campo.

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Discover more about Torre del Mangia

Rising 87 meters (102 meters including the lightning rod), the Torre del Mangia is the third tallest ancient tower in Italy and a defining symbol of Siena. Constructed between 1338 and 1348, the tower was designed to be the same height as the Siena Cathedral, signifying the equal power of the church and the state. The architectural design is attributed to Muccio and Francesco Di Rinaldo, brothers from Perugia, while the summit, containing the bell, was designed by another architect, possibly Lippo Memmi. The tower's name comes from its first bell ringer, Giovanni di Balduccio, nicknamed 'Mangiaguadagni' ('profit eater') because of his tendency to overspend his earnings. Although his tenure was short-lived, as a mechanical clock replaced manual ringing in 1360, the nickname 'Mangia' stuck with the tower. In 1666, the large bell, called Campanone or Sunto, was installed, dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption. At the base of the tower, where it meets the Piazza del Campo, is the Cappella di Piazza, a loggia built in 1352 as a vow by Sienese survivors of the Black Death. The sculptures adorning the columns were created by Mariano d'Angelo Romanelli and Bartolomeo di Tommé between 1378 and 1382, with a marble vault replacing the original wooden ceiling in the mid-15th century. Climbing the Torre del Mangia offers visitors extraordinary views of Siena and the surrounding Tuscan landscape. The narrow stairways and irregular heights of the 400 steps can be challenging, but the panoramic vistas from the top are well worth the effort.

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