Torre della Ghirlandina, Modena
Tower in Modena
The Ghirlandina, or Torre della Ghirlandina, is one of the top sights in Modena and the unmistakable symbol of the city. Soaring to 86.12 meters beside the Cathedral of Modena on Piazza Grande, this elegant bell tower can be seen from almost anywhere outside the city and has long served as both a landmark for travellers and a proud emblem of local identity. Its stone silhouette anchors the UNESCO-listed ensemble of cathedral, tower, and square, tying together Modena's religious, civic, and artistic heritage.
Built in 1179 as the Torre di San Geminiano, the tower originally rose in five sturdy Romanesque levels before the city decided it needed to rival the famous towers of Bologna. The municipality commissioned Arrigo da Campione, one of the skilled master builders from Campione who worked on the cathedral between the 13th and 15th centuries, to design the distinctive octagonal spire. Today, the upper section is encircled by two marble “garlands” or ghirlande that give the tower its name. Inside, historic halls, Renaissance bells, and traces of Modena's medieval government reveal that this was once more than just a bell tower: it was a treasure house, watchtower, and symbol of civic pride, a highlight of any walking tour of Modena.
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History and Significance of the Ghirlandina
The Ghirlandina's story begins in 1179, when Modena's growing cathedral complex required a bell tower worthy of its importance. The original structure, known as the Torre di San Geminiano, rose in five levels of solid, square-section Romanesque masonry, signalling both spiritual authority and urban ambition. As the centuries passed and Italian cities competed for prestige, height and elegance became key markers of status, and Modena was determined not to be overshadowed by Bologna's soaring towers.
To transform the existing tower into a more graceful, eye-catching landmark, the city turned to artisans from Campione, a community renowned for its master builders and sculptors. Among them was Arrigo da Campione, who designed the octagonal spire that crowns the Ghirlandina. This addition lightened the tower's profile and gave it the vertical thrust that makes it so striking today. Around the uppermost part, two marble balustrades or “garlands” were added, from which the tower takes its current name: Ghirlandina, the little garlanded one.
Beyond its visual impact, the Ghirlandina played a central role in Modena's civic life. It functioned as a bell tower calling people to worship and warning of danger, but also as part of the city's defensive and administrative network. Its height made it an ideal vantage point, while interior chambers such as the Sala della Secchia and Sala dei Torresani were closely linked to the government of the Modenese Comune. Over time, the tower became so entwined with the city's identity that it now appears in countless images, logos, and local stories, standing as a permanent witness to Modena's medieval roots and later transformations.
Things to See and Do in the Ghirlandina
A visit to the Ghirlandina usually begins from Piazza Grande, where you can admire the tower in context, rising beside the sculpted façade of the cathedral. From here, look up to spot the octagonal spire and the twin marble ghirlande that encircle the upper section. If access is available during your visit, climbing the tower offers both an architectural journey and a rewarding panorama over Modena's rooftops, the cathedral, and the surrounding plains.
Inside, one of the most interesting spaces is the Sala della Secchia, a chamber decorated with 15th-century frescoes. Here you'll find a replica of the depiction of the Secchia rapita, a reference to the famous “War of the Bucket,” when Modena and Bologna clashed in the early 14th century and Modena claimed a wooden bucket as a trophy. This room recalls the Ghirlandina's former role as the treasury of the Modenese Comune, where symbolic and precious items were kept safe.
On the fifth floor, the Sala dei Torresani is notable for its sculpted capitals, which reveal the skill of medieval stonecarvers and the decorative care lavished even on functional spaces. The tower also houses five bells tuned in C major, cast during the Renaissance. While you may not see them up close, hearing their chimes ring out over Piazza Grande connects you to centuries of Modenese life. The platform that once held the famed oaken bucket from the War of the Bucket adds another layer of legend, making the Ghirlandina one of the must-see places in Modena for history buffs and lovers of quirky local stories alike.
How to Get to the Ghirlandina
The Ghirlandina stands directly beside the Cathedral of Modena on Piazza Grande, in the historic centre of the city. Most international visitors arrive via Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, with frequent train and bus connections from Bologna to Modena making the journey straightforward. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Modena on Booking.com.
From Modena's railway station, the historic centre and Piazza Grande are about a 15-20 minute walk along pleasant streets, or a short ride on local buses or by taxi.Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy. Once you reach the square, the Ghirlandina is impossible to miss, rising above the cathedral and surrounding palazzi.
If you are travelling by car, be aware that Modena's old town includes limited traffic zones, and parking close to Piazza Grande is restricted.If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. It is usually easiest to leave your car in a public car park or garage on the outskirts of the centre and walk in, enjoying the transition from newer neighbourhoods to medieval streets as you approach the tower.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Ghirlandina
- Suggested tips: Check in advance whether the tower is open for climbs during your visit and at what times, as access can be limited or timed.
- Best time to visit: Mornings and late afternoons often offer softer light for photos and more comfortable temperatures if you plan to climb.
- Entrance fee:
- Opening hours:
- Official website:
- How long to spend: Allow 45-60 minutes if you are climbing the tower and exploring the interior rooms, plus extra time to enjoy Piazza Grande and the cathedral.
- Accessibility: The climb involves narrow stairways and many steps, making it unsuitable for visitors with reduced mobility; the tower can still be admired in full from the piazza.
- Facilities: Facilities are limited in the tower itself; use nearby cafés, restaurants, and public restrooms in the surrounding streets and square.
- Photography tip: From the square, experiment with angles that frame the Ghirlandina with cathedral sculptures or porticoes; from the top, look for views that show the chessboard pattern of roofs and the curve of the surrounding countryside.
- Guided tours: Consider joining a guided tour of Modena’s UNESCO sites, which often include detailed explanations of the tower’s history, interior halls, and legends.
- Nearby food options: The streets around Piazza Grande are full of trattorias, wine bars, and cafés where you can sample Modenese cuisine after your visit to the tower.
Where to Stay close to the Ghirlandina
Choosing accommodation near the Ghirlandina means you'll wake up and step straight into Modena's historic heart. For a cosy, central option just a short stroll from Piazza Grande, Hotel Cervetta 5 offers a charming, design-forward base in a small historic building. If you’re looking for a touch more comfort while staying within walking distance of the old town and the station, Best Western Premier Milano Palace Hotel provides modern amenities and an easy route into the centre. Another atmospheric choice is PHI Hotel Canalgrande, housed in an elegant palazzo that matches the character of Modena’s historic streets and squares.
Is the Ghirlandina Worth Visiting?
The Ghirlandina is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you're drawn to towers, viewpoints, and places where architecture and local legend intertwine. As Modena's emblem, it completes the cathedral and Piazza Grande ensemble and gives you a powerful sense of the city's medieval and Renaissance past. Climbing the tower, when possible, adds a physical dimension to that experience, as each step takes you further above the tiled roofs and deeper into Modena's story. Even if you decide not to go inside, simply spending time in the square, watching the light shift across the stone and listening to the bells, makes the Ghirlandina one of the things to do in Modena that you won't forget.
What Other Travellers Say...
Torre Civica - Ghirlandina in Piazza della Torre, Modena, is a historic bell tower with interior 14th-century frescoes and a spiraling staircase that winds up along the walls; visitors note the climb is narrow and without an elevator but rewarded by panoramic city views from the top, glimpses of the tower's slight lean, and informative guides or attendants who point out details like the old bell-ringing ropes and photos of the spire.
FAQs for Visiting the Ghirlandina
Nearby Attractions to the Ghirlandina
- Modena Cathedral (Duomo di Modena): The Romanesque masterpiece directly beside the tower, with sculpted portals, rich interiors, and deep historical significance.
- Piazza Grande: Modena's main square and UNESCO-listed heart, framed by the cathedral, Ghirlandina, and historic civic buildings.
- Palazzo Comunale: The town hall on Piazza Grande, with historic rooms such as the Sala del Fuoco and Sala degli Arazzi open to visitors at set times.
- Museo dell’Opera del Duomo: A museum preserving sculptures, reliefs, and artworks from the cathedral complex, adding context to what you see outside.
- Mercato Albinelli: A lively covered market within walking distance, where you can taste local produce, cured meats, cheeses, and traditional Modenese specialities.
The Torre della Ghirlandina appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Modena!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
Nearby Attractions
- Modena Cathedral (0.0) km
Cathedral - Piazza Grande (0.1) km
Square - Palazzo Ducale (0.4) km
Palace - Palazzo dei Musei (0.4) km
Museum - Chiesa di San Francesco (0.4) km
Church - Estense Ducal Garden (0.7) km
Gardens - Museo Enzo Ferrari (1.0) km
Museum - Villa San Donnino (8.4) km
Museum - Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (31.2) km
Airport - Sanctuary of San Luca (34.9) km
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