Torre della Ghirlandina

Tower in Modena

The Ghirlandina, also known as the Torre della Ghirlandina, stands as the bell tower of the Cathedral of Modena in Emilia-Romagna, Italy.

Reaching a height of 86.12 meters, this tower serves as the iconic emblem of Modena, its presence discernible from all vantage points outside the city.

Erected in 1179 across five levels, it was initially designated as the Torre di San Geminiano. To rival the towers of Bologna, the municipality incorporated the distinct octagonal spire, conceived by Arrigo da Campione. He was among the many skilled artisans from Campione who participated in the cathedral’s rejuvenation during the 13th to 15th centuries. The uppermost portion of the tower is adorned with a pair of ghirlande, which are marble railings, hence the tower’s name.

Within its interior, the Sala della Secchia chamber boasts 15th-century frescoes and houses a replica of the depiction of the Secchia rapita, a reminder of the tower’s past function as the treasury of the Modenese Comune. The sculpted capitals in the Sala dei Torresani hall on the fifth floor are also of note. The tower accommodates five bells tuned in the key of C major, forged during the Renaissance era. Furthermore, it features a platform that once held the famed oaken bucket from the War of the Bucket.

The Torre della Ghirlandina appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Modena!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn a commission at no additional cost to you!