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Jean Jacque Rosso

Contributor

Two Towers almost collide in Bologna

Pisa is not the only city with a leaning tower. Bologna has it’s own tower that is no less spectacular. It is marbling to look at it and immensely the question arises how do the towers not collide. You might even be fearful of walking up the stairs, but the centuries old history is proof that the mankind in an attempt to develop in architecture has withstood the time. #italy #bologna

Posted: Apr 10, 2023

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Over the centuries, particularly between the 12th and the 13th century, Bologna was a city full of towers. Almost all the towers were tall (the highest being 97m), defensive stone towers; the number of towers in the city was very high, possibly over 200. There are now 25 towers left without counting the hundreds of bell towers in the city. The Two Towers, “Le due torri”, both of them leaning, are the symbol of Bologna, and the most prominent of Bologna. (Until 1919, there were 5 towers in this square) The taller one is called the Asinelli while the smaller but more leaning tower is called the Garisenda. Their names derive from the families which are traditionally credited with constructing them between 1109 and 1119. The Asinelli Tower was used by the scientists Giovanni Battista Riccioli (in 1640) and Giovanni Battista Guglielmini (in the following century) for experiments to study the motion of heavy bodies and the earth rotation. In World War II, between 1943 and 1945, it was used as a sight post: during bombing attacks, four volunteers took post at the top to direct rescue operations to places hit by Allied bombs. Later, a RAI television relay was installed on top. Architect Minoru Yamasaki is thought to have been inspired by the Towers when designing the World Trade Center during the 1960s. The Garisenda Tower today has a height of 48 m with an overhang of 3.2 m. Initially it was approximately 60 m high, but had to be lowered in the 14th century due to a yielding of the ground which left it slanting and dangerous. It was cited several times by Dante in the Divine Comedy and The Rhymes (a confirmation of his stay in Bologna), and by Goethe in his Italian Journey. The Two Towers have also been the subject of an eponymous poem by Giosuè Carducci as part of the Barbarian Odes. Charles Dickens wrote about the towers in his Pictures from Italy. You can still visit and climb to the top of the Asinelli Tower. #instagramworthydestinations #urbanexplorer #unforgettableexperiences

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Bologna in Italy is also one of the most interesting city I have ever been in. The city which very strong in culture offers great variety of amazing food and wine. Take a look around the original architecture design of the city and the tower in the middle of the city is also amazing. Overall, I love staying here. #wintergetaway #wintergetaway

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Giardini Margherita is the most popular park in Bologna as well as the largest covering 26 hectares. It’s quite common for the locals to meet and relax there during the weekends, or enjoy a refreshing drink/ice cream/granita during the summer. Inaugurated in 1879 as Passeggio Regina Margherita, the park still maintains most of its original layout inspired by the English Romantic parks. While the park was being laid out, an Etruscan burial ground was discovered where the magnificent travertine grave at the side of the central lawn was found. On the southern side of the pond there is a short open-air stretch of the ancient Savena canal (1176), one of the waterways that once characterized the city. #triplocal #instagramworthydestinations #scenicspotguide #bologna #awesomepic #urbanexplorer #triplocal

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The University of Bologna, called “Alma mater studiorum - Università di Bologna” or shortened in UNIBO is the oldest university in the world. Although it existed before its creation in 1088, it is in 1088 that is was structured, hence founded, as an organised guild of students (hence studiorum), creating the modern concept of university and the first place of study to use the term universitas for the corporations of students and masters. Still to this day, it is one of the leading academic institutions in Italy and Europe. It is one of the most prestigious Italian universities, commonly ranking in the first places of national rankings. “Via Zamboni” has been made during the 19th century the Main Street for students as they can find many faculties and libraries but also cafes and pubs to enjoy the typical student life (movida). Many of the buildings are worth visiting and you might find some hidden museums and treasures. Otherwise, when in Bologna, just take a walk and stroll along the street and enjoy the vibe. #instagramworthydestinations #travelinspiration #awesomepic #uniqueexperience #university #unforgettableexperiences #bologna #urbanexplorer #scenicspotguide

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