Torre Prendiparte - a tall clock tower with a sky background
1 / 10

Torre Prendiparte

4.7
·230 reviews·Bologna, Italy

Climb 12 floors of history for breathtaking 360° views of Bologna's red rooftops and iconic landmarks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful ascent

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Torre Prendiparte - a tall clock tower with a sky background

Torre Prendiparte

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful ascent

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Climb 12 floors of history for breathtaking 360° views of Bologna's red rooftops and iconic landmarks.

4.7
(230 reviews)

"The real reward comes at the top: a panoramic rooftop view that’s both peaceful and stunning."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Your Sunday Slot

Tours are only on Sundays & require booking. Don't miss out!

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

Steep wooden stairs! Descend sideways/backward to manage vertigo.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Rooftop Views

Panoramic Rooftop Views

Summit

Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Bologna's red rooftops and iconic landmarks, including the Due Torri.

Reddit
Journey Through Time

Journey Through Time

Interior levels

Explore ancient cells and intimate chapels, each level revealing layers of the tower's rich history.

Reddit
The Due Torri Up Close

The Due Torri Up Close

Summit

Gain a unique perspective on Bologna's famous Two Towers, appreciating their historical and architectural significance.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Sunday Tours

Torre Prendiparte tours are exclusively on Sundays and require advance reservations. Secure your spot to avoid disappointment and experience Bologna from this unique vantage point. Reddit

Prepare for the Climb

The ascent involves 12 floors, with steep wooden stairs after the initial spiral stone ones. Comfortable footwear is recommended, and descending sideways or backward can help with vertigo. Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful ascent
Crowd
Low
When
Sunday afternoons
Why
Enjoy the golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

la torre de babel parte 1
@feencristo11
281.5K likes • 7.8M views

🎯 Book Your Sunday Slot

Tours are only on Sundays & require booking. Don't miss out! TikTokReddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

Steep wooden stairs! Descend sideways/backward to manage vertigo. Reddit

📖🗝️Historia de la Torre de Babel #torredebabel #dios #biblia #moises #torredebabel
@relatos_enigmaticos.off
202.7K likes • 5.1M views
reddit.com

Coming to bologna in february, can you please review my itinerary?

⏳ Allow 1 Hour

Perfect for a focused visit with friends, enjoy the views. Reddit

📸 Capture the Skyline

The panoramic views are spectacular for photos. Reddit

reddit.com

Rome, Florence, Bologna, Venice Itinerary

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Your Sunday Slot

Tours are only on Sundays & require booking. Don't miss out! TikTokReddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

Steep wooden stairs! Descend sideways/backward to manage vertigo. Reddit

⏳ Allow 1 Hour

Perfect for a focused visit with friends, enjoy the views. Reddit

📸 Capture the Skyline

The panoramic views are spectacular for photos. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(230 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Torre Prendiparte for its unforgettable panoramic views of Bologna and its unique historical journey through the tower's levels. While the steep climb, particularly the descent, can be challenging, most find the experience well worth the effort and the fair pricing. It's a highly recommended, less crowded alternative for experiencing the city from above. Reddit

"Torre Prendiparte offers one of the most memorable ways to experience Bologna from above, but it takes a little planning. Tours are only available on Sundays, and you’ll need a reservation to get in. Once inside, the tower feels like a vertical journey through time, with each level revealing layers of history, from ancient cells to intimate chapels.

The real reward comes at the top: a panoramic rooftop view that’s both peaceful and stunning, with the city’s red rooftops stretching in every direction. Far less crowded than other spots, it’s a quiet, powerful way to see Bologna from a new perspective."

E Scott Parks

"It was very interesting to be able to go up into one of the famous towers of Bologna. After climbing 12 floors you are rewarded with amazing views of the city. The first staircase is a spiral stone staircase but the rest are wooden and quite steep. Our guide recommended descending sideways or backwards to avoid vertigo which was a good idea."

Josette Kehl

"Usually, I like to get on top of towers in different cities. But this experience was different. At first, climbing up could be easy compared to climbing down. The stairs are high wooden and it is tough and scary to get down. Second, it is only one way for up and down, so sometimes you should wait for some visitors to end their climbing. The view is great, you can see all the city if it’s good weather. The price is good for this tower. During your journey to the top, there are floors with some installations. The maximum amount of people who can be on top is about 10 people, so you may wait if it is a season. We were in winter so no waiting time."

Anna Rozbitska

What People Like

Spectacular panoramic views
Unique historical experience
Fair pricing

What People Dislike

Steep and challenging stairs
Limited access (Sundays only)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Torre Prendiparte is located in the heart of Bologna. It's easily accessible on foot from most central accommodations. If arriving by public transport, check local bus routes that stop near Piazza Maggiore or the Quadrilatero district. Reddit

Yes, Torre Prendiparte is very centrally located, close to Piazza Maggiore and the vibrant Quadrilatero market area, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing. Reddit

From Bologna Centrale station, you can take a pleasant walk (about 15-20 minutes) or a short taxi ride to reach Torre Prendiparte. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets for Torre Prendiparte must be booked in advance, as tours are only available on Sundays. Check their official website or local tourist information for booking details. Reddit

Tours are exclusively held on Sundays. It's advisable to book your preferred time slot in advance due to limited capacity. Reddit

The pricing for Torre Prendiparte is considered fair for the experience offered, especially given the unique views and historical insights. Specific prices can be found on their official booking platform. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance as tours are limited to Sundays and capacity can be restricted, especially during peak season. Reddit

The summit has a limited capacity, typically around 10 people at a time, to ensure a comfortable experience. You might need to wait if visiting during a busy period. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The climb involves ascending 12 floors. The initial part features a spiral stone staircase, followed by steeper wooden stairs. The ascent can be challenging but rewarding. Reddit

Due to the numerous steep stairs, including spiral and wooden ones, Torre Prendiparte may not be suitable for individuals with significant mobility challenges. Reddit

A visit to Torre Prendiparte usually takes around 1 hour, allowing time for the climb, exploring the interior levels, and enjoying the panoramic views from the top. Reddit

From the top, you'll get a spectacular 360-degree view of Bologna, including its characteristic red rooftops, the Due Torri, and other city landmarks. Reddit

Yes, during your journey to the top, you'll find floors with interesting installations that add to the historical and cultural experience of the tower. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers unparalleled panoramic views of Bologna, perfect for capturing the city's skyline and landmarks like the Due Torri. The interior levels with their historical features also make for unique shots. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed inside Torre Prendiparte, allowing you to capture the historical elements and the stunning views. Be mindful of other visitors. Reddit

Late afternoon or early evening can offer beautiful golden hour light for photography, while morning visits might provide clearer skies and fewer crowds. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Torre Prendiparte offers an adventurous climb for families, but it's best suited for older children who can manage steep stairs. The journey through different historical levels can be engaging, sparking curiosity about the past. However, parents should be mindful of the challenging ascent and descent, especially with younger children or those prone to fear of heights. Reddit

Key Tip: Ensure children wear sturdy, non-slip shoes. The limited capacity at the top means you might need to wait, so pack snacks and be prepared for a slightly longer visit. The unique experience of climbing a medieval tower can be a memorable part of a family trip to Bologna.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Torre Prendiparte is an excellent choice for solo travelers seeking a unique and less crowded experience in Bologna. The guided tours (on Sundays) offer a chance to learn about the tower's history, and the climb itself is a personal challenge. The panoramic views from the top provide a moment of reflection and a fantastic photo opportunity. Reddit

Recommendation: Book your Sunday slot in advance. The manageable duration of the visit (around 1 hour) makes it easy to fit into a day of exploring Bologna's other attractions.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Torre Prendiparte is a dream. The summit offers unparalleled 360-degree views of Bologna's terracotta rooftops and iconic landmarks, especially the Due Torri. The golden hour light in the late afternoon can create magical shots. Don't forget to capture the unique textures and historical details on the interior levels as well. Reddit

Pro Tip: Visit on a clear day and consider the time of day for optimal lighting. The limited number of people at the top ensures you have space to set up your shots without obstruction.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ascent: A Vertical Journey Through History

Climbing Torre Prendiparte is more than just reaching a viewpoint; it's an immersive journey through centuries of history. The tower's 12 floors are not just empty spaces but are thoughtfully curated with installations that tell the story of Bologna and the tower itself. From ancient cells that hint at its defensive past to intimate chapels reflecting its later uses, each level offers a unique glimpse into different eras. The transition from the cool, ancient stone of the spiral staircase to the creaking, steep wooden steps adds a tactile dimension to the experience, making the climb feel like a true exploration. Reddit

Visitors often remark on the challenge and slight trepidation of the climb, especially the descent. Tips like descending sideways or backward are frequently shared, highlighting the practical advice that comes from real visitor experiences. This unique approach to experiencing a historical monument makes Torre Prendiparte stand out, offering a more engaging and memorable visit than simply ascending a modern elevator. Reddit

Bologna from Above: A Unique Perspective

The ultimate reward for the climb up Torre Prendiparte is the breathtaking panoramic view from its summit. Unlike more crowded tourist spots, Torre Prendiparte offers a more peaceful and intimate experience of Bologna's stunning cityscape. From this vantage point, the iconic red rooftops stretch out in every direction, creating a picturesque scene that is quintessentially Bolognese. You can easily spot major landmarks, with the Due Torri (Two Towers) being a particularly captivating sight from this elevated perspective. Reddit

This elevated viewpoint provides a fresh appreciation for the city's layout and historical architecture. It's a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the essence of Bologna. The relatively limited number of people allowed on the rooftop at any given time ensures that you can soak in the views without feeling rushed or overwhelmed, making it a truly special way to connect with the city. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2