Ghirlandina Tour : info and guided tour

Introduction to the Ghirlandina Tower

The Ghirlandina Tower is the iconic bell tower of Modena Cathedral, in the heart of Piazza della Torre. Built in brick, it dominates the historic center with its slender silhouette and highly recognizable Romanesque decoration. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site together with the cathedral and the adjacent square.

Started in the 12th century and completed in the 13th century, the tower initially had a civic and religious function, closely linked to the power of the city and the cathedral. Its name is said to come from the small decorative crowns, the “ghirlande,” that adorn its top. Its gradual construction explains the visible variations in volume and detail.

Among its most remarkable features are the massive base, the stacked loggias, and the slenderness of the top floor, which give it an appearance that is both understated and elegant. The tower is also appreciated for its role as an urban landmark in Modena, where it remains one of the city’s best-known symbols.

As you discover it, you notice the richness of the local Romanesque vocabulary, with its arcades, narrow openings, and balance between defensive function and monumental presence. The Ghirlandina Tower attracts visitors as much for its architecture as for its central place in Modena’s historical identity, visible as soon as you arrive in the piazza.

Discover Modena with a private guide

A private guide can help you read the Ghirlandina Tower more closely, explaining its role in the history of Modena, its architectural details, and its relationship with the nearby cathedral. The visit then becomes clearer, with a more precise look at the elements to observe and the monument’s urban context.