It is hardly surprising that Bologna, an important and popular city in Italy, is crammed full of spectacular landmarks and monuments. Famous throughout the world, many of these date back over 1,000 years and are in remarkable condition, thanks to faithful restoration and reconstruction work. Here are some of the top landmarks in Bologna to visit.
Torre degli Asinelli (Tower of the Asinelli) and Torre degli Garisenda (Tower of the Garisenda)
These two leaning towers are one of the main symbols of Bologna and almost seem to defy gravity. Rising high above the Piazza di Porta, the tallest tower is the Torres degli Asinelli, standing at over 100 metres / 330 feet, with 498 steps and a lean of 1.3 metres / 4 feet. There are some great panoramic views at the top, across the city and surrounding countryside. The other tower, Torres degli Garisenda, stands at 49 metres / 162 feet and is closed to the public due to its more extreme lean of over 3 metres / 10 feet and possible instability. Built in the 12th century, these leaning towers have poor foundations and were originally built as status symbols by wealthy families. Landmark open: daily, 09:00 to 18:00 Landmark admission: charge
Palazzo Comunale
The Palazzo Comunale is Bologna's town hall and is home to a large collection of Renaissance paintings and other pieces of art, many sculptures and also antique furniture. Built in the 14th-century, the palazzo contains the Collezioni Comunali d'Arte (Communal Collection of Fine Arts) and the Museo di Giorgio Morandi (Museum of Giorgio Morandi). With many wonderful and important paintings, including landscapes and still life, this palace has been well restored and retains much of its original charm. Situated on the western side of Bologna, notable features include the enormous central staircase, which was purposely designed to be used by horse drawn carriages. Landmark open: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 18:00 Landmark admission: charge, children under 14 are free
Tombe dei Glossatori (The Glossatori tombs)
The Tombs of the Glossatori are one of Bologna's truly unique monuments and are named after the lawyers in Bologna who used to add 'glosses' and notes to their legal documents whilst studying. Consisting of little pyramidical roofs that are raised off the ground on slender columns, these elaborate marble tombs are also covered in majolica tiles. The tombs are home to many hundreds of Bologna's famous scholars, dating from the end of the 13th century.
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These two leaning towers are one of the main symbols of Bologna and almost seem to defy gravity. Rising high above the Piazza di Porta, the tallest tower is the Torres degli Asinelli, standing at over 100 metres / 330 feet, with 498 steps and a lean of 1.3 metres / 4 feet. There are some great panoramic views at the top, across the city and surrounding countryside. The other tower, Torres degli Garisenda, stands at 49 metres / 162 feet and is closed to the public due to its more extreme lean of over 3 metres / 10 feet and possible instability. Built in the 12th century, these leaning towers have poor foundations and were originally built as status symbols by wealthy families. 
The Palazzo Comunale is Bologna's town hall and is home to a large collection of Renaissance paintings and other pieces of art, many sculptures and also antique furniture. Built in the 14th-century, the palazzo contains the Collezioni Comunali d'Arte (Communal Collection of Fine Arts) and the Museo di Giorgio Morandi (Museum of Giorgio Morandi). With many wonderful and important paintings, including landscapes and still life, this palace has been well restored and retains much of its original charm. Situated on the western side of Bologna, notable features include the enormous central staircase, which was purposely designed to be used by horse drawn carriages. 
