History. At 97.2 meters, The Torre degli Asinelli is the tallest leaning medieval tower in the world. It was built between 1109 and 1119 and is one of the twenty towers that have survived the centuries.

The title of the tallest medieval tower in the world is held by the Torre degli Asinelli in Bologna, Italy. Built between 1109 and 1119 by the Asinelli family, this brick structure reaches a height of 97.2 meters (319 feet). It is the taller of the famous "Two Towers" (Le Due Torri) that symbolize the city. Visitors can climb its 498 internal wooden steps to reach a rooftop terrace offering a panoramic 360-degree view of Bologna’s red-roofed skyline. Interestingly, the tower has a noticeable lean of about 1.3 degrees due to ground subsidence shortly after its construction. While other medieval structures like the Torrazzo of Cremona are taller overall (112 meters), they are often classified as bell towers attached to cathedrals. The Asinelli Tower remains the tallest secular, defensive medieval tower still standing. In 2026, it remains a major tourist draw, though local tradition suggests that university students should not climb to the top until they graduate, lest they fail to finish their degree.