Torre dei Lamberti is a medieval tower between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori in Verona’s historic centre. Begun by the Lamberti family in 1172, it rises 84 metres above the city and gives you a broad view of its rooftops, squares and landmarks. Climb the 368 steps, or take the transparent lift for most of the way and continue up a short flight to the viewing level. The tower’s bells ring on the hour and half-hour, and the view is especially striking just after sunset.
A tower built by the Lamberti family
Construction of Torre dei Lamberti began in 1172, when the Lamberti family commissioned a tower in Verona’s historic centre. In the Middle Ages, prominent families built tall towers as signs of wealth and political influence. The structure also served as a lookout.
The tower changed over the centuries. A lightning strike damaged its upper part in 1403, but restoration work did not begin until 1448. The campaign lasted until 1464 and brought the tower to its current height of 84 metres. Its different sections reflect these periods of construction and alteration.
Views from the top
Torre dei Lamberti stands between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori, above the city’s historic centre. From the viewing level, you can look across Verona’s rooftops and see the layout of the surrounding squares and streets. The tower gives a clear sense of how the old city sits within the wider urban landscape.
The ascent is part of the visit. You can take the staircase, with 368 steps to climb, or use the transparent lift for most of the journey. The lift stops short of the observation level, so there are still a few flights of stairs before you reach the top. From the lift, you can see the tower’s interior architecture.
The bells and the city below
The tower houses two bells, the Marangona and the Rengo. Their sound marked different signals for the city, including fires, working hours and calls to arms. They ring on the hour and half-hour, so you may hear them during your visit.
At the base of the tower, Piazza delle Erbe is one of Verona’s oldest squares, built over the site of the Roman Forum. Piazza dei Signori is close by. Together, these central squares make the tower a useful stop while exploring Verona’s historic centre. For a different quality of light over the city, the period just after sunset is a good time to head up.
Preguntas frecuentes
How tall is Torre dei Lamberti?
The tower is 84 metres tall and is the highest building in Verona.
How many steps are there in Torre dei Lamberti?
The staircase has 368 steps. A transparent lift covers most of the ascent, but you still need to climb a few flights to reach the viewing level.
When is a good time to visit Torre dei Lamberti?
Just after sunset is a good time to see colour in the sky over Verona.
Do the bells ring during a visit?
Yes. The bells ring on the hour and half-hour.
