Torrazzo – the iconic bell tower of Cremona

History and description

Built starting in 1230 and developed in four different phases, the Torrazzo is Cremona’s most famous bell tower. Standing 113 meters tall, it features a Romanesque‑Lombard base with Guelph battlements, five massive superimposed staircases, an astronomical clock, and bells. Today, the building is known as a “Vertical Museum,” offering visitors a journey through chronology and astronomy.

Curiosities

The Torrazzo is considered the oldest brick building over 100 meters still standing. According to legend, its origins date back to 754, and beneath it lie archaeological remains of Roman structures.

Access

Open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with a short lunch break, the Torrazzo can be visited at the cost of €5, with reductions and free entry available.

How to reach it

Located next to Cremona Cathedral, the tower can be reached by car via the A1 motorway toward Cremona, by train from Milan, and finally on foot along the pedestrian route from the city center.

A true testimony to the relationship between religious power and civic authority, the Torrazzo is an unmissable stop when exploring Cremona.

Photo credits: Parsifall (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 4.0