Twelve Tower – the symbol of Vipiteno

History and description

Erected between 1468 and 1472 by order of Duke Sigismund of Austria, as recorded on the inscription inside, the tower stands about 46 meters high and separates the new town from the old one. From the very beginning, it served both as a gate and as a symbol of civic prestige. Its name, however, is linked to its bell, which traditionally rang at noon to announce lunchtime to the townspeople. For a long period, it also housed the fire brigade and served as an excellent panoramic viewpoint over the city.

Curiosities

An important landmark for orientation within the city, the tower is the tallest structure in Vipiteno. Its imposing presence symbolized the wealth and independence of the town, made prosperous by the silver mines.

Access

Usually visible only from the outside, the tower is accessible exclusively during certain times of the year, such as the Christmas markets, the Lantern Festival, and the Canederli Festival.

How to reach it

Located in the historic center of the city, the tower is easily reached on foot with a short walk.

A true historical symbol of Vipiteno, the Twelve Tower is an unmissable stop when exploring Trentino-Alto Adige.

Photo credits: Jjm2311 (Wikipedia) - Licensed by CC 4.0