• Art & Culture
    • Lifestyle

Lombardy's highest steeples and bell towers

With summer winding down, there are still a few sunny weekends left to enjoy. It’s the perfect time for a tour of Lombardy's highest steeples and bell towers, where history, culture and beauty come together in a perfect equilibrium.  

 

A tour of the 4 highest bell towers in Lombardy

Five bell towers in Lombardy stand over 80 metres high, and 4 exceed 90 metres. Measuring 112.54 metres, the bell tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, known as the "Torrazzo of Cremona", is the tallest brick tower and 2nd tallest bell tower in Italy (ranking 33rd in Europe). Among the over-80s, the shortest is the tower of the Sanctuary of Santa Valeria in Seregno (Monza e Brianza), standing at "only" 81 metres. Let's take a closer look at the "Fab Four"...

 

Bells and towers: an age-old history 

For centuries, the bells housed in the towers of churches, basilicas and cathedrals have called the faithful to prayer, in keeping with an ancient tradition dating back to the fifth century: Bishop Paulinus of Nola is credited with introducing the use of bells in church services.     

Their ringing marks the passing of time, religious occasions, Christmas and Easter celebrations, patronal feasts, weddings, sacraments, funerals... 

In Medieval times, in addition to square-shaped Romanic and polygonal Gothic steeples, bell towers began making their appearance. Erected in castles and fortifications, the bells in these towers would ring to warn of serious danger or celebrate public events. 

 

The "Torrazzo": a symbol of Cremona    

An iconic symbol of the town, the Medieval bell tower known as the Torrazzo (1220-1309) stands adjacent to the Cathedral of Cremona. It consists of two structures, one inside the other, separated only by a staircase. The 502 steps must be climbed on foot and lead to the top of the tower, where a spectacular view of the city and square below awaits visitors. 

112.54 metres high (not 112.21 metres, as announced by an ancient plaque embedded at its base), the tower features an astronomical clock 8.20 metres wide, painted with zodiac symbols (1583-88). It houses seven bells dating from 1744, and an eighth one known as the "Bell of the Hours" (1581). The Vertical Museum inside the tower is entirely dedicated to time-measuring.

Lecco's Neo-Gothic "Pencil"

With a height of 96 metres, the bell tower of the Basilica of San Nicolò, in Lecco (1882-1904), is the 6th highest bell tower in Italy. Known as the Matitone ("Big Pencil") because of its octagonal plan and pointed peak, it was completed in 1904 to a neo-Gothic design by Enrico Gattinoni and Giovanni Ceruti. 

From the balcony below the belfry, which can be accessed after a 396-step climb, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Lecco and its lake. 

 

San Giulio: The most popular bell tower in Varese

The bell tower of the Church of San Giulio (1948) in Castellanza (Varese) takes 8th place in the Italian ranking. Its 93-metre height makes it a landmark and a symbol of the city, which has greeted the tower's restoration project with enthusiasm. The tower has a square base and houses 8 bells in the belfry, upon which rests an octagonal structure with four columns on each side. 

 

Palazzolo sull'Oglio's record-breaking bell tower

Topped by a statue of the city's patron saint, the centurion Saint Fidelis, the Tower of the People in Palazzolo sull'Oglio (1813-1830) stands at 91.8 metres (including the 7-metre statue) and is the highest circular section bell tower in Europe

Set atop the Mirabella tower in the ancient fortification of Rocha Magna, it is home to a concert of 12 bells. It owes its height to its architects' determination to achieve aesthetic excellence and a perfect balance of shapes.

 

More spectacular steeples and bell towers in Lombardy

These may not rank among the highest bell towers in the region, but it would be a great disservice not to mention them! 

The ancient Civic Tower of Piazza Vecchia, in Bergamo (52.7 m), houses the largest bell in Lombardy. It is affectionately known as the "Campanone" ("Big Bell") by the people of the city. Every evening, the bell rings 100 tolls as a perennial reminder of the closing of the city gates.

Equally fascinating is the Tower of San Martino in Desenzano (Brescia) (1880-1893). A circular section tower 64 metres high, it is a symbol of the Italian Renaissance. On the way up to its crenelated roof, you can admire the impressive frescoes on the walls. 

On the same topic

Lombardy in Paintings by Great Italian Artists

The paintings that most beautifully capture Lombardy's scenery, an immersion in the region's landscapes and cityscapes
  • Art & Culture
La Lombardia nei quadri dei grandi pittori italiani

Bergamo Alta and its beauties

A historic center remained completely intact and surrounded entirely by walls
  • Art & Culture
A magic place, preserved throughout centuries

Arlecchino and Brighella

Famous masks of the Italian Carnival tradition
  • Art & Culture
Arlecchino_11403_HR©Ciminaghi-PiccoloTeatroMilano

The leonardo ferryboat in imbersago

  • Art & Culture
The Leonardo Ferryboat in Imbersago

Monuments Mantua

The Gonzagas have made Mantua a jewel of the Italian Renaissance visible in its palaces, monuments, churches, culture and traditions
  • Art & Culture
Monuments Mantua, ideas for visiting

Cult City #inLombardia

11 Cities of Art just waiting to be discovered, one after the other, which look to the future while proudly preserving stunning heritage.
  • Art & Culture
Cult City #inLombardia

FAI Landmarks in the Province of Varese

Cultural Treasures in a Stunning Natural Setting
  • Art & Culture
Aerial photograph of Villa Panza in Varese, showcasing the main building with its elegant neoclassical architecture and well-maintained geometric garden. The image features hedges, symmetrical flowerbeds, fountains, and a large park with lush trees, surrounded by historic buildings and the urban landscape in the background.

The Longobard heritage of Pavia

A journey of discovery to uncover the ancient civilisation of the Longobards through the history of the city of Pavia.
  • Art & Culture
The Longobard heritage of Pavia

Monuments Lecco

From Manzoni to Stoppani: Lecco through the monuments
  • Art & Culture
Monuments Lecco, exploring Lombardy

Bergamo in a weekend

A perfect square, the masterpieces of the Carrara Academy, the Venetian Walls Unesco World Heritage Site. Discover Bergamo!
  • Art & Culture
Bergamo in a weekend

Palazzo d'Arco in Mantua

Everyday life of a noble family in the 18th and 19th Century
  • Art & Culture
Palazzo d'Arco in Mantua - ph: Federica Bottoli

Theaters Brescia

Brescia will surprise you with the vitality of its theaters, where are staged prose, ballets and concerts
  • Art & Culture
Theaters Brescia, culture in Lombardy

Cammino del Vescovado: vineyards and villages

A route in three stages to discover the Terre del Vescovado, amidst picturesque villages, charming hills and famous vineyards
  • Art & Culture
Cammino del Vescovado: vineyards and villages - credits: terredelvescovado.it

Castles in Lombardy

The charm of Lombardy through its castles
  • Art & Culture
Castles in Lombardy, Scenes from a Fairy Tale

Sondrio, the legend of Orlando

Castel Masegra is an imposing building which sits atop a 60m-tall rock, dominating the Sondrio skyline
  • Art & Culture
Sondrio Castello Masegra

San Pietro a Gemonio

This church is one of the points that remain more etched in the memory of the travelers who travel the Varese-Laveno
  • Art & Culture
San Pietro a Gemonio and the Salvini Museum in Cocquio Trevisago

Marta and the Elephant

The event is the pre-view of Stefano Bombardieri's exhibition at Fodri Palace
  • Art & Culture
Marta and the Elephant

A Welcome Card to visit Cremona

Your Sightseeing Pass
  • Art & Culture
A Welcome Card to visit Cremona

Monument Varese

Stately homes, religious buildings, fortifications and UNESCO treasures among the beauties of Varese and its surroundings
  • Art & Culture
Monument Varese, what to see

Milan, a fun with the children

Ancient castles, amusement parks and interactive museums. Discover what Lombardy offers for children. First stop, Milan.
  • Art & Culture
Milan, a fun with the children