• 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’s Legends and Traditions

An invitation to take a journey into Lombardy’s folklore, rediscovering seven ancient legends and traditions
  • Art & Culture
Lombardy’s Legends and Traditions

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

THE ISLAND OF THE MONASTERIES

  • Art & Culture
THE ISLAND OF THE MONASTERIES

Museum Sondrio

Centuries of local traditions and alpine identity in its museums
  • Art & Culture
Museum Sondrio, what to see?

The sound of Stradivari

Live performances with the instruments of the collections of the Violin’s Museum.
  • Art & Culture
Clarissa Bevilacqua

A visit to Cerreto Abbey

Cerreto Abbey: a Cistercian jewel of the province of Lodi 
  • Art & Culture
Una visita all’Abbazia del Cerreto

Three Days in Milan: A Cultural Journey Through Time, Art, and Innovation

Plan the perfect 3-day trip to Milan with the YesMilano City Pass. Visit top attractions like the Duomo, Sforza Castle, and Leonardo da Vinci Museum. Skip lines and enjoy free audioguides!
  • Art & Culture
discovering milano

Theaters Bergamo

The theatrical season of Bergamo accompanies us with a flourishing billboard of shows not to be missed
  • Art & Culture
Theaters Bergamo, hints on visiting

Brebbia and the pipe factory

In the province of Varese, wet from Lake Maggiore, well protected by a hilly setting hidden from the wind and sudden storms
  • Art & Culture
Saints Peter and Paul Church and the Pipe Museum

The show is online in Lombardy

The show continues at home, in Lombardy. Discover the plays, films, concerts, videos and podcasts available for free online
  • Art & Culture
The show is online in Lombardy

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

Visiting Cremona is cheap!

Entry to all the town's museums with a combined cheap ticket
  • Art & Culture
Visiting Cremona is cheap!

Fossils Civic Museum

  • Art & Culture
Museo Civico dei Fossili di Besano

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.

Milan Design

Not just Salone: ​​where design lives
  • Art & Culture
Milan, design beyond the Furniture Fair

6 Discovering Lombardy - virtual tour

Museums and castles to visit from your home
  • Art & Culture
Palazzo Te (Mantova)

Brescia, a Theatre City

From the Teatro Grande to the Brescia Opera Festival, to the Vittoriale degli Italiani in Gardone. Discover a stage city
  • Art & Culture
Brescia, a Theatre City

Castles Mantua

The Mincio marked for centuries the border of important possessions. The landscape was characterized by new castles in key places
  • Art & Culture
www.mantovaducale.beniculturali.it

Museums Lodi

The museum reality of Lodi is heterogeneous. It preserves naturalistic and scientific collections, archaeological and art collections
  • Art & Culture
Museums Lodi, exploring Lombardy

Marian Itinerary Brianza

The path of the rose that connects 25 Marian shrines
  • Art & Culture
Marian itinerary in Brianza, the path of the Rose