The Civic Tower of Trento
The Torre di Piazza, or Torre Civica, is the distinctive symbol of the city of Trento and stands majestically ...
The Torre di Piazza, or Torre Civica, is the distinctive symbol of the city of Trento and stands majestically in Piazza Duomo. It was built in the mid-12th century on the ruins of the ancient Porta Veronensis, in close connection with the Bishop's Palace. It is part of the monumental complex of Piazza Duomo, the heart of city power for centuries, which included the Tower, the Bishop's Palace and the Castelletto, a veritable urban castle.
In 1224, the presence of a bell was recorded for the first time, which was rung to summon citizens to assembly: the tower thus began to take on a civic role, becoming a point of reference for the community. Scarcely documented in the 14th century, the tower reappears in sources in the early 15th century, when its administration passed to the Municipality of Trento.
For centuries, the Tower was also one of the city's main places of detention: sources attest to its function as a prison since the early 14th century, with prisons remaining active until the early 20th century.
Thanks to recent restoration work, it is now possible to visit eight of the twelve levels that make up this historic building, allowing visitors to rediscover its long and fascinating history.
Please note! The Civic Tower is only accessible at set times during the regular opening hours of the Diocesan Museum. We recommend checking the availability of visiting times on a daily basis.
