Torre del Mangia
Symbol and pride of the city of Siena
Information
Opening hours:
16/10 – 28/02 (Winter): weekdays and holidays 10.00am – 4.00pm (ticket office closes at 3.15pm)
01/03 – 15/10 (Summer): weekdays and holidays 10.00am – 7.00pm (ticket office closes at 6.15pm)
Christmas Day: closed
New Year’s Day: 12.00pm – 4.00pm (ticket office closes at 3.15pm)
The opening hours may have variations from 27/06 to 3/07 and from 11/08 to 17/08 due to activities related to the Palio.
Cumulative ticket (valid for 2 days):
Civic Museum + Santa Maria della Scala: € 13.00
Torre del Mangia + Civic Museum + Santa Maria della Scala: € 20.00 – Family ticket (2 adults + children over 11 years): € 40.00
Email: ticket@comune.siena.it
The tower is not accessible for people with disabilities.
One of the most famous towers in Tuscany, the 87-metre-high Torre del Mangia is the third tallest ancient tower in Italy. Symbol of Siena, it is the tower of the Palazzo Pubblico (Public Palace), the city administration building that dominates the splendid Piazza del Campo. Its height (102 metres if you include the lightning conductor) symbolises liberty and emancipation from feudal power. Construction on the Torre del Mangia began in 1338 and ended ten years later. Built of brick with a crown and bell-tower of stone, it takes its name from its first bell-ringer. Giovanni di Balduccio, noted for his gift for squandering money, was known by everyone as Mangiaguadagni (earnings-eater), abbreviated to Mangia.
Even though he did not hold the job for long, because the first mechanical clock was installed in 1360, his nickname is still associated with the tower. In 1666 the big bell known to the Sienese as the Campanone (great bell) was added; it is also called the Sunto because it is dedicated to the Madonna Assunta (Our Lady of the Assumption). From the top of the Torre del Mangia you get an exceptional view right across Siena, a fair reward for climbing the 300-plus steps.
