Torre del Mangia, Siena

The Torre del Mangia stands as an iconic symbol of Siena, Italy, and is one of the most renowned medieval towers in the country. Soaring to a height of 88 meters, this remarkable tower was completed in 1348 and is situated in the Piazza del Campo, Siena's main square.

The tower's name, "Torre del Mangia," translates to "Tower of the Eater," a moniker that references the gluttonous bell-ringer who once resided there. The Torre del Mangia was designed to match the height of the Siena Cathedral, symbolizing the balance between the heavenly and the earthly in the city.

Visitors to the tower can climb the narrow, winding staircase of nearly 400 steps to reach the top. From the summit, one is rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of Siena and the rolling Tuscan countryside that surrounds it. The view extends across the historic cityscape, punctuated by the Gothic architecture for which Siena is famous.

Despite its age, the Torre del Mangia has been meticulously maintained, preserving the original design and materials. The tower's brick construction is a characteristic feature of Sienese architecture, and it stands as a testament to the ingenuity of 14th-century builders.