City: Italy
Top Things to do in Italy
The 10 Best Observation Decks & Towers in Italy, Italy
Coordinates: 43°N 12°E / 43°N 12°E / 43; 12
Restaurants in Italy
1. Campanile di San Nicolo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 471 reviews
Lecco's clock tower is the second highest tower in Italy and one of the highest in Europe. Now it's possible to visit it, in some days and only with reservation, thanks to the project that aims to revalue this monument. It will be a unique experience that will lead from the full of history basement of the tower up to the terrace on top of it from where you can admire a full 360 view of the city, the lake and its mountains.
Reviewed By AnaP10290 - Romania, null
We didn't climb this impressive tower, but we spent 3 days in this beautiful city. It makes a very good base for visiting Lake Como. We loved Lecco with it's lake promenade, gorgeous views, nice streets and buildings... This is a city where I would love to live.
2. Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,236 reviews
The Museum is divided into four sections, the history of Castel Sant'Angelo is illustrated by vintage prints, scenic views and interesting reconstructions ideals of the monument, as suggested by the imagination of artists and architects of the Renaissance, from its construction until the nineteenth century, in a path that highlights the intense and ongoing.
Reviewed By ClaraBqwerty
A great attraction to visit with kids. A beautiful castle with lots of rooms to visit and a magnificent view of Rome from the top. We went early and there wasn't much of a queue but it was a lot longer by the time we left. It has a lovely cafe near the top with what must be some of the best views in Rome. If you have young kids you need to keep an eye on them as there are a lot of gaps and small spaces on the walkways that they would be able to squeeze through if you're not alert. It keeps you on your toes. In the gardens behind the castle is one of the few playgrounds in Rome which was great for the kids to burn off some energy.
3. Campanile di San Marco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,064 reviews
Originally built as a lighthouse to assist navigation in the lagoon, visitors can be whisked by elevator to the top of St. Mark's Campanile or bell tower to savor incredible views of Venice, the lagoon and the Alps in the distance.
Reviewed By chicago90Phoenix
If you love priceless views including the multiple domed roof of St. Marks Church, this is the place to be. You will appreciate the beauty and how special and unique Venice is when you have this birds eye view perspective of this empire.
4. Porta Canarda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
5. Torre del Mangia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,951 reviews
The tower, more than 290 feet high, was constructed in 1325 by Minuccio and Francesco di Rinaldo, and has the Chapel of the Piazza at its base..
Reviewed By asiyahnoemik - Pula, Croatia
Torre del Mangia can be seen from almost all parts of the city. The civic symbol of Siena, it stands out in the Piazza del Campo next to the Palazzo Pubblico. Arriving at the main square, Piazza del Campo, we can immediately admire the beautiful tower and the palace next to it. The atmosphere in this beautiful square is beautiful. The reason for this is all the beauty of Torre del Mangia with all its buildings, palaces, fountains, restaurants and bars. At one point, I feel like the time has stopped and I am back in the Middle Ages. The construction of the tower was begun by the brothers Francesco and Muccio di Rinaldo in 1325 and completed around 1348. The tower was built to be exactly the same height as the Siena Cathedral as a sign that the church and the state had equal amounts of power. The tower is in red brick until the crown, while the upper part in travertine is the work of the Sienese sculptor Agostino di Giovanni, following the design by Lippo Memmi. In 1666, after several attempts of fusion, a large bell was put in, and the Sienese called it the “Campanone”, also called “Sunto” because it was dedicated to the Madonna dell'Assunta. The bell plays a notable role in the celebrations of the Palio. It owes its curious name of Torre del Mangia to the fact that the Municipality entrusted, from 1347 to 1360, to bellringer to be Giovanni di Balduccio to ring from the tower, nicknamed “Mangiaguadagni” (eat-the-profits), for his spendthrift tendency, idleness or gluttony. It was later replaced by an automaton, which, in memory of his first bellringer, was called Mangia. The remains of this automaton are now kept inside the Cortile del Podestà. At the base of the tower is the Cappella di Piazza (Square Chapel), built in 1352 as a thanks for the end of the terrible plague of 1348.
6. Torre Grossa (o Torre del palazzo del Podesta)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
Along with the Clock Tower, the Podesta's Palace Towers are the most impressive as they look out over the Piazza Duomo.
Reviewed By AlbertSalichs - Manresa, Spain
Torre Grossa is the highest tower in San Gimignano, a fantastic medieval town located in Tuscany Region, in the center of Italy. I am almost sure that it is a bell tower, where there is a very interesting museum of the history of San Gimignano, where you can see objects, paintings and explanations about the history of the town. Also, you can enter to the Pallazzo Comunale and see some official rooms. While you go up to the tower, you can see some very interesting videos about he history of the city and when you arrive at the top of the tower, you can see top views of this medieval town. Wonderful! Also, I came here with my 3 years old daughter (in August-2019) and she enjoyed a lot going up and down, seeing the videos and hearing the music, and seeing the charming views from the tower. A top for adults and children in Tuscany, in Italy, in Europe and probably on world.
7. Leaning Tower of Pisa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23,329 reviews
It is called the Leaning Tower or the Tower of Pisa but actually it was never used for defending the city; it is part of the religious complex in the Duomo Square and acts as its bell tower. It played an active role in both human and divine timekeeping with its seven bells – one for each musical note – the largest of which, cast in 1655, weighs a full three and a half tonnes! It is known throughout the world for the beauty of its architecture, for its extraordinary tilt, which makes it an authentic miracle of statics, and for the fact that it stands in the universally renowned Piazza dei Miracoli, of which it is certainly the prize jewel. And this is why it is one of the 7 Wonders of the World.
Reviewed By NickWood - Epsom, United Kingdom
We got a early train from Rome 6.25 up to Pisa. Train was pre-booked and a short walk from where we staying. Train station was easy to navigate and get on right train. We got there around 9ish and then walked 15mins to the Tower. We were lucky with good weather and the sun was out. It was not too busy at this time so you get a better chance to get a clear view to take you mandatory "holding/pushing" the tower. We went up the tower for a good view. Stairs are a little tight but fine for the average person. Good view out across Pisa at the top. We didn't book any of the other buildings so not sure if we missed out there or not but the Leaning Tower was the highlight. Got a 2pm'ish train back to Rome. Helped break up our trip and really glad we planned this in and feel like we ticked it off the bucket list in an efficient way by grouping with Rome visit
8. Torre Guinigi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,864 reviews
This tower is easily recognizable: it has a leaning tree growing out of its top.
Reviewed By ArmyRangeratMIT - Wayne, United States
There are so many lovely things to do in Lucca, and climbing the Guinigi Tower to get a panoramic view of the lovely city you’re in is a great idea, especially early in the day when you are working up your appetite for a delicious Pranzo lunch! Don’t miss it!
9. Campanile di Giotto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,493 reviews
Reviewed By Travelmad237
As part of our Duomo climb ticket (Cupola) we also had access to the other sites on the complex. After scaling the hot & dizzy heights of the duomo in July standing at 92m high we noticed the campanile adjacent to the dome & couldn’t resist climbing there too to enjoy the magnificent views from there. The climb inside the campanile offers more respite moments to catch your breath on much more open staircases climbing to a similar height of 82m & equally magnificent views all around including the wonderful Duomo. So if you’re unsure of tackling the challenge of climbing in more confined & upright spaces in the duomo then consider the campanile climb instead. You will not miss out on the glory of the views over Florence in a slightly less intense environment.
10. Le Due Torri Torre degli Asinell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,823 reviews
The colossal towers were built by Bologna's important families in the 12th century.
Reviewed By minkerryc
It is not often you get to climb a medieval tower nearly 1000 years old. There are 500 steps and those with claustrophobia or fear of heights may struggle. The view at the top is worth it though.
