With the Asinelli Tower closed, the Clock Tower of Palazzo d’Accursio is the best way to see Bologna from above, and the view is arguably better, because you look straight down on Piazza Maggiore, San Petronio and the Neptune Fountain, out over a sea of red roofs to the towers and the hills. The tower rises from the town hall, a sprawling complex of courtyards and grand staircases that has been the seat of city government for centuries. Timed entries leave three times an hour and climb through the palace to the clock mechanism at the heart of the tower and on to two panoramic terraces. The ticket also covers the Collezioni Comunali d’Arte on the upper floors, the city’s own art collection of paintings, furniture, porcelain and textiles from the Middle Ages onwards, displayed in the frescoed rooms of the palace, including the grand Sala Farnese.
How it works: booking is mandatory and entries run at fixed slots on the hour, twenty past and forty past. From September 2026 to the end of February 2027 the first slot is at ten in the morning and the last in the early evening, every day. There is no lift, the final stretch to the summit terrace is a narrow staircase, and you sign a waiver on site. Children under eight are not allowed on the top terrace, large bags are not permitted, and you need closed shoes or sandals with a back strap. The Tiqets product linked here combines tower and collections entry with a smartphone audio guide and a tasting of local products.
The art collections: the Collezioni Comunali d’Arte keep different hours from the tower and close on Mondays, opening only in the afternoon on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so plan around that if the museum matters to you. The rooms themselves are part of the pleasure, with painted ceilings and views onto the square.
Making the most of it: arrive five minutes before your slot, because latecomers lose their entry. A clear winter day gives views to the hills and the Sanctuary of San Luca on its ridge. Afterwards, the Neptune Fountain and the Sala Borsa are steps away.
What to expect
The experience
A timed climb through the town hall to the clock mechanism and two rooftop terraces, plus a self-guided visit to the city art collections and a local tasting.
Best time
A clear morning for views to the hills, or a late slot in the golden light before sunset in winter.
How long
About forty minutes in the tower and up to an hour in the art collections.
Tips
Book a slot in advance, arrive five minutes early, wear closed shoes and leave big bags at your hotel.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wanted to climb the Asinelli Tower, photographers and first-time visitors who like to get their bearings from above.
- Families
- Fine for school-age children with steady legs, but under-eights cannot go onto the summit terrace.
- Couples
- The view over Piazza Maggiore and the red rooftops is one of the most romantic in the city.
- Pair with
- San Petronio across the square and a coffee by the Neptune Fountain.
- Time needed
- About ninety minutes for the tower, the collections and the tasting.
Good questions
Can you climb a tower in Bologna while the Asinelli is closed?+
Yes. The Clock Tower of Palazzo d’Accursio on Piazza Maggiore is open daily with timed entries and two panoramic terraces. It is the most central viewpoint in the city.
Do I need to book the Clock Tower in advance?+
Yes, booking is mandatory and entries run three times an hour. Latecomers cannot move to the next slot.
Is there a lift in the Clock Tower?+
No, the climb is on foot and the last section is a narrow staircase. You sign a waiver on site before going to the summit terrace.
Can children go up the Clock Tower?+
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and under-eights are not allowed on the summit terrace. Older children usually love the clock mechanism and the views.
What are the Municipal Art Collections?+
They are the city’s own art museum on the upper floors of the town hall, with paintings, furniture, porcelain and textiles from the Middle Ages onwards. They close on Mondays and open only in the afternoon on some weekdays.
