|
Up to the top of all its steps the great tower looks in low observating Verona and her streets, the couples walking hand in hand, the old that grumble about nothing, people that stop on the squares some cry, some laugh merrily some act to charm the people. (Anonymous) |
   |
In the middle of Piazza Erbe, on the corner towards the Costa, there is the Torre del Comune, or Torre dei Lamberti, built in 1172.
During the Roman period, it had a modest height and with the resolution of November 28, 1295, the two bells were placed, of which the smaller one had to be used in case of fires and the big one to gather the city council and to call the citizens to the arms in order to defend the city. Fused for several times, the two bells still retain the old names of Marangona and of Rengo.
In May 1403, a lightning struck the top of the tower. After some time, it was decided to restore it and to raise it. The work lasted from 1448 to 1463-1464.
Unfortunately, the architect who designed the tower is unknown, as well as the restorer. The tower is 84 meters high and the clock was added only in 1779.
