Torre Troyana
44-metre medieval tower in the centre of Asti, a symbol of the town: 199 steps lead to the terrace with views over the rooftops and to the bell of 1531.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Torre Troyana, also called Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower), stands in piazza Medici in Asti and belonged to the palace of the Troya family, one of the most powerful in the town. The base dates from the late 12th to the early 13th century; the Troya, enriched by lending money in Germany, France and Belgium, acquired it around 1250 and added the three bands of mullioned windows and the crenellated crown, completed between 1260 and 1280. At 44 metres the tower was, it is said, taller than that of the Bertramenghi Scarampi, despite the ban on building towers higher than that.
In the 15th century the Comune obtained the use of the adjacent palace and the tower became the civic tower, with the clock moved from an older tower; in 1470 the mullioned windows were closed and a roof with the bell chamber was added. In 1560 Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia handed the tower over to the town, which has owned it ever since, entrusting it with the public task of marking the hours. The first restoration dates from 1905.
Today the tower can be visited by climbing the 199 steps to the top, from which the rooftops of the town can be seen. Among its most appreciated features are the terminal band of arches in alternating brick and sandstone, typical of the Asti area, and the bell of 1531, one of the oldest in Piedmont still in use for striking the hours.
Highlights
- 199 steps to the panoramic terrace
- View over the rooftops of Asti
- Height of 44 metres
- Twelve round-arched mullioned windows on three storeys
- Bell of 1531, one of the oldest in Piedmont
- Operated by
- Comune di Asti; gestione Fondazione Asti Musei
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 5 · Free admission under 6. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · Free admission for visitors with disabilities with one companion. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €5 per personGroup on one site. |
| Full ticket for all Smarticket sites | €10Reduced €8 (over 65, under 18, university students with card); residents of Asti and the province €5 |
The €5 ticket is valid for a single site of the Smarticket network. Free admission also for tour guides, accredited journalists, one companion per group and two teachers per class; Abbonamento Musei, Torino+Piemonte Card and Coupon Crasti are accepted.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The tower has no lifts, in order to respect the historic value of the medieval structure; the ascent is on foot, up 199 steps.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Individual visitors buy tickets at the ticket desk during opening hours; booking is compulsory only for groups, schools and guided tours (prenotazioni@fondazioneastimusei.it). |
