The first time I reached the top of the Torre dei Lamberti, slightly out of breath despite taking the lift, I realised why locals call this the city’s best vantage point. At 84 metres, it’s Verona’s tallest structure, towering over Piazza delle Erbe‘s medieval market square in this Shakespearean Veneto city.
The 360-degree views stretch from the terracotta rooftops of the old town to the distant mountains beyond the Adige River. What caught me off guard was the protective netting draped across the viewing platforms — sensible for safety, slightly annoying for photography.
Quick overview
The Torre dei Lamberti charges €6 for adults. Students, seniors over 60, and children aged 8-14 pay €4.50.
The tower opens Monday to Friday 10am-6pm, and Saturday to Sunday 11am-7pm. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing. Reservations are recommended — book via email at [email protected] or ring 045 927 3027.
At a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | €6 adults; €4.50 reduced; €1 school groups/Verona Card lift; Free under 8 |
| Opening hours | Mon-Fri 10am-6pm; Sat-Sun 11am-7pm; last entry 45 mins before closing |
| Address | Via della Costa 2, 37121 Verona |
| Free for | Children under 8; disabled visitors with assistants; Verona Card holders (stairs only) |
| Last entry | 45 minutes before closing |
How much does the Torre dei Lamberti cost?
The pricing structure offers various discounts. Cash and card payments are accepted at the ticket office between the two courtyards.
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Full price | €6.00 | Adults aged 15-59 |
| Reduced price | €4.50 | Groups 15+; seniors 60+; children 8-14; students 14-30 with valid card |
| Lift fee (Verona Card) | €1.00 | Verona Card holders using the lift |
| School groups | €1.00 | Organised school visits |
| Free entry | Free | Children under 8; disabled visitors with assistants; Verona Card holders (stairs only) |
The lift costs extra if you’re using a Verona Card. Without the card, lift access is included in the standard €6 ticket.
Is the Torre dei Lamberti free to enter?
Only for children under eight and disabled visitors with assistants. Verona Card holders enter free but must use the stairs—taking the lift costs an additional €1.
Everyone else pays. The €6 standard admission represents good value for the views you get.
Why book the Verona Card for sightseeing?
- Free entry to top attractions: Visit leading sites in Verona including museums, archaeological sites and historic buildings without paying separate admission fees.
- Hop-on hop-off bus included: Use the Verona hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus to explore at your own pace and cover the city easily.
- Flexible duration options: Choose between 24-, 48- or 72-hour validity to suit your stay and sightseeing plans.
- Convenient digital format: Use the card on your phone — no need to print tickets or vouchers before your visit.
- Discounts and extras: Enjoy reductions on guided tours, experiences and partner services in Verona while saving on transport and entry fees.
What time does Torre dei Lamberti open?
The tower opens Monday to Friday at 10am, closing at 6pm. Weekend hours run 11am to 7pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Last admission is 45 minutes before closing. The ticket office and bookshop close simultaneously.
The tower closes on December 25. Occasional special closures occur — in December 2025, the tower closed for technical setups and a firefighter descent event.
Five great Verona experiences
- 🏛️ Explore Verona’s highlights on a small group walking tour.
- 🏟️ Get all the Roman history on a skip-the-line tour of the Arena.
- 🍝 Take a cooking class, learning to make pasta and tiramisu.
- 🍷 Indulge in a food walking tour, including lunch and wine.
- 🕯️ Explore Verona’s dark side on a historical walking tour.
Do I need to book Torre dei Lamberti tickets in advance?
Reservations are recommended, particularly during peak summer months and weekends. Book via email at [email protected] or ring 045 927 3027.
The booking centre operates Monday to Friday 10:15am-5:15pm. Saturday, Sunday, and holiday hours run 11:15am-6:15pm.
You can turn up without booking, though you risk queuing or finding it at capacity. Budget 30-45 minutes for your visit.
These ticket prices and opening hours were checked and verified in January 2026.
History
Construction began in 1172 at the behest of the mysterious Lamberti family. Little is known about this noble family beyond their wealth and ambition.
The tower originally stood just 37 metres tall, built in Romanesque style from alternating rows of red brick and white tuff stone. You can still see this distinctive pattern in the lower section.
In 1295, two bells were installed — the Rengo and the Marangona. The Rengo summoned citizens to arms or convened the City Council. The Marangona signalled work hours for artisans and warned of fires.
In May 1403, lightning struck the tower’s summit, destroying the top section. Restoration didn’t commence until 1448, taking 16 years to complete.
During this reconstruction, the tower was significantly expanded. The upper section, built from brick with an octagonal marble bell chamber, raised the height to 84 metres.
The prominent clock face was added in 1779. Two smaller bells joined the original pair in the late 18th century.
The tower became part of the Palazzo della Ragione complex. It stood as one of four corner towers, the only one surviving today.
Throughout its 850-year history, the tower has served as watchtower, bell tower, and civic symbol. Today it’s Verona’s most popular viewpoint.
What to see and do
The climb starts from the entrance between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori. You can choose between 368 steps spiralling up the tower’s interior or a transparent glass lift.
The lift doesn’t reach the very top — you’ll still climb the final 40-odd steps. The glass lift allows views of the tower’s internal structure as you ascend.
The stairs wind along the vertical perimeter, revealing the building’s medieval construction. It’s genuinely demanding if you’re not reasonably fit.
From the viewing platform, the panorama extends 360 degrees. Directly below sprawls Piazza delle Erbe with its market stalls and medieval buildings.
The frescoed Casa Mazzanti faces the square, its 16th-century paintings still visible. Beyond lie Piazza Bra and the Roman Arena.
The Adige River curves through the city, crossed by ancient bridges including Ponte Pietra. Hills and mountains form the distant backdrop.
The bell chamber houses the original Rengo and Marangona bells, plus two 18th-century additions. They still ring—every half hour during opening times.
Staff warn visitors to move away when the bells chime. The sound at close range can genuinely damage your hearing.
The protective netting surrounding the platforms prevents accidents but interferes with photography. You’ll need patience to shoot through the gaps.
What’s included with your ticket?
- Access to the Torre dei Lamberti viewing platforms via stairs or lift
- Views across Verona’s historic centre and surrounding landscape
- Opportunity to see the medieval bell chamber and historic bells
- Entry to the Galleria d’Arte Moderna Achille Forti (combined ticket available)
Things to do near the Torre dei Lamberti
Piazza delle Erbe (immediate vicinity, 1-minute walk) – Verona’s oldest square, built on the site of the ancient Roman forum. Daily market stalls sell produce, souvenirs, and local crafts. The Madonna Verona fountain dates from 1368, incorporating a Roman statue from 380 AD.
Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House) (250m, 3-minute walk) – The 13th-century house that (allegedly) inspired Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The courtyard with the famous balcony is free to enter, though crowded.
Arena di Verona (450m, 6-minute walk) – The third-largest Roman amphitheatre in the world, built in the 1st century AD. Seats 22,000 spectators and still hosts opera performances during summer.
Piazza dei Signori (50m, 1-minute walk) – Also called Piazza Dante, this quieter square features a statue of the Italian poet. The Loggia del Consiglio and Palazzo della Ragione surround the space. The nearby Arche Scaligere (Scaliger Tombs) are impressive Gothic monuments.
Castelvecchio and Bridge (650m, 8-minute walk) – A 14th-century Scaliger castle now housing an art museum. Works by Mantegna, Veronese, and Tiepolo fill the galleries. The fortified bridge across the Adige River offers excellent views.
Practical tips
- Book ahead during summer months and weekends to avoid queues
- Take the lift if fitness is a concern — 368 steps is genuinely demanding
- Even with the lift, expect to climb the final 40 steps
- Photography through the safety netting requires patience and careful framing
- Avoid visiting when the bells ring (every 30 minutes) — the sound is uncomfortably loud
- The tower entrance sits between two squares in an easily missed doorway
- Verona Card holders must use stairs — taking the lift costs €1 extra
- Wheelchair access is not possible due to numerous steps
- No animals permitted except guide dogs with muzzles
- Budget 30-45 minutes total including the climb and viewing time
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Torre dei Lamberti?
Using the stairs takes 10-15 minutes depending on fitness. The lift ascends in about two minutes, though you’ll still climb 40 steps at the top.
Is there wheelchair access?
No. The numerous steps make the monument inaccessible for wheelchairs, even with the lift.
Can I bring my dog?
No animals are permitted except registered guide dogs accompanying disabled visitors. The dog must wear a muzzle.
What’s the best time to visit?
Early morning or late afternoon for better light and fewer crowds. Sunset views are particularly spectacular. Weekday mornings are quietest.
More Veneto travel
Other Veneto travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Getting very lost on one of Verona’s buses.
- Why it makes sense to do a Valpolicella wine tour from Verona.
- Venice to Verona train times and prices.
- Bologna to Verona train times and prices.
- A guide to Padua for first time visitors – including the Palazzo Bo, Cappella degli Scrovegni and Orto Botanico.
