"Bologna, Italy, is famous for its medieval towers, which once numbered over 100 in the 12th and 13th centuries. Built by wealthy families as symbols of power, these towers also served defensive purposes. Today, fewer than 20 remain, with the most iconic being the Asinelli and Garisenda towers. The Asinelli Tower, at 97.2 meters (318 feet), is the tallest leaning medieval tower in the world, while the shorter Garisenda leans dramatically due to foundational issues. These towers rose alongside Bologna’s prominence as a center of trade and education. While many were demolished or repurposed, the Asinelli Tower was preserved and used as a prison and lookout in the 14th century. Visitors today can climb its 498 steps for stunning views of the city and the Emilia-Romagna region. These remaining towers stand as reminders of Bologna’s competitive city-state era, where towering structures displayed wealth and influence"