Historical building, Bologna
A few steps from Via Rizzoli stands one of Bologna's tallest towers, second only to that of the Asinelli. It is the Prendiparte Tower, 59 metres high for an ancient structure of medieval origin, dating back to the 12th century, also called 'la coronata' (the crowned one) because of the decoration visible on its upper part that resembles a pointed crown.
That of the Guelph Prendiparte family is one of the few towers that have come down to us intact. Only about twenty towers remain today of the hundred that once populated the town. However, Prendiparte is also one of the few towers that can still be visited today. Recently converted into a B&B, the property opens periodically to the public, who can therefore access the various floors and also the terrace from which there is a wonderful view over the city.
Originally built for defensive purposes, the tower later housed the prison of the nearby curia (from the third to the fifth floor) and finally a private residence. The signs of the structure's change of use are pretty evident inside, especially on the walls of the fifth floor where we can see various inscriptions and graffiti of the prisoners who were incarcerated there. A rather colourful example is that of Angelo Rizzoli, who wrote on the wall the reason for his imprisonment, namely "for having impregnated two sisters".
When the tower was later taken away from the curia in Napoleonic times, the first three floors of the building became private dwellings. However, the current door of the structure does not correspond to the original one, but was added at that time. In the Middle Ages, in fact, one entered through the upper door, located about halfway up, which could be reached by stairs or directly from inside the Prendiparte residence.
