Torre dei Lamberti Review: Nice Views, But Here’s the Catch
Torre dei Lamberti is one of the most recommended viewpoints in Verona.
The medieval tower rises above Piazza delle Erbe and offers wide views across the historic center. Many travel guides suggest climbing it for a classic Verona experience.
But the real question most travelers have is simple: Is Torre dei Lamberti actually worth adding to your itinerary?
We visited Torre dei Lamberti using the Verona Card and decided to walk up the stairs instead of taking the elevator. The climb was tiring but enjoyable. This experience kind of reminded me of the Eiffel Tower, where the effort becomes part of the experience.
In this review, I will share what the climb is like, what you can actually see from the top, and when visiting Torre dei Lamberti is worth it for your Verona itinerary.
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What Is Torre dei Lamberti?
Torre dei Lamberti is a medieval tower in the center of Verona. It stands in Piazza delle Erbe, one of the busiest and most historic squares in the city. At 84 meters tall, it is the tallest historic building in Verona and one of the most recognizable landmarks in the skyline.
The tower was first built in 1172 by the powerful Lamberti family. Over the centuries it was expanded and restored, eventually reaching its current height. Today it functions as a viewpoint where visitors can climb to the top for wide views across the historic center.
From the observation deck, you get a 360-degree panorama of Verona. You can see the red rooftops of the old town, the Adige River, and many of the city’s main landmarks. Because of its height and central location, Torre dei Lamberti is often promoted as one of the best views in Verona.
Visitors can reach the top in two ways: they can climb through the tower’s spiral staircase or take a paid elevator part of the way up before finishing with a short set of stairs.
Inside the tower are two historic bells. The larger bell, called Rengo, was used to summon citizens or call them to arms during emergencies. The smaller bell, Marangona, marked the hours of the workday and warned the city about fires.
My Experience Climbing Torre dei Lamberti
We decided to climb Torre dei Lamberti instead of taking the elevator. Even though there is a lift available, we wanted to walk up the tower. Personally, it felt like it was more rewarding reaching the top by walking; it’s a complete experience.
The tower has 368 steps. The staircase winds up through a narrow spiral inside the tower. The climb can feel tiring, especially near the top, but it is manageable for most visitors. We took our time and stopped briefly along the way.
When you finally reach the observation deck, the view opens up across Verona. You can see the rooftops of the historic center spreading out in every direction.
However, one detail affects the experience more than many visitors expect. The observation deck is surrounded by a mesh barrier. It is there for safety, but it makes photography difficult.
Climbing Torre dei Lamberti was enjoyable, mainly because the ascent itself adds to the experience. Still, I would only recommend it if you already have the Verona Card and some extra time. The view is pleasant, but the barrier at the top makes the experience a bit less satisfying, especially if you want photos.
Reminder: It is also worth noting that even if you have the Verona Card, the elevator is not included. You still need to pay a small additional fee if you want to use it.
What You Can Actually See
The Torre dei Lamberti view gives you a wide 360-degree panorama of Verona. From the top, you can look out across the historic center and see how the city spreads around the Adige River.
Right below the tower is Piazza delle Erbe. From above, you can clearly see the square, the surrounding buildings, and the busy market area that fills the plaza during the day. The rooftops of the centro storico stretch in every direction, creating the classic red roof skyline that Verona is known for.
On very clear days, you may even see the distant outline of the Alps on the horizon.
The view from Torre dei Lamberti is beautiful and gives you a great perspective of the city. However, for me, Castel San Pietro still offers the best view in Verona and feels more open compared to the tower.
The Barrier Problem (Why Photos Are Difficult)
Just like what I have mentioned above, these barriers around the observation deck, although for safety, can feel like a drawback.
The mesh changes the experience, especially if you want photos. The small grid openings make it difficult to get a clear shot of the view. Your camera often focuses on the mesh instead of the city behind it.
At times the barrier can even make the space feel slightly enclosed. Instead of an open terrace, the viewing area feels more like a protected cage around the tower.
However, if your main goal is simply to enjoy the Torre dei Lamberti view and see Verona from above, the barrier becomes less of an issue. You can still take in the scenery. You just may need a little patience if you want a good photo.
Is Torre dei Lamberti included in the Verona Card?
Yes. Entry to Torre dei Lamberti is included in the Verona Card. The card currently costs about €27 for 24 hours and €32 for 48 hours.
If you have the Verona Card, you can enter the tower without paying the standard ticket price. However, the elevator is not included.
Because of this, Torre dei Lamberti becomes an easy add-on if you already have the Verona Card. The tower sits right in Piazza delle Erbe, so it is convenient to visit while exploring the historic center.
If you are still deciding whether to buy it, you can read my full breakdown of whether the Verona Card is worth it.
Practical Info: Hours, Tickets, and How to Visit
Torre dei Lamberti is located at Via della Costa 2 in Piazza delle Erbe.
Opening hours are generally Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 18:00 and Saturday to Sunday from 11:00 to 19:00. The tower is closed on December 25. Hours can change depending on the season, so it is always a good idea to check before visiting.
If you do not have the Verona Card, you will need to purchase a separate ticket. According to the official website, the standard admission price for Torre dei Lamberti is €6 for adults and €4.50 for reduced tickets, which apply to students, seniors, and children between 8 and 14 years old. Children under 7 can enter for free. If you choose to use the elevator, there is an additional €1 fee.
You can check the most up-to-date prices and details on the official site here: Torre dei Lamberti ticket office.
If you are paying out of pocket, it may also be worth comparing it with other viewpoints in the city. Castel San Pietro, for example, offers one of the best views of Verona, and visiting the terrace there is completely free.
The tower can get crowded during busy periods, especially in the afternoon. To avoid waiting in line, you can contact the tower in advance by emailing torredeilamberti@agec.it or by calling 045 9273027. Phone reservations are available Monday to Friday from 10:15 to 17:15, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 11:15 to 18:15.
In my experience, the visit took about 20 to 30 minutes. That gave us enough time to climb the tower, enjoy the view from the top, and take a few photos before heading back down.
Pro Tip: the bells inside the tower ring every 30 minutes. If you are near them when they ring, the sound can be very loud.
Who Should Visit Torre dei Lamberti (and Who Should Skip It)
Torre dei Lamberti can be a nice experience, but it is not a must-see attraction for every traveler. Whether it is worth visiting depends on your time, budget, and expectations.
Visit if:
- You already have the Verona Card
- You want a viewpoint located directly in the historic center
- You enjoy climbing towers and historic buildings
- You are already visiting Piazza delle Erbe and want a quick activity nearby
Skip if:
- Photography is a priority for you because the mesh barrier affects photos
- You are paying out of pocket and want the best view in the city
- You already visited Castel San Pietro
- You do not enjoy climbing towers or narrow staircases
Is Torre dei Lamberti Worth It?
The view from Torre dei Lamberti is good, and the climb itself can be enjoyable. However, it is not necessarily the best viewpoint in Verona.
The mesh barrier can make photography frustrating. While you can still enjoy the panorama, it limits the ability to take clear photos of the city.
Torre dei Lamberti was a nice experience, but I would not consider it essential unless you already have the Verona Card. For me, Castel San Pietro offers the best view of Verona and feels much more open compared to Torre dei Lamberti.
If you are planning your trip and looking for more places to visit, take a look at my full guide to the best things to do in Verona. It covers the city’s top attractions, viewpoints, and experiences to help you plan your itinerary.
