21 Jan 2009

Siena

Pb120100

The Torre del Mangia in Siena.

"The Torre del Mangia is a tower in Siena, in the Tuscany region of Italy. Built in 1325-1348, it is located in the Piazza del Campo, Siena's premier square, adiacent to the Palazzo Pubblico (Town Hall). When built it was one of the tallest secular towers in medieval Italy. At 102 m, it is now second only to Cremona's Torrazzo.

The name (meaning "Tower of the Eater") derives from its first guardian, Giovanni di Balduccio, nicknamed Mangiaguadagni for his tendency to spend all his money for food." – Wikipedia