At ashort distancefrom Piazza Maggiore you'll find the Towers, symbols of Bologna. The Torre degli Asinelli, which belonged to an important local family, was built at the beginning of the 12th century. It is the taller of the two towers being about 98 m.
It is open to the public and if you want, you can climb to the top but, be warned, you'll have to climb 498 steps.
The Torre della Garisenda dates back to the 11th century. It was lowered around 1360 for fear it would collapse.
Not far away you'll see the Piazza della Mercanzia, famous for its outstanfing Loggia dei Mercanti.

This is a gothic stone building built byAntonio di Vincenzo between 1384 and 1391.Several old buildings with wooden porticoes look onto the square.

Leaving the towers behind and walking down the porticoes of Strada Maggiore you'll get to Palazzo Davia Bargellini, planned around 1638

Its balcony is supported by two huge stone figures. Inside there is an impressive staircase dating back to the 18th century, the Museo d'Arte Industriale (Industrial Art Museum) and the Galleria Davia Bargellini.
Here you'll find 4,500 pieces of local 15th to 18th century local craft, especially Renaissance and Baroque furniture.

Opposite Palazzo Davia Bargellini is the portico of the Church of Santa Maria dei Servi.
It was built in the 14th century, with four sides and a central square in front of the church.
Thin columns and terracotta decorations distinguish the portico.

The church was planned like a basilica and built in 1346. It was later extended in the 15th century. Brick pillars support Gothic vaults. A Madonna by Cimabue is worth seeing