Torre civica e Palazzo Pretorio

Torre Civica was built in 1150 on the remains of Porta Veronensis, the ancient gate to the Roman Tridentum along the Claudia Augusta way. The prince bishop commissioned this fortress in order to defend the square; the tower was about 22 meters high and with walls more than 2 meters tick, it was made of white ammonitic limestone and its aspect was certainly quite massive.

A document dating back to 1224 mentions two bells in the tower, while another one in 1321 states that a certain Giovanni worked there as a prison custodian. As a matter of fact Torre Civica assumed gradually the role of a prison as for Torre Vanga and Torre della Tromba. It hosted six prisoners at a time waiting for the judicial process, which took place in the adjacent Palazzo Pretorio tribunal. Special prison cells were reserved for women (femenèle) and some others for debtors (fermaiola). Prisoners used rusty spikes to write on the walls and we can still appreciate some of these inscriptions, as well as the holes to bring food to the prisoners through the doors.

We know from documents that in 1449 a certain Bartolameo from Rimini was called to Trento in order to manufacture the two bells for Torre Civica. One of them was called “Renga” and it was used to call citizens to the public meeting (“arengo”), while the other one, named “Guardia”, was meant to toll the hours and sound the alarm in case of fire. These two bells were used to dictate the rhythms of daily life in the city, while those of the adjacent Cathedral of San Vigilio were used for religious purposes.

On the occasion of the Council of Trento (1545-1463) the tower was beautified with new frescoes and a new clock. On the square side the painter Gerolamo Fontana painted Saint Vigilio, the patron saint of Trento, and his mother Massenza. These frescoes were renovated in 1723 by the famous painter from Ala Antonio Gresta, but unfortunately today they are no more visible.

During the Concilio and on the occasion of the passage of some important personalities, the tower was illuminated and fireworks were fired from its top.

In August 2015 a fire broke out in the tower and ruined the 18th century “Renga”; due to the very high temperature it turned mute, fell down and its clapper went tumbling down the stairs leaving some evident signs. Instead, the XV secolo “Guardia” was temporarily hosted in a restoration laboratory and so it was luckily preserved. The ancient “Renga” is still visible in the tower but it has been replaced in the cell by a new bell which plays the same note.

The Municipality of Trento carried out restoration works such as the consolidation of walls and the construction of a steel staircase leading to the bell cell with an amazing view on Piazza Duomo. Some signs of fire have been intentionally left on the beams.

Torre Civica is now 43 meters high and is adjacent to the Diocesan Museum, which hosts important masterpieces related to the Council of Trento and temporary exhibitions.