Torre di Arnolfo

The tower-house known as Arnolfo Tower is traditionally identified as the birthplace of Arnolfo di Cambio in Colle di Val d'Elsa.

Why it matters

Arnolfo di Cambio, a major architect and sculptor of the late thirteenth century, is associated with works in Florence including the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Palazzo Vecchio. The tower is part of Colle's local identity, though its connection with Arnolfo rests on tradition rather than documentary proof.

What to notice

The narrow stone tower-house and the facing Torre dei Pasci are rare survivors of the medieval skyline of the Castello quarter. Interior frescoes by twentieth-century Colle artist Gino Terreni draw on the Libro dell'Arte of Cennino Cennini, another figure associated with the town.

Context and history

The birthplace identification is a longstanding local tradition; nineteenth-century historian Luigi Biadi claimed the tower was built to Arnolfo's design, but this is not established by documentary evidence. The building later housed Terreni's studio. The Municipality acquired the tower, and public discussion of its history has formed part of Colle's cultural programme.