Torre di Matilde

The Tower of Matilde beside San Miniato's cathedral began as part of the town's medieval defences and later became the cathedral bell tower.

Why it matters

The tower's changing functions connect San Miniato's military, civic and religious histories. Its name reflects a local tradition linking Matilde di Canossa with the town, although the story of her birth there is not documented.

What to notice

The Romanesque stone tower stands beside the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta e San Genesio on Piazza Duomo. A clock was installed in 1438, and the tower was later incorporated into the cathedral's apse end. Its masonry and position preserve its earlier role in the town's defences.

Context and history

The tower was built in the late twelfth century, during the period when Emperor Henry VI stayed in San Miniato, and originally formed part of the town walls. It acquired a clock in 1438 and was joined to the cathedral in the late fifteenth century. The name Torre di Matilde comes from a tradition associating the nearby Palazzo dei Vicari with Matilde di Canossa; the claim that she was born there is unproven.