Torre Troyana

The Torre Troyana, also known as the Torre dell'Orologio, is one of the most iconic architectural symbols of Asti, a charming city nestled in the heart of Italy's Piedmont region. Standing proudly in the San Secondo district, adjacent to the Palazzo Ducale or the Governor's Palace, this medieval tower offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the area.

The Architecture of Torre Troyana

Reaching an impressive height of 44 meters, the Torre Troyana is a striking example of medieval construction. The tower features a square base measuring 5.90 meters on each side, with a smooth, closed shaft that ascends gracefully towards the sky. The structure is adorned with three bands, each delineated by stone cornices, and large bifore windows that allow light to filter through, creating a mesmerizing play of shadows within.

The tower is crowned with a Ghibelline-style battlement, characterized by its distinctive swallowtail merlons. Above this battlement, a prominent metal pinnacle shelters the still-functioning clock, a testament to the tower's enduring legacy as a timekeeper for the city.

The Construction and History

The foundations of the Torre Troyana were laid between the late 12th and early 13th centuries, reflecting the construction techniques typical of that era. While the original owners remain unknown, it is believed that they were members of the ancient consular patriciate, a class gradually overshadowed by the emerging merchant class who amassed wealth through international trade, currency exchange, and lending.

In the early 13th century, the Troya family, a prosperous lineage of bankers, acquired the incomplete tower. Around 1250, they initiated the construction of the three floors of bifore windows, and by the late 13th century, they completed the tower with its ornate merloned crown.

In 1420, the Asinari family, who had become the tower's proprietors, gifted it to the Municipality of Asti, with the stipulation that a clock be installed. By the mid-14th century, the tower and the adjacent Troya properties were incorporated into a grand palace, which became the residence of the Governors of Asti under the rule of the Dukes of Orleans.

In 1422, Filippo Maria Visconti, the regent of the County of Asti, relocated the Governors' residence to the new castle in the citadel and granted the use of the palace to the Municipality. Consequently, the Torre Troyana became the civic tower, housing the clock from the previous communal tower in Piazza San Secondo, which had collapsed in 1680. In 1470, the bifore windows were closed, and the tower was topped with the current sloping roof and spire, which served as a bell chamber.

Despite subsequent relocations of the municipal seat, the tower remained under public use. In 1560, Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, the Count of Asti, officially donated the tower to the city, cementing its status as a civic landmark. The tower underwent its first restoration in 1905, which included the reopening of the bifore windows and structural reinforcement.

The Bell

The Torre Troyana's bell, dating back to the 16th century, is among the oldest in Piedmont and continues to chime the hours to this day. Only the bell of San Giorgio Church in Chieri, now housed in a museum, predates it, having been cast between 1452 and 1455.

Historical records from 1531 mention the casting of a new bell and the repair of the clock. A polyptych by Gandolfino da Roreto, dated 1518 and now part of the Cassa di Risparmio di Genova collection, depicts Saint Secundus, the patron saint of Asti, holding the city with the Torre Troyana prominently featured, confirming the bell and clock's presence in their current form.

The bell boasts a diameter and height of 120 cm, weighs approximately 14 quintals, and is tuned to the note E. It bears an inscription in Gothic script and features depictions of the Archangel Michael, the Madonna and Child, a Crucifixion scene with the Madonna and Saint John, the city emblem with the word AST, and an image of the Pietà of Christ rising from the tomb.

Conclusion

The Torre Troyana is not just an architectural marvel; it is a living testament to the history and culture of Asti. Its towering presence, historical significance, and enduring functionality as a timekeeper make it an essential stop for anyone visiting this picturesque Italian city. As you stand beneath its shadow, you can't help but feel a connection to the centuries of history that have unfolded within its walls.