Civic Tower of Scandiano

Gateway to the town and symbol of time

The Civic Tower (Torre Civica), also known as the Clock Tower (Torre dell’Orologio), stands along Via Magati as one of the most recognizable landmarks in Scandiano's historic center. Commissioned by Feltrino Boiardo during the first half of the 15th century, it originally served as the principal fortified gate controlling access to the medieval walled town in conjunction with the defensive layout of the adjacent Rocca.

By the Renaissance era, the tower's military function merged with civic life. An early clock mechanism was installed as early as 1548, positioned to face the nearby market square where it became a focal point for daily activities and local trade.

The bells within the belfry (cella campanaria) have marked the rhythm of community life for centuries: the Smaller Bell, blessed in 1543 by Pope Paul III during a papal visit, the Larger Bell, cast in 1577 and historically tolled to rally the population during natural disasters, epidemics, wartime emergencies, or key civic declarations.

Both bells feature high-relief engravings of Scandiano's historic coat of arms, which differs from its modern counterpart by depicting a ladder emblem (scala) without the imperial eagle.

The ancient mechanical movement remains fully operational today, functioning through a traditional arrangement of ropes, counterweights, and pulleys. Its chimes continue to echo throughout the historic quarter.

• The Clock Face: facing via Magati, this distinctive dial features a single hand mounted on a central pin shaped like a stylized sun motif.

• The Patron Saint's Niche: positioned directly beneath the clock face, a niche originally displayed a fresco of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, patron saint of Scandiano. To preserve its structural integrity, the original fresco has been moved to the Town Hall (Municipio).

Today, the Civic Tower remains a vital gateway and civic landmark, bridging Scandiano's military past with its urban identity.