Torre Rognosa (Rognosa Tower), San Gimignano

The Rognosa Tower, also referred to as Clock Tower, or Podestà Tower, stands as one of the tallest and remarkably well-preserved structures in San Gimignano.

Constructed around 1200, the tower originally belonged to the Gregori and Oti family. Rising to an impressive height of nearly 52 meters, it claims the distinction of being the second tallest tower in the town, just slightly shorter than the Big Tower, which reaches 54 meters.

The name "Rognosa" stems from its historical use as a prison after the podestà (chief magistrate) relocated. It became a place visited by those who had transgressed the law, earning it the association with the word "trogne," meaning grimaces or scowls.

The tower boasts an almost square base, crafted from stone with evenly spaced courses. Positioned just above the merlons of the Old Authority Palace, a narrow architraved opening grants access to a small terrace adorned with a protective canopy. Facing the Cistern Square, the tower features a solitary window, while its uppermost floor showcases a roof terrace that served as a secular belfry. This platform was utilized to summon citizens in times of danger or for various reasons unrelated to religious affairs. Eventually, it became the perch for a bell, tolling the hours. The bell cell, with its four arches supported by sturdy pillars, is crowned by a diminutive pyramid adorned with red tiles.

In accordance with a statute dating back to 1255, the construction of towers taller than the Rognosa was forbidden to private citizens. However, this provision was disregarded by the influential Guelph family of the Salvucci, who erected two matching towers in close proximity. Soon after, the rival Ardinghelli family followed suit with their own pair of towers. However, all four towers were subsequently truncated, resulting in their current lower stature compared to the Rognosa.