Tallest Buildings in Italy: Exploring 30 Most Iconic Buildings

Milan Skyline photo by asbruff

Fascinated by towering structures and breathtaking architecture? Many enthusiasts like you seek to explore the heights of human creativity. You are not alone in your quest to discover iconic buildings. With our expertise in Italy’s architectural wonders, we will guide you through 30 tall buildings, highlighting their unique features and cultural significance.

Here’s the plan:

  • Investigate historical marvels
  • Explore modern skyscrapers
  • Discover residential and mixed-use buildings

Continue reading to start this architectural adventure. By the end, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Italy’s diverse skyline and the stories behind these masterpieces.

Historical Tall Buildings

Milan Cathedral photo by Roberto Monti

stood the test of time. Ancient Rome has significantly influenced Italy’s historical tall buildings. In this section, we will explore some of the most iconic historical tall buildings in Italy, showcasing a unique blend of architectural styles that reflect the evolution of architecture over time.

1. Mole Antonelliana

Mole Antonelliana photo by Albrecht Köhler

The Mole Antonelliana is a historic landmark building in Turin, Italy. It was originally built as a synagogue in the late 19th century, but it is now home to the National Museum of Cinema. The building stands at 167.5 meters tall, making it one of the tallest buildings in Italy. It has a unique shape, with a dome that rises to a point, and it is a popular tourist attraction in Turin.

2. Torre del Mangia

Torre del Mangia photo by Mike.albrecht

The Torre del Mangia is a tower in Siena, Italy. It was built in the 14th century and stands at 102 meters tall. The tower is part of the Palazzo Pubblico, which is the town hall of Siena. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the city.

3. Milan Cathedral

Milan Cathedral photo by Jiuguang Wang

The Milan Cathedral, also known as the Duomo di Milano, is a prime example of Gothic architecture and a Gothic cathedral in Milan, Italy. It is the largest church in Italy and the fourth largest in the world. The cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete, and it stands at 108.5 meters tall. Visitors can climb to the top of the cathedral for a stunning view of Milan.

4. St. Mark’s Campanile

St. Mark’s Campanile photo by Rob Young

St. Mark’s Campanile is a bell tower of the Catholic Church in Venice, Italy. It was originally built in the 9th century, but it has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current tower stands at 98.6 meters tall and offers a breathtaking view of Venice.

5. Torre degli Asinelli

Torre degli Asinelli photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra

The Torre degli Asinelli is a tower in Bologna, Italy. It was built in the 12th century and stands at 97.2 meters tall. The tower is part of a pair of towers, the other being the Torre Garisenda, which is slightly shorter. Visitors can climb to the top of the Torre degli Asinelli for a panoramic view of Bologna.

See Also : Famous Italian Buildings

Modern Skyscrapers

Milan Skyline photo by Antonello

Italy has a rich history of architecture, and it is no surprise that the country has some of the most iconic and modern skyscrapers in Europe. These modern skyscrapers have become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. In this section, we will explore the most notable modern skyscrapers in Italy.

6. Torre UniCredit

Torre UniCredit photo by FlavMi

The Torre UniCredit, a famous landmark, is located in Milan and stands at a height of 231 meters, making it the tallest skyscraper in Italy. The building was designed by architect Cesar Pelli and completed in 2011. It houses the headquarters of UniCredit, one of Italy’s largest banks. The tower has 33 floors and is characterized by its unique shape, which resembles a curved sail. The building’s facade is made of glass and steel, and it is illuminated at night, making it a prominent feature of Milan’s skyline.

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7. Allianz Tower

The Allianz Tower is located in Milan and is the second tallest skyscraper in Italy, standing at a height of 209 meters. The tower was designed by architect Arata Isozaki and completed in 2015. The building has 50 floors and is characterized by its sculptural volume with fronts clad in glass panels. The tower has 47 floors for office use and is the tallest skyscraper in Italy in terms of walkable surface.

8. Piedmont Region Headquarters

Piedmont Region Headquarters photo by Gianni Careddu

The Piedmont Region Headquarters, also known as the Regione Piemonte Tower, is located in Turin and stands at a height of 209 meters. The building was designed by architect Massimiliano Fuksas and completed in 2022. The tower has 43 floors and is characterized by its unique shape, which resembles a twisted blade. The building’s facade is made of glass and steel, and it is illuminated at night, making it a prominent feature of Turin’s skyline.

9. Pirelli Tower

Pirelli Tower photo by Daniel Case

The Pirelli Tower (or Pirelli Building), located in Milan, stands at a height of 127.1 meters. It was designed by architect Gio Ponti in collaboration with Pier Luigi Nervi and was completed in 1960. The tower is notable for being one of the first skyscrapers in Europe to feature a curtain wall facade system. It consists of 32 floors and is characterized by its slender form and distinctive diamond-shaped facade, which has become an iconic part of Milan’s skyline.

10. Torre Breda

Torre Breda photo by Giacomo Contratto 

Torre Breda, located in Milan, Italy, stands at approximately 117 meters tall and has 30 floors. It was designed by architect Matté Trucco and completed in 1957. The tower originally served as the headquarters for the Breda company and has since accommodated various commercial uses over the years. Torre Breda is a significant feature of Milan’s skyline, reflecting the city’s post-war architectural heritage.

See Also : Famous Buildings

Residential Buildings

Porta Nuova district photo by Goldmund100

Italy is home to some of the most iconic residential buildings in the world. Italian Renaissance architecture has significantly influenced the design and aesthetics of these structures. From the stunning Bosco Verticale to the Torre Solaria, these buildings are evidence of the country’s architectural prowess. In this section, we will explore five of the most notable residential buildings in Italy.

11. Torre Solaria

Torre Solaria photo by Stefan Oberreuter

Located in the Porta Nuova district of Milan, Italy, Torre Solaria is a 37-story residential tower standing approximately 143 meters tall. Completed in 2013, the building was designed by the Miami-based architectural firm Arquitectonica. It features a modern design characterized by a glass curtain wall that allows ample natural light into the apartments.

12. Bosco Verticale

Bosco Verticale photo by Marco Trovò

Bosco Verticale, which translates to “Vertical Forest,” is a pair of residential towers located in the Porta Nuova district of Milan. Designed by the Italian architect Stefano Boeri, the towers were completed in 2014 and stand at heights of 111 meters (363 feet) and 76 meters (249 feet) respectively. They are covered in more than 20,000 trees and plants, which significantly improve the air quality in the city. Each tower features balconies on every floor, providing residents with stunning views of the city.

13. Torre Pontina

Torre Pontina photo by Davide Aversa

Located in the city of Latina, Torre Pontina is a 27-story residential tower that stands 120 meters tall. Completed in 2010, the tower was designed by the Italian architectural firm Studio Valle. It features a unique shape reminiscent of a pyramid and is covered in a glass curtain wall that allows plenty of natural light into the apartments. The tower also boasts a rooftop garden offering stunning views of the city.

14. Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace photo by Mik2001

Crystal Palace in Brescia, Italy, was constructed between 1988 and 1992 based on a design by architect Bruno Fedrigolli (1921–1995). It stands 110 meters (360 feet) tall with 27 floors above ground and 3 underground, making it the tallest skyscraper in Brescia at the time. It features a distinctive blue glass exterior, houses a commercial gallery on the ground floor, and includes a 600 m2 helipad atop.

15. Grattacielo di Rimini

Grattacielo di Rimini photo by Emanuele

Grattacielo di Rimini, completed in 1959 and designed by engineer Raoul Puhali, stands approximately 101.50 meters tall with 28 floors above ground. Located near Rimini’s train station and 300 meters from the beach, it houses 180 apartments and offices. The skyscraper features 6 rapid lifts, commercial establishments on the podium level, and amenities including a 24-hour concierge and underground garage with 70 parking spaces.

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Commercial and Office Buildings

Milan, Italy photo by KaiKemmann

Italy has many commercial and office buildings that are not only functional but also architecturally stunning. Some of these buildings are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their cultural significance. This section explores some of the most iconic commercial and office buildings in Italy.

16. Generali Tower

Generali Tower photo by Plflcn

The Generali Tower, also known as Lo Storto or Torre Hadid, is a 191.5-meter (628-foot) skyscraper completed in 2017 in Milan, Italy. Designed by Zaha Hadid, it boasts a distinctive, twisting shape and houses the headquarters of Assicurazioni Generali, the world’s third-largest insurance group.

This video is made by The Central Business District

17. Torre Intesa Sanpaolo

Torre Intesa Sanpaolo photo by David Orban

The Grattacielo Intesa Sanpaolo in Turin, Italy, stands as the third tallest building in the city, reaching a height of 166 meters. Completed in 2014, this Renzo Piano-designed skyscraper serves as the headquarters for the banking group Intesa Sanpaolo. It features a rooftop greenhouse, public restaurant Piano35, and a LEED Platinum certification for its sustainable design, including photovoltaic panels on its southern facade.

18. Palazzo Lombardia

Palazzo Lombardia photo by renagrisa

Palazzo Lombardia is a 161-meter, 43-story office complex in Milan, Italy. Completed in 2010, it serves as the headquarters for the Lombardy regional government and is located in Milan’s Centro Direzionale di Milano. Designed by Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, the skyscraper won the 2012 International Architecture Award for its innovative design, briefly holding the title of Milan’s tallest building until 2011.

19. Unipol Tower

Unipol Tower photo by Kalel77

The Unipol Tower in Bologna, Italy, stands 127 meters (417 ft) tall with 33 stories. Completed in 2012, it serves as the headquarters for Unipol Bank, featuring 13,000 square meters of office and retail space. Designed by OpenProject, it holds LEED gold certification for its environmental innovations and is Bologna’s tallest building, ranking as the 12th tallest in Italy.

20. Matitone

Matitone photo by Twice25 , Rinina25

The Matitone, or San Benigno North Tower, is a distinctive skyscraper in Genoa, Italy, completed in 1992. it stands 105 meters tall, Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Mario Lanata, and Andrea Messina, it serves as a major business center housing administrative offices for the Municipality of Genoa and urban development services.

21. Libeskind Tower

Libeskind Tower photo by Ibex73

Libeskind Tower, also known as Torre Libeskind or “Il Curvo,” is a skyscraper in Milan’s CityLife district. Designed by Daniel Libeskind, it stands at 175 meters (574 feet). The tower’s distinctive curved design houses office spaces, serving as the headquarters for PwC Italy. Completed in 2020, it is a key part of the CityLife redevelopment project.

Mixed-Use Buildings

Torre Littoria photo by Guilhem Vellut

Mixed-use buildings are structures that contain a combination of different types of spaces, such as residential, commercial, and office spaces. The following subsections explore some of the most iconic mixed-use buildings in Italy, which stand alongside the country’s iconic landmarks like the Doge’s Palace in Venice and the Colosseum in Rome.

22. Torre Eurosky

Torre Eurosky photo by
Blackcat

Torre Eurosky is a 32-story skyscraper located in Rome, Italy. Completed in 2012, it stands at a height of 155 meters and contains a mix of office and residential spaces. The building, designed by Franco Purini and Laura Thermes, features a distinctive curved façade. The top floors are occupied by luxury apartments, while the lower floors contain offices and retail spaces.

23. Galfa Tower

Galfa Tower photo by Guilhem Vellut

The Galfa Tower is a 31-story skyscraper located in Milan, Italy. Completed in 1959 and designed by Melchiorre Bega, it stands at 109 meters. The building, known for its International Style architecture, features curtain walls made of glass and aluminum. Originally built for the Sarom company, it now houses mixed-use spaces including residential, commercial, and office areas​.

24. Torre Littoria

Torre Littoria photo by Manuelarosi

Torre Littoria, also known as Torre della Vittoria, is a 19-story skyscraper located in Turin, Italy. Completed in 1934, it stands at a height of 87 meters and was one of the first skyscrapers built in Italy. The building was designed by architects Armando Melis de Villa and Gino Maggi and features a distinctive Rationalist style. It was originally built as a headquarters for the National Fascist Party and now contains a mix of residential and office spaces.

25. Torre Piacentini

Torre Piacentini photo by Alessio Sbarbaro

Torre Piacentini is a 31-story skyscraper located in Genoa, Italy. Completed in 1940, it stands at a height of 108 meters and was the tallest building in Italy at the time of its completion. The building was designed by Marcello Piacentini. It contains a mix of residential, commercial, and office spaces.

This video is made by Alaide Fiorillo

Iconic and Unique Structures

Genoa skyline photo by fabrizio.binello

Italy is home to some of the most famous landmarks and unique structures in the world. These buildings are not only impressive in terms of their height but also their design and architecture. In this section, we will explore four of the most iconic and unique structures in Italy.

26. Torre Diamante

Torre Diamante photo by mauro gambini

Torre Diamante, located in Milan, is a 30-story skyscraper that stands at a height of 140 meters. Among Milan’s famous landmarks, the building was designed by the architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and completed in 2012. It is known for its unique diamond-shaped structure, which gives it a distinct appearance. The building primarily houses office spaces.

27. Torre San Vincenzo

Torre San Vincenzo photo by Arbalete

Torre San Vincenzo is a prominent skyscraper located in Genoa, Italy. Standing at approximately 105 meters tall, it is one of the tallest buildings in the city. The tower serves both residential and commercial purposes, providing modern apartments and office spaces with various amenities. Its distinctive height and design make it a significant landmark in Genoa’s urban landscape.

28. Gioia 22 Tower

Gioia 22 Tower photo by Alerove

Gioia 22 Tower, located in Milan, is a 26-story skyscraper that stands at a height of 120 meters. The building was completed in 2021 and was designed by the architecture firm Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects. It is known for its sustainable design and energy efficiency. The building primarily houses office spaces.

29. Torre Europarco

Torre Europarco photo by Blackcat

Torre Europarco, located in Rome, is a 31-story skyscraper that stands at a height of 120 meters. The building was completed in 2010 and was designed by architect Massimiliano Fuksas. It is known for its modern design and is part of the Europarco Business Park. The building houses offices and is known for its sustainability features.

Future Projects

30. Milano Santa Giulia

Santa Giulia area building yard photo by yoruno

Milano Santa Giulia is a large-scale urban redevelopment project in the eastern part of Milan, Italy. The area, heavily impacted during World War II, has been redeveloped to transform a former industrial area into a modern, sustainable district. It features a mix of residential buildings, office spaces, retail outlets, and cultural amenities. The development includes buildings of various heights, with some planned to be among the taller structures in the area. Emphasizing sustainability, the project incorporates green spaces, renewable energy sources, and eco-friendly practices.

Tallest Buildings in Italy: A Recap

Milan Skyline photo by Daniel Case

Italy’s architectural landscape is a fascinating blend of historical grandeur and modern innovation. From ancient towers like Torre del Mangia and the iconic Mole Antonelliana to contemporary skyscrapers like Torre UniCredit and Bosco Verticale, the country showcases a rich diversity in design and functionality. Each building tells its own story, contributing to Italy’s cultural heritage and offering stunning views of its cities and landscapes. Whether steeped in history or pushing the boundaries of modern architecture, these structures underscore Italy’s status as a global architectural treasure trove.

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