Located in the heart of the historic centre, it remains a defining landmark of the city. The other two gates—Torre Belfredo and Porta Altinate—are today marked only by their foundations.

Mestre’s fortifications evolved from the 11th century onwards, with two separate castles constructed over time: Castelvecchio and Castelnuovo. The larger, later fortress was completed in 1405, featuring a shield-shaped defensive wall stretching over a kilometre, punctuated by towers and turrets.

Initially serving as a gate for monitoring the movement of goods, the Civic Tower retained a defensive function until the 17th century, when it was intersected by a roadway and fitted with a public clock. Over the years, it has gone by several names: Torre di San Lorenzo, Torre delle Ore, Torre dell’Orologio, and now Torre Civica.

Following major restoration work, the Civic Tower reopened in 2007 as a cultural venue and information point, run by the Pro Loco Mestre Association. Visitors can now explore all floors, accessed via an external staircase modelled on medieval siege ladders. Inside, an exhibition of 11 bilingual panels outlines the evolution of Mestre, supported by 3D models and archaeological finds. The top floor offers a satellite view of the city and a projection of archival images, offering a compelling glimpse into Mestre’s urban and social history.

Photographs of the Civic Tower by Giorgio Bombieri – City of Venice.

Turret at Ponci Park

Discover other points of interest

Belfredo Tower & Mestre's Lost Walls

Civic Tower of Mestre

Porta Altinate