The "Torre dei Lamberti", which was later incorporated in the Palazzo del Comune, was begun in 1172as a status symbol of the powerful family Lamberti, who had built it. It was finished in 1448-64 with an octagonal belfry for a global height of 84 metres. Since the tower has always been of public interest, in 1295 the two largest bells were placed, whose ancient names still survive: "rengo" for the meetings and "marangona" to show the danger of fire.