Alongside are the buildings of the late medieval and renaissance period, the ancient Torre dei Lamberti, which offer splendid views of the city, and the still older Gardello Tower. Work commenced on the Lamberti tower (which is made from tufa and brick) in 1172; it was built in stages, and finally completed between 1448 and 1464 with the addition of an octagonal bell-tower at the top of a window with three lights.