The tower predates the Municipal Palace and was originally much taller, also serving as a beacon for sailors.

In 1599, its height was reduced by about half, and a Baroque-style bell chamber was added.

In 1789, a wrought-iron balcony was installed, along with a niche to house a terracotta statue of the Madonna del Lago, the patron saint of Bertinoro. In 1816, a disciplinary cell was created beneath the tower; over time, this space was later used as a café and subsequently as the headquarters of the local fire brigade.

In 1934, during the restoration of the tower and the façade of the town hall, the 17th-century clock was replaced with the current one, and its position on the side of the tower was also changed.

The bells, which still mark the passage of time today, bear the engraved date of their casting—1516—along with the municipal coat of arms and the image of the Madonna del Lago.