Bologna, 1219 A marriage is arranged between Fabio Richi and Giulietta Catalani and the families agree to build two towers, almost within touching distance, to represent the union. The wedding date is set for Christmas Day 1222 and so the race is on to get both towers completed in time. Bologna is a prosperous city state, its skyline cluttered with strange towers built by all the leading families. Signore Leonardo Richi decides that his tower will be the tallest and appoints the city's leading architect to take control of the build. He also has plans to take over control of the City Council and has the help of his evil Protector, Massimo Marinelli. His main rival is his own brother Cardinale Pietro, the Bishop of Bologna. Bologna is suddenly sent into decline by a series of earthquakes and successive poor harvests. When the population is on the verge of starvation, the people look for a strong leader to help them survive and to restore the city to its former glory. Which of the Richi brothers will emerge to fill the power vacuum? As her wedding approaches, Giulietta finds herself falling in love with Luca the son of the builder in charge of the Catalani Tower. How can she marry Fabio Richi when her heart belongs to another? This is a story of ruthless ambition, of a passionate and forbidden love and, most of all, the story of the tallest tower ever built in the city of Bologna.