The Lamberti Tower, also known as the "Bell Tower", is the tallest in the city at 84 metres. Built in 1172, it stands on the site of the ancient Roman forum, probably by Bozeno de Lamberto, a member of an important merchant family. The tower of the Lamberti tower is a striking example of the custom among wealthy families in medieval times of building tower houses to live in or residences flanked by towers to take refuge in. People felt the need to protect themselves during the internal struggles between the Guelph and Ghibelline families. The initial 37-metre construction reflected the Veronese Romanesque style, with alternating brick and tuff stone facing. It was incorporated into the Palazzo del Consiglio (Council Building) and in 1295 was equipped with two bells, the Rengo and the Marangona. The largest, the Rengo (from arengo, place of public assemblies), was used to summon people to public meetings or in case of danger. In terms of size, it is second only to the main bell of Verona Cathedral in the Veneto region. The chimes of the Marangona (marangon is Venetian for carpenter), however, signalled the end of the working day to the craftsmen and warned of fires. Due to a lightning strike in 1403 that destroyed the top section, the octagonal bell tower was built between 1448 and 1463, and the clock was added around 1795. The climb to the top of the tower can be done on foot, using the 368 steps of the staircase inside, or by lift. The climb offers a spectacular, privileged view of the historic city of Verona.