The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located in Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) in Pisa, Tuscany, Italy. Being one of the most recognizable landmarks in Italy, it forms part of a larger complex comprising the Cathedral of Pisa, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto Monumentale cemetery. This historic bell tower was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and attracts millions of tourists each year, many of whom come not just to marvel at its beauty but also to take the famous “holding up the tower” photos
History of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa has an exciting history that dates back to the 12th century. Its construction commenced in 1173 and was completed almost 200 years later in 1372. The main reasons for the long construction period were political turmoil and wars within the region.
Designed to be the free-standing bell tower of the Pisa Cathedral, the famous tilt of the tower started almost immediately after construction began because of the unstable, soft ground it was built on. The builders were able to complete only three floors before construction ceased, which gave architects an opportunity to figure out a solution to the problem. Unfortunately, when construction resumed late in the 13th century, the tilt continued.
Architects and Builders Behind the Tower
Although Bonanno Pisano is generally credited as the original architect, other historians cite another architect named Diotisalvi as a contributor. The final stages of construction were supervised by Giovanni di Simone, who continued to build even though the tower already showed a pronounced lean.
Why Does the Leaning Tower Lean?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa was constructed on swampy, soft soil. The ground the tower stands on is composed of clay, fine sand, and shells, which were not able to bear the weight of the structure. As the foundation began to sink on one side, the tower started leaning.
Attempts to Correct the Tilt
Attempts to straighten or halt the movement of the tower have been made over many centuries. In the 14th century, builders tried to compensate by building one side of the tower higher than the other—a solution that only made matters worse.
More sophisticated methods to steady the tower were sought in the 20th century. From 1990 until 2001, the Leaning Tower was closed to the public while a major restoration project was undertaken. Engineers tried to reduce the lean by removing soil from beneath the high side and using counterweights. The efforts reduced the tilt by about 40 centimeters and made the tower safe again for visitors.
Architectural Details: A Wonder of Medieval Design
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a representation of Romanesque architecture. Despite its flawed foundation, there are so many minute details in the design that it is indeed one of the exemplary structures of medieval times.
Height and Structure
It stands about 56 meters on the higher side and 55.86 meters on the lower side due to the tilt. It has a total of eight stories, with the topmost chamber housing the seven bells. The tower tapers toward the top, with rows of gray and white marble columns banding it.
The Bells of the Tower
At the top of the tower are seven bells, each tuned to a different musical note. The bells were meant to ring out for religious ceremonies; however, their weight contributed to the instability of the tower over the years. Today, they are an integral part of the tower but are seldom rung to prevent further movement.
Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Planning a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa? Here’s everything you need to know to make your visit as complete as possible.
Getting to Pisa
Pisa is located in the heart of Tuscany and can easily be reached by train, car, or even bus. All these accessible modes of transportation make Pisa just an hour away from major Italian cities: for example, an hour by train from Florence, or three hours by train from Rome. Pisa also has an airport, Galileo Galilei International Airport, with connections to several European destinations.
Tickets and Entrance
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is open to visitors, but because it’s such a delicate structure, tickets are limited each day. It is highly advisable to book your tickets in advance, particularly during high tourist seasons. Tickets include timed entry, which allows visitors to climb the 294 steps to the top of the tower.
Climbing the Tower
Climbing the Leaning Tower is quite an experience, though certainly not for the faint of heart. You will feel the tilt of the tower as you make your way up the spiral staircase to the top for stunning panoramic views of Piazza dei Miracoli, the city of Pisa, and the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
Piazza dei Miracoli: More Than Just the Tower
While the Leaning Tower is definitely the headliner, Piazza dei Miracoli has several other beautiful structures to see, including:
- Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa): An imposing Romanesque cathedral featuring marble facades with complex inlays and a bronze door by Bonanno Pisano.
- Baptistery of St. John: The largest baptistery in Italy, renowned for its acoustics and an exquisite pulpit carved by Nicola Pisano.
- Camposanto Monumentale: A quiet cemetery that is said to have been built on sacred soil brought from Jerusalem during the Crusades.
Fun Facts About the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- The Tilt is Getting Better: While the Leaning Tower originally leaned at an angle of 5.5 degrees, restoration efforts have reduced the tilt to about 4 degrees. That may not sound like much, but it has helped prolong the tower’s lifespan.
- Galileo’s Experiment: Legend has it that Galileo Galilei dropped two spheres of different masses from the tower to show that their fall was independent of their weight.
- Leaning for Centuries: The Leaning Tower has stood for over 850 years despite its tilt, a testament to its strength and to the ingenuity of those who have worked to preserve it.
- Tourist Hotspot: More than a million people visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy.
Best Time to Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Pisa has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. It is best to visit in spring (April to June) or in autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller. During the summer months, Pisa can get very crowded and hot, with temperatures often rising above 30°C.
Extensive restoration and preservation efforts have been made to stabilize the Leaning Tower of Pisa. To date, modern engineers closely monitor the tower’s movements, and new technologies are helping to reduce further risks of leaning or collapse. Thanks to these efforts, it is predicted that the tower will remain standing for at least 200 more years, ensuring that future generations will also have the opportunity to marvel at this unique structure.
Conclusion
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is more than just a tilted tower; it is a symbol of resilience, a testament to human ingenuity, and one of Italy’s favorite attractions. Whether you’re fascinated by its architectural history or just want to take a fun photo, a visit to the Leaning Tower is not easily forgotten.
Next time you’re in Italy, be sure to stop by Pisa and witness this marvel that has been defying gravity for centuries.
