As I walked through an unassuming archway and first laid my eyes on the world-famous Leaning Tower of Tower, I could hardly believe what I was seeing. The whole structure looks like it is defies gravity.
The tower, combined with the Cathedral and Baptistery make up the monuments of Piazza del Duomo and together they are a formula of unrivalled architecture and have been granted UNESCO World Heritage status.
Its surreal and misshapen appearance (it is more than five meters off perpendicular), never fails to put a smile on the face of those who set their eyes upon it. Another thing that’ll make you laugh is seeing all the tourists doing forced perspective photos.
I took a photo to pretend I was pushing it over, but I think my attempt was pretty tame after seeing photos of people looking like they’re kicking it over, or holding it up against their back. These people have really mastered the art of the force perspective down to a tee.
Why is the Pisa tower leaning?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa leans due to a combination of architectural miscalculations and the soft subsoil on which it was built.
When construction began all the way back in 1173, the tower’s foundation was laid on a shallow base of clay, fine sand, and shells, which is prone to instability.
The higher side of the tower sank less due to more compact subsoil, while the lower side experienced more significant settling. Efforts to correct the tilt have been made over the years, but the lean remains as a testament to the challenges faced during its construction and the delicate balance between human intervention and natural forces.
As fate would have it, the initial miscalculations are what make the tower one of the most beloved buildings in the world!
How to buy your tickets
After buying the tickets, my friend and I waited around until our time slot approached. It’s necessary to be given a time slot because only a limited amount of people can enter the tower at one time.
We didn’t have to wait too long, but I imagine queueing times can be quite lengthy in peak seasons like July and August so it would be a good idea to book tickets online if you’re planning a trip in those months.
There’s also the option to buy a ticket which grants access to all three of the UNESCO buildings but because we were on a budget we decided to just buy a single ticket for the tower.
Inside the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Inside the tower there are almost 300 steps laid in a very narrow stairway, so you must place your bags inside nearby lockers located in the square. Also, as you can see from the photo, the stairs are heavily eroded so flat footwear is advisable.
The tower has seven floors and there are little windows as you wind to peer through and capture the stunning views around the tower as you get higher and higher.
However, it’s not until you reach the top floor that you are granted full access to the spectacular panoramic views across Pisa.
View of the Piazza dei Miracoli from the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The Great Bell
The Leaning Tower of Pisa houses seven bells in its bell chamber. The largest bell is known as the “Great Bell” or “Pasquareccia.”
And here’s a few more photos of the tower…
What else can you do in Pisa?
For more information about combining a visit to Pisa with Florence, take a look at one of my other posts titled ‘Cultural Hotspots: Florence and Pisa in just 48 hours‘.
These cities are only 2-hours apart by train yet offer completely different things to do – I highly recommend visiting both if you can. You can check train times and book tickets in advance to save time and money via the Trainline.com.
Accommodation in Pisa
Hotel Pisa Tower receives a big thumbs up for its location and value. Its elegant decor also makes it the perfect place for a romantic trip away.
If you love places with character, I recommend staying at Rinascimento Bed & Breakfast. It’s a small, intimate B&B less than 10 minutes’ walk from the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The rooms themselves are full of character with period furniture and stunning fresco ceilings. If you’re looking for somewhere unique, this place gets my vote!
Book a tour: If you’d like to beat the crowds and skip the queue, buy your ticket in advance here.
When is the best time to travel to Pisa:
We travelled in May, which I believe to be the perfect time. It’s not too busy and the weather is just right.
We didn’t have to queue for long periods, and we could take in the stunning views of Pisa delivered by the tower without needing to push our way through a hoard of tourists.
19 responses
I’ve always wanted to have a pic from Pisa like your first one! 🙂
great blog!
Get looking for a cheap flight lady! 🙂 Pictures of you holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa await you!
Wonderful pictures. Been there nearly two decades ago. Thank you for the memories. Please have a good Tuesday.
‘Scratch cards? Scratch cards today?’ …my favourite part of the Ryanair experience. OH NO…actually…the jingle when you arrive early! Ha! Great photos! What crazy worn-away stairs! I went to Pisa a couple of years ago but didn’t head up the tower. I was stunned by the Cathedral and Baptistery though…like a very clueless tourist I always just thought there was just a tower…it was a big surprise!!
Haha I couldn’t have described the idiosyncrasies of Ryanair better! Last time I was used them, they were delayed, but not being subjected to the jingle eased my displeasure!
I LOVE the way those stairs have eroded. Though it reminds me of being little and deciding that the best and only way of going downstairs was on my bum. Sliding and bumping all the way down.
Whilst the eroded steps definitely have their charm, they did not however bode well with the heels I was wearing! I was clinging on for dear life, for fear that I’ll be “The Tourist Who Tumbled Down Pisa’s 300 Steps”! But if it was carpeted on the other hand… yes, maybe bum first would be quite an enjoyable ride!
The next time the Pisan authorities need to raise funds for restoration they should just charge small groups of tourists a bit extra to walk to the top, with woven mats, and then let them whizz down as if they were on a helterskelter.
I was there in 2003, but the tower was closed for refurbs. That view from the top is stunning – I’d love to go back and do the climb one day…
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Great post Shing- looking forward to visiting the leaning tower soon. Would you say the climb (300 steps) was worth it?
Hi Ani! If you have the spare cash I would recommend it because the view at the top is stunning and it’s quite fun walking up the narrow steps. Plus it’s not everyday you’re in Pisa and have the chance! However, I went off season so the whole thing was hassle free, that should be taken into consideration. So, I guess my best advice is to assess the crowd.
Looking at it from the outside is the best part of visiting, going inside is the cherry on top but not a necessity! Have a super time when you’re there!
Dang girl! Is that really your booty in that first picture?! Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaang.
Glad someone pointed it out because… Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaang!! That booty is a 10!
11/10 for sure. Woah
Wow…………THIS IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Is that you in the first pic…..beautifull curves …trying not to sound a jerk….but dammmmmmmmmnnnnnnnnnn
Goodness me.
Girl, you are hotter than a bald Australian roofer’s scalp in mid January. Hotter than fresh Arizona asphalt. Spicier than ghost pepper eye drops.
Call me? Lol
(*cat holding a microphone): WOULD…..