Photograph and climb to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of Europe’s most famous structures and one of Italy’s national icons. The tower was built to serve as the campanile to the Duomo behind it, although its awkward leaning angle has caused the tower to upstage the cathedral. Once you’ve taken your photographs, explore the rest of the Piazza dei Miracoli to learn about the history and architecture of the Leaning Tower and its neighbouring buildings.
If you think that the Leaning Tower looks precarious today, consider that it used to sit sat at an angle more than double its current pitch of 3.99 degrees. Crafty engineering brought about the reduction in tilt. As a result, it is completely safe to climb to the top of the tower today, despite the soft soil beneath it.
You’ll most likely have to wait in a long queue to access the tower. Use this time to marvel at the Piazza dei Miracoli’s other structures. Once you’ve reached the entrance, attend a short introduction to the tower to learn more about its history and design.
Before ascending the 296 steps up to the viewing platform, you must leave your larger belongings in storage on the ground floor. Make sure not to leave your camera behind, since the view from the top of the tower is worth documenting. See the Duomo stretched out beneath you in the midst of the lawns of the Piazza dei Miracoli. Look out over Pisa and see the mountains on the horizon to the east.
Climb down to the eighth floor to see the medieval bells of the campanile. Strange animal statues decorate the tower’s lower floors.
The Leaning Tower lies in Pisa’s historic centre. Reach it on foot from anywhere within the city or by bus or car from further out. Drivers can park securely for a fee on Via Pietrasantina, which lies within a short walk of the piazza.
The tower is open daily. Buy tickets at the door or purchase them in advance online. Bundle tickets are available that will get you into multiple Pisa attractions at a discount.
