Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Torre pendente di Pisa in Italian) or just the Tower of Pisa is a free-standing bell tower or Campanile of the cathedral in the Italian city of Pisa. Located behind the cathedral, it is the third oldest structure in Pisa’s Cathedral Square or Piazza del Doumo.

Intended to stand vertically, like any other structure, the tower unfortunately started leaning to the southeast immediately after the construction was completed. Investigations revealed that poor foundation work and loose soil were chiefly responsible for this architectural fault. However this fault is precisely what has made this structure so famous and a tourist attraction.

Since the tower leans at an angle of 3.97º, its height varies in terms of the lean. In other words, the height of the tower is 183.27 ft from the ground on the lowest side, while it measures 186.02 ft on the highest side. The tower weighs approximately 14,500 metric tons or 16,000 short tons. And there are 294 steps to the top.

Even though Pisa is synonymous with its Leaning Tower, but to be honest about it, it is just one of the many beautiful monuments in Campa dei Miracoli, which is the city main square. As a matter of fact, Pisa has many historical sites - there are many other wonderful examples of architectural splendor, known as “Pisan Romanesque” and marked by their black and white marble fascia.

Since most of Pisa has managed to retain its medieval past, evidencing history that is as colorful as it is interesting, it has transformed Pisa into a city of marvels. It is worthwhile taking a tour of the famous and interesting sites of Pisa. And if you are visiting Florence to see this amazing city, you must always come to Pisa, which is just a short while away from Florence.

The regular Pisa Tour starts from the Cathedral square or Piazza dei Miracoli which is dominated by the world famous Leaning Bell Tower and ending at Piazza dei Cavalieri, the ancient market place and the San Matteo National Museum that has preserved many medieval and renaissance work of art.

The tour covers many buildings that were built between 11th and 14th century AD following an eclectic architectural style known as ‘Pisano’ having strong influences from Arabian, Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic form of art. The tour also includes the religious centre in the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Monumental cemetery and the Leaning Tower.