Leaning Tower of Pisa Travel Guide

Situated in the heart of Pisa, The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a must see for any tourist travelling through Europe. Known as Torre di Pisa in Italian, the tower is one of the seven wonders of the medieval world along with The Great Wall of China, the Colosseum, and Stonehenge.

The tower itself is 55.86m (183.27ft) from the ground on the lower side and 56.70m (186.02 ft) on the higher side. It weighs 14,500 metric tons and has a marathon 296 steps to the top. The tower used to lean at 5.5 degrees, but after extensive restoration work in the 90s, the tower now leans at 3.99 degrees. This is still a 3.9m (12ft 10in) displacement from where the tower would be if it were perfectly vertical.

Interestingly enough, the tower was originally built as a bell tower and the architects had no intention for it to lean at such an angle. However, the foundation of the structure was set in loose soil, resulting in that world famous slant.

The tower is located in the Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles), just a 10 minute drive from Pisa San Giusto (the nearest airport), along with the Duomo (cathedral) and the Bapistry. As a group, these breathtaking medieval constructions bring in thousands of tourists every year.

For several years, the tower was closed to tourists due to health and safety reasons. After a recent reconstruction operation, the tower has been reopened and guided tours of the tower are available for a very reasonable €15.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a structural masterpiece, standing (or rather, leaning) for over 700 years. Although a tourist haven, the overwhelming beauty of the tower and the surrounding square is breathtaking and well worth a visit!