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June 01st, 2016

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Discover the fascinating history of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, from its 12th-century origins to modern day. Learn why it leans, how it was saved, and the captivating stories behind Italy's most iconic monument. Plan your visit with expert insights and insider tips.

Interesting Facts About the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Standing gracefully askew for over 800 years, the Leaning Tower of Pisa has captured imaginations worldwide as one of Italy's most remarkable monuments. What began as an architectural mishap has transformed into a testament to human ingenuity, perseverance, and the unpredictable nature of innovation.
Here, Monica from Avventure Bellissime – the Italian tour specialists – invites you to discover the captivating history behind this iconic landmark. From its precarious beginnings to its modern-day triumph, this is a story that has it all – war, victory, defeat, adversity, and the unwavering spirit of the Italian people who refused to let their beloved tower fall.

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Where is the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany, the Leaning Tower of Pisa stands proudly in Pisa's Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), a UNESCO World Heritage site that represents one of the finest architectural complexes in the world. Located in the northwestern region of Italy, just 50 miles west of Florence, this medieval city holds centuries of history within its walls. The tower itself rises from the verdant lawns of the piazza, surrounded by the magnificent Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto Monumentale, creating an ensemble of Romanesque architecture that draws millions of visitors each year. The city's strategic position near the Arno River and the Ligurian Sea once made it a powerful maritime republic, and today makes it an easily accessible destination for travelers exploring Italy's cultural treasures.

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The Rich History of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Rising from the dreams of a prosperous medieval maritime republic, the Leaning Tower of Pisa began its journey in 1173 during a period of immense wealth and architectural ambition. This remarkable bell tower, or campanile, was meant to showcase Pisa's power and prosperity to the world. However, what the medieval architects couldn't foresee was how their creation would become famous for its imperfection.
Through wars with Genoa, lengthy construction pauses, and engineering challenges spanning nearly 200 years, the tower's history reflects the turbulent yet fascinating story of medieval Italy. Each of its eight floors tells a tale of determination, as generations of builders adapted their techniques to work with, rather than against, the tower's distinctive tilt. 

When Was the Leaning Tower of Pisa Built? The Construction Timeline

  • 1173 – Construction on the Bell Tower in Pisa’s Cathedral complex began
  • 1178 – The tower begins to lean after construction of third floor.
  • 1178 - Construction halted. The government hoped the soil would settle beneath it.
  • During this construction hiatus, the country was distracted by its bloody and brutal war with Genoa.
  • 1272 – Almost 100 years later, construction begins again.
  • The tower leans further as the architect tried to compensate for the original lean by making one side of the top floors taller than the other.
  • 1284 – Construction halted due to Battle of Meloria. The Pisans were defeated by the Genoans.
  • 1319 – Seventh floor of the tower was completed.
  • 1372 – Bell chamber was completed.
  • 1838 – A pathway was dug around the base to allow people to see the intricatelycrafted base. But, thee tower began to lean even more as soil was removed from around its base.

Legends and Tales: The Untold Stories of Pisa's Famous Tower

Like many ancient monuments, the Leaning Tower of Pisa has collected its share of fascinating legends over the centuries. One popular tale suggests that Galileo Galilei conducted his famous gravity experiments from the tower's slanting heights, dropping cannonballs of different weights to challenge Aristotle's theories – though historians debate whether this actually happened.
Another intriguing story tells of medieval architects who allegedly designed the tower to lean on purpose, seeking to create a unique monument that would rival the straight towers of rival cities.
During World War II, the tower played a role in another remarkable tale: American soldiers, ordered to destroy all towers in Pisa to prevent their use as observation posts, were reportedly so struck by its beauty that they refused to carry out their orders, thus preserving this architectural treasure for future generations.
These stories, whether factual or embellished, have become part of the rich tapestry that makes the Leaning Tower of Pisa such a captivating monument.

What Was The Leaning Tower of Pisa Original Purpose​?​​​​​​

The leaning tower of Pisa was originally intended to be a bell tower for a church. Pisa was a city that was growing in importance. And in the 12th Century, one of the ways Pisans wanted to demonstrate this was to build a cathedral complex. It was to be called ‘the field of miracles’ and what is now known as ‘the leaning tower of Pisa’ was to be the complex’s bell tower.

Why Does the Leaning Tower of Pisa Lean?

The reason the leaning tower of Pisa leans is due to the soft ground it was built upon. The shifting soil destabilised the foundations for the tower. In fact, when it began to lean in 1178, it was actually falling at a rate of 2mm per year.
The town of Pisa got its name around 600 BC from the Greek work meaning ‘marshy land’, so perhaps it is not surprising that the leaning tower of Pisa leans.
In fact, there are other towers in Pisa that also lean and these can be found at the Church of Michele dei Scalzi and Church St. Nicola.

Could the Leaning Tower of Pisa Fall? ​Stabilising the Tower and Keeping the Lean

In 1964, Italy asked for assistance to stabilise the tower, but keep the lean. A group of experts agreed the best approach was to add an 800 tonne counterweight to the tower. Then in 1990 tower was closed to remove the bells and anchor the structure. It reopened eleven years later in 2001 and is potentially at its sturdiest today.

Why is the Leaning Tower of Pisa Important to Italy? 

The Leaning Tower of Pisa represents far more than just a tourist attraction for Italy – it stands as a powerful symbol of Italian ingenuity, resilience, and cultural heritage. Its significance lies not just in its unique tilt, but in how it embodies the Italian approach to challenges: turning potential disasters into triumphs. The tower has become a testament to Italy's architectural and engineering prowess, demonstrating how historical preservation can coexist with modern innovation.

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Can You Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa​?

Yes, you can climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa! The ascent up the 251 marble steps offers a truly unique experience – as you spiral up the tilted tower, you'll feel the unusual angle in your steps, making this unlike any other tower climb in the world. Plan ahead though, as visitor numbers are limited and advance booking is highly recommended.

If you are thinking of visiting Pisa to climb the tower’s 251 steps, then check out Avventure Belissime’s tour of the tower at Italy-tours.com

The team at Avventure Bellissime are experts in Italian tours and holidays and with their help you’ll be able to build the perfect holidays to Italy. They offer everything from Italian vacation packages to private one-day tours. Visit italy-tours.com for more information.