The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the world's most iconic structures and probably the most famous tower in existence. As it is one of the most visited attractions, this article aims to make your experience of it as smooth and as enjoyable as possible. To make your visit even more special, why not find a luxury villa nearby and make it a once-in-a-lifetime trip!
Begun in 1173, the Leaning Tower of Pisa took over 800 years to be completed. Originally, it was intended to act as the bell-tower of the cathedral located close by in the Piazza dei Miracoli, or Piazza del Duomo. However, the ambitious project for such an ornate structure soon presented problems.
Begun in 1173, the Leaning Tower of Pisa took over 800 years to be completed. Originally, it was intended to act as the bell-tower of the cathedral located close by in the Piazza dei Miracoli, or Piazza del Duomo. However, the ambitious project for such an ornate structure soon presented problems.
Within five years of the beginning of construction on the tower, a noticeable lean became apparent. Sadly, its architect had not considered how the weight of such a massive building formed of limestone and marble might settle into the dense clay earth of the site.
Luckily that same heavy limestone was also flexible and, despite the tilt, managed to stay standing. Additions were made in the 13th, 14th and 19th centuries. All attempts to correct the lean, however, failed and made it worse. By 1990, the decision was made to merely ensure the structure was stablised by reinforcing the ground around it.
Safety is still a primary concern and in order to maintain it, limited numbers of people are allowed in to see the Leaning Tower in groups today. To make sure you can get a chance to see it for yourself with ease, bear in mind that it may be best to book in advance. Tickets can be purchased online up to twenty days in advance of a visit. Or, if you haven't planned that far ahead, you'll need to leave yourself at least one day prior to visiting in order to book online. You can also buy from a vendor in the Piazza del Duomo but booking online means that you get to tie down exactly the day and time of your choosing and avoid long queues. Online booking requires ID, a credit card, name and email address to be supplied.
Luckily that same heavy limestone was also flexible and, despite the tilt, managed to stay standing. Additions were made in the 13th, 14th and 19th centuries. All attempts to correct the lean, however, failed and made it worse. By 1990, the decision was made to merely ensure the structure was stablised by reinforcing the ground around it.
Safety is still a primary concern and in order to maintain it, limited numbers of people are allowed in to see the Leaning Tower in groups today. To make sure you can get a chance to see it for yourself with ease, bear in mind that it may be best to book in advance. Tickets can be purchased online up to twenty days in advance of a visit. Or, if you haven't planned that far ahead, you'll need to leave yourself at least one day prior to visiting in order to book online. You can also buy from a vendor in the Piazza del Duomo but booking online means that you get to tie down exactly the day and time of your choosing and avoid long queues. Online booking requires ID, a credit card, name and email address to be supplied.
Booked sessions can be altered or cancelled up to a day before.
If you're bringing kids, remember to be particularly cautious and that under eights are not permitted to enter. Under eighteens must also keep in mind that they need to be accompanied by an adult. Tickets cost €18 and this includes entry into the cathedral as well. Opening times in March are 9am-6pm, for April to September it's 8-8, October is 9-7 and November to February is 10-5 (except December 22nd to January 6th which is 9-7).
Make sure you check out all the other things Tuscany has to offer as well!
If you're bringing kids, remember to be particularly cautious and that under eights are not permitted to enter. Under eighteens must also keep in mind that they need to be accompanied by an adult. Tickets cost €18 and this includes entry into the cathedral as well. Opening times in March are 9am-6pm, for April to September it's 8-8, October is 9-7 and November to February is 10-5 (except December 22nd to January 6th which is 9-7).
Make sure you check out all the other things Tuscany has to offer as well!
Photo credits
picture 1: Lonewolf1976 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Aaron Logan / CC BY 1.0;
picture 3: Rolf Gebhardt / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Lonewolf1976 / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Aaron Logan / CC BY 1.0;
picture 3: Rolf Gebhardt / CC BY-SA 3.0
