Leaning Tower

It only takes a moment… From Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, your gaze goes straight to that familiar, yet always astonishing, shape. The Leaning Tower of Pisa stands there, tilted in an almost impossible way, yet perfectly balanced.

Construction began in 1173, and as is obvious, the historic monument was born with a flaw. By the time they reached the third floor, it became clear something was wrong: the ground was too soft and unstable, causing the tower to start leaning. Instead of collapsing, that tilt eventually transformed it into a legend. The work progressed slowly—almost two centuries were needed to complete it. Perhaps that’s exactly what saved it: long construction times, gradual settling, and different hands trying out new solutions along the way.

Today, the tower stands just over 56 meters tall on its highest side—a detail that changes depending on where you look at it from. To reach the top, you climb 273 steps. The staircase is narrow and spirals upward, and you’ll definitely feel a bit of vertigo, especially as the lean becomes more noticeable with every step. But once you arrive, you’re rewarded with a panorama that makes all the effort worthwhile: Pisa at your feet, the green lawns, and the Duomo and Baptistery seemingly placed there just to be admired from above.

The Tower is not just a quirky curiosity—it’s a bell tower, built to serve the cathedral next door. And yes, it rang out for centuries, with its seven bells (one for each musical note), though today some have been silenced to help preserve the structure.

Then there’s the story about Galileo Galilei. It’s said he dropped objects of different weights from the top to prove that the speed of falling doesn’t depend on mass. It’s a fascinating legend, even if unproven. But when you’re up there, it feels natural to imagine him carrying out his experiments, challenging the theories of his time.

Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa today is easy, but takes a bit of planning. Tickets must be booked in advance, especially during busy periods. Entry is regulated and reserved for visitors over 8 years old. The time you can spend at the top is limited, but it’s more than enough to enjoy the experience at your own pace.

The tower remains the beating heart of this place suspended in time. Walking around its base, observing it from different angles, seeing how it changes with the day’s light… these are simple experiences, but they leave a lasting impression.

Those seeing it for the first time are often left speechless. Those who return notice something new every time. Because the Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of those timeless presences that seem unchanging, but if you look closely, always have a new story to tell.