The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of those images that everyone, at least once, has seen in a photo, on a postcard, or perhaps as a smartphone wallpaper. But seeing it in person is a whole different experience. Standing just under 57 meters tall, unmistakably tilted, and framed by the vast green expanse of the Piazza dei Miracoli, this tower is not just a bell tower: it is a symbol of Italian architectural history, one of those works that was never meant to look this way… and yet, precisely because of that tilt, it has become legendary. Construction began in 1173, but work stopped almost immediately when it became clear that the sandy ground beneath the foundations was giving way. It took nearly two centuries to complete, with interruptions, modifications, attempts to “straighten” it, and ingenious solutions to save it. Today, it stands there—stable (at least for now), open to visitors, accessible… but not at all hours. Those who decide to climb its 273 steps need to know when they can do so, as the opening hours are not always the same and change throughout the year. Typically, in the winter months—from November to the end of February—the tower opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. In March, it stays open an hour longer, allowing visits until 7 p.m. From April through September, entry is always from 9 a.m., but you can climb until 8 p.m., while October is once again an “intermediate” month, with closing at 7 p.m. An important note: the last entry is always about half an hour before the official closing time. And no, this is not just a formality: if you arrive late, you will not be allowed in, even if you have a ticket. Access to the tower is strictly regulated for safety and preservation reasons. Each tour group consists of a maximum of 45 people, and groups enter every 15 minutes. You cannot bring backpacks or bulky bags up with you; these must be left free of charge at the secure storage facility within the complex. And be aware: children under 8 years old are not allowed. Those between 8 and 18 can climb, but only if accompanied by an adult. The visit itself lasts about 30 minutes, but it’s best to arrive with some time to spare, both for safety and to enjoy the atmosphere of the piazza. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but the advice—especially during peak season or on weekends—is to book online to avoid long lines and to guarantee your preferred time slot. For the curious and for those who want a “comprehensive” visit, it is also possible to combine the tower visit with the other monuments in the piazza. And we’re talking about works of immense value, such as the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Monumental Cemetery. Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a unique experience—not just for the breathtaking view of the city and surrounding hills, but also for the singular sensation of walking up a staircase that seems to pull you to one side, as if time and gravity have their own rhythm inside. It’s not every day you get to climb a monument built at an angle—a monument that, for centuries, was at risk of collapsing. But today, after extensive stabilization work, the tower is safe and ready to welcome visitors from all over the world. Open every day of the year, except for rare special closures, it is one of those places worth seeing at least once in your life. Still, it’s worth coming back more than once, to appreciate the different aspects of this spectacular and, at the same time, monumental attraction.