Anyone visiting Pisa for the first time has no doubt about what the must-see stop is. In fact, if you ask the locals—and this happens often—“Where is the Tower?” the answer is always the same, often accompanied by an amused smile. This is because the Leaning Tower of Pisa isn’t just a crooked bell tower: it’s a symbol, and it stands in a specific place, embedded in the history and heart of the city.

The legendary Leaning Tower rises within the Piazza del Duomo, also known as the Piazza dei Miracoli, just a short distance from the city center. It’s a stretch of marble and green lawn that always leaves visitors speechless. Right next to it are the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Monumental Cemetery—one of the most beautiful medieval complexes in Europe, and perhaps even in the world. All visible at a single glance. The contrast between the white stone and the green grass is something that strikes you immediately, especially when the sky is clear.

But how did that tower end up there, and why does it lean? Construction began in 1173. It was meant to be the cathedral’s bell tower. But after a few years, something went wrong. The ground began to give way, and with it, the tower’s foundation. In practice, it started to lean almost immediately, even while it was still under construction. Work stopped for years—decades, even. Then it resumed. The result? A building that leans, but stands. And it has done so for centuries. It has survived earthquakes, wars, and neglect. Every generation has tried to save it, to straighten it, but never completely succeeded. And perhaps that’s for the best.

All told, it stands about 56 meters tall, even though, as everyone knows, it’s far from perfectly vertical. You can see it right away, even from afar. Today, the tilt is almost 4 degrees, and yet, you can climb it.

There are nearly 300 steps. Reaching the top is a small feat, but it’s well worth it. From up there, the view is incredible: you can see the entire square, the historic center, and on clear days, even the distant hills. Some say that, at sunset, your gaze can reach all the way to the sea. It’s not easy to verify, but the feeling of being suspended above the rooftops is real.

Here’s a little-known fact: the Tower houses seven bells, one for each note of the musical scale. It’s not just a tower to be photographed; it’s a living structure, with its own function—something else that makes it unique. Each bell has its own name and history, and they once accompanied the cathedral’s celebrations. Today, they’re no longer rung regularly, but they remain an integral part of the tower’s identity.

Over time, the tower has undergone many restoration projects. At the end of the 20th century, it was even closed to the public for safety reasons. Engineers worked for years to stabilize it. They slightly reduced the tilt, without eliminating it, and that’s because, paradoxically, it’s precisely that tilt that makes it what it is. Today, it’s safe to visit, but the feeling you get as you climb it is still unique. You can feel that the ground beneath your feet is not level, and that leaves an impression. Some people feel slightly disoriented, some laugh, some stop to take photos on every floor. But everyone leaves with a vivid memory.

The Tower of Pisa isn’t just an Italian icon—it’s a place that truly surprises anyone who sees it in person. Perhaps that’s its real strength. It’s been there for over eight centuries, always a little off-kilter, but more stable than ever. And it continues to tell a story made of mistakes, stubbornness, and beauty. It’s one of the few things in the world that, despite not being perfect, never stops fascinating.