Pisa, a quaint city nestled in the heart of Tuscany, is often synonymous with one iconic structure – the Leaning Tower. However, there is so much more to this historic city than just its famously tilted bell tower, and people often spend far too little time here. Join me on a journey through Pisa, where we'll explore the Leaning Tower, experience its unique tilt firsthand, and wander through the stunning surroundings of Piazza del Duomo, including the majestic Cattedrale di Pisa and the serene Camposanto.
The tiny city of Pisa
Pisa is a small, and very walkable city. The buildings are low to the ground, with the mountains in the background that can be very prominently seen on a clear day. They cause for a spectacular sunrise as you cross over the canal in the early morning. In the mornings, this small city is very quiet. However, as a student town, it comes alive at night with students who stay up late and create a lively atmosphere.
Taking a guided tour
The most enriching way to explore sites steeped in history, with countless stories and backgrounds, is by hiring a tour guide – you always learn more than you would exploring on your own. Our tour guide led us through the entire complex surrounding the Leaning Tower. Beginning with a historical overview, we got to explore the Piazza del Duomo, the Cattedrale di Pisa, the Camposanto, and finally, the iconic Leaning Tower itself.
What to expect when touring the grounds of the Leaning Tower:
You'll start with the Piazza del Duomo
The Piazza del Duomo is the expansive square, also known as the Square of Miracles, that showcases the architectural wonders like the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Baptistery of St. John.
Next, the Cattedrale di Pisa
The Cattedrale di Pisa is a majestic Romanesque cathedral consecrated in 1118, featuring a stunning facade adorned with sculptures and bronze doors, breathtaking interior mosaics, frescoes, and the intricately carved pulpit by Giovanni Pisano.
Then, you'll walk through the camposanto
The camposanto is an ancient monumental cemetery, also known as the Holy Field, featuring remarkable frescoes dating back to the 14th century, Roman sarcophagi, and a serene cloistered space ideal for reflection.
Finally, you'll get to climb the leaning tower of Pisa
A world-famous bell tower, and part of the Cathedral complex, it is renowned for its unintentional tilt caused by unstable foundation soil. It offers visitors the unique experience of climbing its spiral staircase to the top for panoramic views of Pisa and the surrounding landscape.
Piazza del Duomo
Our journey begins at the Piazza del Duomo, also known as the Square of Miracles. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, the Camposanto, and the Baptistery of St. John. Each building within this piazza tells a story of Pisa’s architectural innovation and artistic heritage. When you book a tour, you'll explore the entire plaza on foot. Since there will be plenty of outdoor walking, be sure to pick a day with good weather!
Cattedrale di Pisa
Adjacent to the Leaning Tower is the Cattedrale di Pisa, a Romanesque cathedral that has an incredibly intricate façade of grey marble and white stone. The exterior features sculptures and bronze doors, and if you look closely, you'll notice it's also leaning. During your tour, you'll learn that it's not just the tower that leans; nothing in Pisa is perfectly straight. Even the front of the Cattedrale is gradually sinking into the ground.
Stepping inside, the cathedral’s interior is very impressive. The mosaics are stunning and they showcase an incredible level of detail, typical of many churches throughout Italy.
Experiencing the lean
Moving towards the pièce de résistance of our visit – the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or "Torre Pendente di Pisa" you can begin to truly grasp the extent of its tilt. As an architect, you can't help but wonder how it seems to defy the principles of architecture and gravity. Standing at 56 meters tall, the tower leans at an angle of approximately 3.97 degrees due to the unstable soil conditions in Pisa. Remarkably, in 1990, the tower leaned at an even steeper 5.5 degrees, a staggering 15 meters from its base.
View from the leaning tower
Climbing the tower’s 294 spiral steps, you can’t escape the odd sensation of the lean – a gentle reminder that this isn’t just any tower. Once you get to the top, the view of the city of Pisa from above and the surrounding Tuscan landscape is beautiful and well worth the climb.
The history behind the lean
The construction of the tower started in 1173 and took around 199 years to complete, progressing in three stages and involving various architects.
The iconic tilt of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is due to unstable foundation soil (the lean became apparent during the construction of the second floor), which caused the tower to start leaning during its 12th-century construction. Numerous attempts were made over the centuries to correct the tilt, including structural adjustments and the addition of counterweights, but the leaning continued to worsen. In the late 20th century, engineers carried out extensive stabilization efforts to halt further tilting and ensure the tower's safety. These efforts included removing soil from beneath the tower and adding counterweights to balance its weight. Today, the tower's lean has been stabilized, standing as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. Due to safety concerns, visitor numbers inside the tower are limited, and climbing is carefully managed to preserve the structure for future generations.
The Pisa Wall Trail
The Pisa Wall Trial is an experience that is often overlooked. Aside from the view from the Leaning Tower itself, this spot offers the second-best, if not equally the best, view of the city. Many visitors are unaware that they can walk on top of the ancient walls of Pisa, gaining a completely different perspective of the city. From this vantage point, the city’s historic architecture, green landscapes and Leaning Tower are all visible, away from the crowds below.
Evenings in Pisa
My evenings in Pisa were beautiful, filled with walks along the Arno River and dinners at quaint trattorias. The city is illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights, with a lively mix of tourists, locals, and students walking around.
From watching the sunset behind the Leaning Tower to savoring gelato in busy piazzas, Pisa is a wonderful destination to visit for a day or two on your tour of Italy.
