The Tower of Pisa is a monument that everybody is able to recognize seeing a picture of it. Along with the Colosseum, it is one of Italy's symbols and it appears in the "New 7 Wonders of The World” list because of its incredible beauty. This white leaning tower that seems to fall to the ground at any moment is located in Piazza dei Miracoli, next to the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, to the Baptistry and to the Camposanto.
If you are staying in Tuscany, you cannot miss the occasion to visit this unique place!
What about its history?
The construction was started in 1173 by architect Diotisalvi, who also designed the Baptistry. However, the work was not carried out before 1350 because of the various delays and problems that emerged. The building reached a 56 m height and it arose next to the Cathedral, as it was its bell tower. In fact, the tower's interior is formed by two halls called "Sala del Pesce", as it contains a low relief representing a fish, and a bell room including seven ancient bells. The exterior is decorated with eight floors of loggias with columns and blind arches, built using the white marble of Carrara.
But why does the Leaning Tower...lean?
What makes this monument unique is its inclination. Is it an architectural virtuosity or a simple human mistake?
Actually, the correct answer is the second one. The soil under this heavy construction was sandy, clayish and not solid enough to support it, so the tower started to sink. This is why the works have been suspended over and over again and the attempts to solve the issue were vain. The 19th and 20th century restoration works did nothing but worsen the situation, which was finally stabilized in 1999-2001.
This “tower that leans and leans but will never come down" is one of the most visited Italian monuments: book your ticket and visit it during your next stay in Pisa!
The entrance ticket costs 18€ and online booking costs €10. You will have the opportunity to enter this beautiful building, to climb its 300 steps staircase and to admire a spectacular panorama from its top!
Are you looking for a holiday rental in Pisa? Choose one of our properties near this town and spend a dream holiday in Tuscany!
© Alice Pilastri
