The Leaning Tower of Pisa-a marvel of engineering and a reminder of fragility
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most important landmarks in Italy. It is located in the center of the city, next to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. It is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and an attraction that attracts tourists from all over the world every year.
The construction of the tower began in 1173 and it was built for 199 years! It was created during a time when Italy was divided into competing independent city-states, its construction was interrupted for 100 years during the war with Lucca, Genoa, and Florence. Paradoxically, it was thanks to this that the tower still stands, as the soil had time to stabilize somewhat over a century.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a bell tower built for the nearby cathedral. Its builders made a fatal mistake that made the tower famous all over the world – they poured too small (only three-meters) foundations on soft ground consisting mainly of clay, gravel, and shells. The tower began to tilt during the construction of the second floor. Since 1911, its deviation has been constantly monitored, on average it deviated by 1 mm per year. In 1990, the tower was closed, the foundations were strengthened, and its deviation was slightly reduced – currently the Leaning Tower of Pisa is therefore… less crooked!
How to get to Piza?
Pisa is well connected to other major cities in Italy. You can get there by plane, train, or bus. From Pisa Airport, you can get to the city center by bus lines LAM Rossa or LAM Verde. The fastest means of transport is to rent a car. Driving to Pisa can also be a pleasant journey along a beautiful scenic route from Florence or Genoa.
What about the car-park?
The parking lot near the Leaning Tower is located at Via Cammeo Carlo Salomone, 51. You can find the parking lot on the map as Parcheggio di Piazza dei Miracoli. At the entrance, you will be given a ticket, which you will then pay for at the automatic ticket machine. The cost of parking for 1 hour is 3 euros. It takes about 5 minutes to walk to the tower. Along the way, you will find many souvenir stalls.
How much does it cost?
A ticket to the Leaning Tower costs 20 euros, and you choose the day and time of your visit when you purchase it. A ticket to the remaining attractions – the Baptistery, Campo Santo Cemetery, and the Sinopie Museum, costs 7 euros, and you do not have to choose a time to enter.
Here are some interesting facts about the Leaning Tower of Pisa:
- The tower was built in the 13th century as a bell tower for the nearby cathedral
- In 2019, the tower was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List
- There are 294 steps in the tower
- There is a 7-ton bell at the top of the tower
- The tower is the most popular motif on postcards from Pisa
- Experts have determined that it will last for over 300 years. Since 2001, its tilt has decreased by about 4 centimeters
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a marvel of engineering, but it is also a reminder of the fragility of man-made structures.If you are ever in Pisa, be sure to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
