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Leaning Tower of Pisa – The Miracle Tower of Italy

By Kach Umandap March 29th, 2022 Posted in Destination, Europe Travel Blog, Travel Blog 41 Comments

It is fair to say that Italy boasts an abundance of architectural magnificence. From the Colosseum in Rome to the Duomo cathedral in Milan, nearly every town and city in this country have a building or structure to be proud of.

Check out some of the cool and cheap tours you could do in Colosseum and Milan Cathedral (Duomo).

Even so, one of the Italy’s most famous and prominent landmarks is best known for its abject failure. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is an iconic monument of the country and has become a revered and treasured attraction.

Travel Tips to Italy and France

But how did the “Miracle Tower” start to lean? And why else would you want to visit Pisa?

PlumGuide

History of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Introducing a lean to the bell tower of Pisa’s cathedral complex in 1173 wasn’t a clever ploy by the Italian tourist board to attract visitors to the town; it was, in fact, a result of the uneven settling of the building’s foundations in soft ground.

Check out some of the cool and cheap tours you could do in Leaning Tower of Pisa.

This happened just before war broke out between the Italian city-states, so construction was put on hold for nearly 100 years. Despite trying to solve the problem, engineers finally finished building in the 14th century with a noticeable lean still evident.

But in the late 20th century, the Leaning Tower of Pisa was subsiding at a rate of 0.05 inches (1.2mm) per year. Because this could cause a collapse, the tower was closed in 1990, and a strengthening project began.

The tower reopened to visitors in May 2001 and continued to straighten without further excavation before sensors showed that the motion had stopped in May 2008. With a total improvement of 19 inches (48cm), engineers say the tower will remain stable for at least 200 years.

Why visit Pisa and the Leaning Tower

Leaning Tower of Pisa 2
Several tourists will want to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa purely to capture a funny picture of them appearing to hold it up single-handedly. But while this is all well and good, its sheer beauty and incredible engineering deserve separate recognition.

Leaning Tower of Pisa - The Miracle Tower of Italy
Photo by . Ray in Manila CC BY 2.0

Standing next to the equally impressive Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) cathedral complex, the tower is made from white marble and features 207 columns wrapped around eight stories. Inside you will also find a 297-step spiral staircase, which can now be climbed by tourists if you are feeling brave enough.

Photo by Jean-Paul Navarro CC BY-ND 2.0

But along with the tower, Pisa has plenty more attractions and activities on offer. Most of these are to do with its past and close ties with religion, but the remarkably pretty countryside of Tuscany isn’t far away either.

Check out some of the cool and cheap tours you could do in Tuscany.

In and around Pisa, you can explore the Camposanto cemetery, Piazza dei Cavalieri, and various museums including Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Museo delle Sinopie, and Museo Nazionale di San Matteo.

For these reasons, you will want to visit the Leaning Tower as well as Pisa’s other fascinating sights sooner rather than later.

Extra Tip: Check out Plumguide for the best holiday homes and vacation rentals in Italy.

Looking for other articles? Check out our DIY Travel Guides Around the World and City Guides (Awesome Things to do in each Destination). For cheap and luxurious places to stay while traveling, here’s our ultimate list of best hostels and hotels!

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41 thoughts on “Leaning Tower of Pisa – The Miracle Tower of Italy

  1. Italy has the magnificent architectures in the world. Good to know that the spiral inside the tower can now be explored by the tourists.

    1. Yes, Jenica! Most tourists stay outside and get fun photos with the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy, but if you are brave enough, you can climb it. 🙂

  2. Definitely want to see the leaning tower of Pisa sooner! If money permits, I will go to Italy with my girlfriend nex year.

    1. Sounds exciting, Jayson! You and your girlfriend will surely love the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. Keep us updated here whenever you plan to visit it. 🙂

  3. I was here three years ago and still laughing with funny photos that people took here. Well, I’m one of those.

  4. Still falling in love with Italy’s architecture. The tower is not the most glamorous but definitely one of the things one should not missed.

  5. this is originally part of my itinerary for Europe backpacking last month but something happened so I missed the tower. but sure will be back in italy and see the leaning tower

    1. Then looking forward to your come back in Italy and finally a visit to Leaning Tower of Pisa, Karla! 🙂

  6. Would love to visit Italy and finall see this tower. Crossing my finger that it can happen this year.

    1. #dreamsdocometrue Danilo. You can go to Italy this year and see the Leaning Tower of Pisa! Claim it!

  7. Sometimes mistakes could get a lot than you expected. Haha. who could imagine that Leaning Power of pisa would be one of world’s famous spots.

    1. Indeed Gannia! Now, the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy is among the most-visited structures and in the bucket list of many.

  8. I will be visiting Italy soon for a friend who is doing a seminary stuff there. And of course, I will not forget to check the leaning tower of Pisa.

    1. Awesome, Gannia! Let us know when will be your visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.

  9. I’ve never seen this myself but love Italy and would love to go back. I am actually very impressed that they’ve managed to fortify this monument so that it remains wonky but isn’t dangerous!

  10. Ohhh, so that’s the story behind the leaning tower.. I’m wondering though, since the tower is strong enough to remain still for the next 200 years, can people enter the tower and checked it’s interiors?,

    1. Interesting indeed, Sonnie. People are mostly allowed to take photos only outside the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.

  11. I had no idea that the leaning tower of Piiza was not meant to lean and was not a ploy to attract tourists. Who I knew?

    1. Yes, Ana! No one could imagine that Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy would be one of the top tourist destinations now.

  12. I have always wanted to visit the Tower of Pisa. Very interesting to know the story behind the architecture.

    1. Make it happen, Nya! Soon you can visit and see the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. 🙂

  13. Not seen the tower in person, but it’s something on my bucket list. What and absolute wonder of the world. When I was younger I remember how intrugued I was at how it leans. So facinating, your pictures and post have captured it well.

    1. Thank you, Kerry! Be fascinated in person by visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy!

  14. I love history and all the stores behind it. I really hope to get there one day. It is at the top of my list.

  15. I always wondered why the tower was like that, the story behind is very interesting, as everything else in Italy

    1. Have you been to Italy, Anna? Could you see the Leaning Tower of Pisa? And how did you like it?

  16. I always wondered why the tower was like that, the story behind is very interesting.

    1. Oh! When did you visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy? How’s your experience, Katrine?

  17. thanks for the history of the leaning tower of Pisa, it’s always interesting to learn a little more about old architecture.

  18. This was really cool! I loved learning the history of the leaning tower of Pisa. I definitely want to go visit it as soon as I can!

    1. Awesome, Alison! Then looking forward to your visit in the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy! 🙂

  19. I didn’t know there was so much history to the tower. I do want to see it some day. I’ll remember to check out the nearby attractions too.

    1. Exciting, Liz! Sure you will have a fun time in visiting the leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.

  20. My husband and I went to Italy on our honeymoon 11 years ago. We missed the Leaning Tower of Pizza (as my kids call it). I hope that we get to see it next time around. He’s an engineer, so it’s even more impressive to him. 🙂

    1. Hahahaha! Your husband will be fascinated with the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. Visit it with your kids too! 🙂

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Written by Kach Umandap

Founder of Two Monkeys Travel Group. Since 2013, Kach has visited all the 7 continents (including Antarctica) and 151 countries using her Philippines Passport. In 2016, she bought a sailboat and went on sailing adventures with her two cats - Captain Ahab & Little Zissou in the Caribbean for 2 years. She now lives in Herceg Novi, Montenegro where she's enjoying her expat life and living on a gorgeous Stonehouse. She writes about her experiences traveling as a Filipina traveler with a PHL Passport. Also tips on backpacking trips, luxury hotel experiences, product reviews, sailing & adventure travel.