Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the freestanding bell tower of the cathedral in Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli, famous for its unintended tilt. Construction began in 1173 and, owing to unstable ground, the tower began to lean during construction; building work continued intermittently and the complex was effectively completed in the 14th century.

The tower is roughly 56 metres tall and stands on a circular base with a distinctive ringed colonnade; visitors commonly climb the narrow spiral stair to the top where there are views across the square and the city. The adjacent cathedral and baptistery form part of the same monumental piazza and are usually seen together on visits.

Over the 20th century the lean increased and major stabilization works in the late 20th and early 21st centuries reduced the tilt and secured the foundation, allowing safe public access. The monument remains a key example of Romanesque architecture and medieval engineering challenges.

Pisa is in Tuscany and the tower sits on the north edge of the city’s historic centre, a short distance from the Arno River and easily reached from Pisa Centrale station.

• Access and safety: The tower is accessed by timed-entry tickets that limit the number of people inside; there are narrow spiral stairs and limited space at the top.
• Photography tip: The best photos of the lean use the full piazza to include the cathedral and baptistery; early morning is less crowded for shots.

What to See #

• Pisa Cathedral: The Cathedral (Duomo) of Pisa, a Romanesque church begun in the 11th century that forms part of the cathedral complex and faces the tower.
• Baptistery: A large Romanesque baptistery with acoustically notable interior, begun in the 12th century and located on the same plaza as the tower.
• Piazza dei Miracoli: The central square for the ensemble, known as the Piazza dei Miracoli, which contains the tower, cathedral and baptistery and has a grassed forecourt.