Leaning Tower of Pisa

Pisa’s most famous and most visited monument has an interesting history. They started building it in the 12th century, but after about 5 years the construction work stopped because the bell tower started to tilt dangerously. The reason for its tilting is the unstable clay and sandy subsoil. Various builders have tried to compensate for this tilt over 800 years. Although they have managed to straighten it by 44 cm, you get the feeling that it will collapse if you stand at a good angle to it. Although the structure may seem like a failed prank, it makes you admire the medieval architecture and the courage of the engineers of the time.

We recommend going to see it very early in the morning, or very late in the evening, when there will be fewer people trying to prop it up for a photo. You can see the tower from the public park and from the adjacent Piazza dei Miracoli. Walk around the whole thing, there are angles from which it appears more oblique.

You can also look into the tower and climb up the 294 steps to the top. Book your tickets well in advance. Only 45 people are allowed in the tower at a time and the tour is limited to 35 minutes.

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Italy

Campervan Sightseeing: Northern Italy and Tuscany