Mystery of Leaning Tower of Pisa: Interesting Facts
What if Leaning Tower of Pisa didn’t lean? Would you still go to see it?
I doubt there would be a single child who would have flipped through pictures of Leaning Tower of Pisa and not dreamed of visiting it and seeing it in real! The first glimpse of the tilted tower outline left me stunned which in no way was different from what my kids were experiencing. Finally so many years of disbelief was shattered. The tilt is not a myth nor a photo trick. Leaning Tower of Pisa is indeed leaning!
This is the 6th UNESCO World Heritage site I visited in Italy. Piazza del Duomo is included in UNESCO list since 1987. This walled area includes four medieval masterpieces built during 11th to 14th century: the Pisa Cathedral, baptistery, cemetery and the leaning tower.
Short Essay on Leaning Tower of Pisa Italy
Before we reached Pisa tower, I had given a small assignment to my Ds to find the answers to the following questions and prepare a small essay on the leaning tower of Italy. They had promptly filled out the answers. The only pending task was to see all the facts of the leaning tower of Pisa.
- How high is the leaning tower of Pisa?
- Who owns the leaning tower of Pisa?
- What color is the leaning tower of Pisa?
- How much does the leaning tower of Pisa weigh?
- Where the leaning tower of Pisa is located city
- How tall is the leaning tower of Pisa in feet?
- How tall is the leaning tower of Pisa in meters?
(Quick answers: 55.86 metres (183 feet 3 inches) from the ground on the low side and 56.67 m (185 ft 11 in) on the high side. Weight is estimated at 14,500 metric tons (16,000 short tons) width of the walls at the base is 2.44 m (8 ft 0.06 in). This tower began to tilt when its construction began in 1173. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is in the city of Pisa, in Tuscany, a region in west-central Italy.)
Leaning Tower of Pisa Interesting Facts
Leaning Tower of Pisa is for kids and for all who like to think of magic in real life! Leaning Tower of Pisa is probably the only famous mistake among all tourist destinations.
Tourists arrive here in huge numbers and it is humorous to see them posing with the tower creating tricky scenes. These fun facts of leaning tower of Pisa will surely kindle your interest.
Fun composition, when I capture the leaning tower – straight. 🙂
Tower of Pisa Italy: History and Construction
The construction of this iconic tower of Pisa started in Aug 1173 by Bonanno Pisano. The original plan was to build a tower of 8 storeys. It was an era of success and prosperity.
The city government with all its loot from Sicily planned to build a Field of Miracles which would include Cathedral, Baptistery, cemetery, and one very tall bell tower.
While the construction of Cathedral of Pisa, the cemetery and Baptistery went off as planned the construction of bell tower of Pisa faced several hurdles.
When did the Tower of Pisa start leaning?
It is said the Tower of Pisa started tilting when the construction of second storey was in progress. Several remedial measures like adding taller columns and arches were in vain.
By the time of construction of the 4th storey the tower leaned further and they had to abandon the construction. It took over 199 years to complete the construction in 3 stages.
Construction was completed by Giovanni di Simone, Tommano Simone in mid 14th century.
Fun facts about leaning tower of Pisa
Mystery: Why the Towers of Pisa tilt to a side?
Not only this Bell Tower of Pisa, there are 2 other towers in Pisa that are tilted to a side:
- Bell tower of the Church of St. Nicola
- Bell tower at the church of St. Michele dei Scalzi
The foremost reason attributed to tilting of tower of Pisa is the soil quality around the place of construction. Pisa in Italian – the word translates to marshy land in Greek.
Probably the architects didn’t take the quality of subsoil into account while planning to build this tall bell tower (8 storeys). The tower has a shallow and relatively heavy foundation and has tilted in different directions during the course of its construction.
Benito Mussolini, the 20th century dictator considered the leaning tower a disgrace! In order to rectify the error and make it straight he drilled hundreds of holes in the base of the tower and pumped in grout and mortar to ballast the entire structure.
However all efforts went in vain and the tower tilted more.
Interesting facts about leaning tower of Pisa
- Planned height of Pisa tower construction was 60m
- The tilt has given it a height of 56.67m at the tallest point and height of 55.86m at the lowest point.
- The tilt is southwards, hence the northern staircase has 296 steps and southern staircase has 294!
- The tower leans at an angle of 3.97degree.
- At one time the leaning tower of Pisa sank at the rate of 1mm every year.
- The 7 large bells atop the tower represent the 7 notes of music from the larger scale. But fearing the possible damage that can happen due to vibrations from ringing the bells they haven’t rung since 20th century.
Now you know how tall is the leaning tower of Pisa, the planned height – 60 m and height due to tilt – 56.67 m.
Leaning Tower wins hearts of Allies!
During WWII the Allies wanted to destroy the tower of Pisa. However when the Allies arrived they were impressed by the beauty of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the other monuments in Field of Miracles. They decided not to destroy the monuments and level the area.
I wonder now: what if the leaning tower of Pisa didn’t lean would the Allies have spared bombing the tower?
Is the Leaning Tower stable?
Today the tower is officially declared stable, thanks to a dedicated team of engineers working on architecture of leaning tower of Pisa, correcting the tilt of the tower. For at least next 200 years the tower will not tilt any further. In a new development the tower has lost 4cm of its tilt and the hope is that: the tower can last for another 200 years. By then there would be better technology to save the tilting monument from toppling over.
Tickets and Timing of Visit to Leaning Tower of Pisa
I suggest you book your ticket in advance to climb the tower. The tickets to leaning tower of Pisa get sold out fast. I arrived there with bad planning and was left regretting for not being able to get o top. There are combination tickets which allow you to visit the other monuments around. You can also buy a skip the line ticket.
The tower is open 10am to 6pm.
What is there inside the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa contains a series of eight floors. Each floor has its own function as highlighted below:
- Ground floor is an entry hall
- First floor contains the Knight’s Hall
- Second floor is the Hall of the Palace
- Third floor is the Gallery of the Fine Arts
- Fourth floor is the Gallery of the Sciences
- Fifth floor contains the Storerooms
- Sixth floor is the Bell Chamber which contains the bells.
- Seventh floor is the Gift Shop
- Eighth floor is the Terrace which offers views of the city of Pisa
Essential Tips for Visiting Leaning Tower of Pisa
- Children under age of 8 not allowed to go to Tower top.
- The climb is not recommended for people with cardiovascular and muscular disorders.
- Metal objects and bags not allowed. You can deposit them at a free cloakroom nearby.
- Limited tickets hence plan your visit well. Entrance to tower allowed up to 30mins before closing time. Also check timings to individual attractions.
What if Leaning Tower of Pisa didn’t lean?
Coming back to my first question: What if Leaning Tower of Pisa didn’t lean, would you still visit it? My answer is YES!
While the tilt does add an element of magic the tower itself is a masterpiece in terms of architectural details! I loved visiting both Cathedral and the Baptistery. It is a beautiful destination worth visiting if you plan a trip to Italy!
This is a very interesting and informational article on the leaning tower. Quite some years back we would visited it but there was some goof up with the train connections and we had to continue to Rome. The tilt seems much more than 3.97 degrees. Must an optical illusion.
I’ve been to Pisa to get that classic shot! It was fun, but I didn’t realize you could go inside. I would have loved to do that! Too bad you didn’t have the chance
I don’t think the Leaning Tower of Pisa would have become as popular as it is today if it didn’t lean! It truly is spectacular to see it though, I was there about 4 years ago and was quite in awe myself, like a child. Although I was aware of the story about why it started to lean (the marshy land), I didn’t know that Benito Mussolini made an effort to try and save it in the 20th century. Glad to know that it is now declared stable and isn’t expected to lean anymore in the next 200 years!
That’s so tru! Its the novelty of it right? And all of the great pictures to take there. My favorite is the ice cream cone!
Pictures of tourists all doing their best to look like they’re holding up the tower taking off center so they all look like they’re dancing are some of my favorite things on the internet. I have one of myself doing the same. I was young, I didn’t know any better! I learned a lot about the tower when I was there years ago but this was way more than I learned at the tower itself. Thank you for all of the information on the tower of Pisa! Now I want to go back! And this time make sure I prebook my ticket so I get to climb it. Thanks for sharing!
This is one of the major icons in Italy that I have not yet seen. As an engineer, I am always fascinated to hear about structures like the “leaning” Tower of Pisa. It was surprising that they did not stop and fix the lean when they were just getting started. It is good to know it is no longer tilting more each year. And yes, I would still visit even with no tilt.
Years ago when I visited Italy for the first time, the Leaning Tower was closed to visitors going up it. I still went to Pisa to see it. After I moved to Italy, I actually learned that there are many other buildings and towers that lean in Italy and some much more than the Leaning Tower.
It is crazy to think if it hadn’t been built on unstable ground then it could have brought in a fraction of the tourism. I do love the fact it’s one of two leaning buildings in Pisa.
I climbed the tower many years ago and it’s amazing how disconcerting the lean is for only about 4 degrees of tilt. If the tower did not lean, I would still have noticed it because of its proximity to the cathedral.
This was a fun read about an iconic landmark. I had no idea that the Allies were out to purposefully destroy monuments, but it could happen. I guess Leon Weckstein saved the day. Although he did leave the German’s with a pretty sweet observation point. I can see the Quentin Tarantino film now…. The 92nd division, Buffalo Soldiers are under constant assault during the Garfagnana Offensive. This is the Italian version of the Battle of the Bulge but without the prestige the 1rst airborne. The Buffalo Soldiers dig in deep and held the line without air support. Their bravery not only saved lives but the Allies were going to blow Pisa up if the Germans regained Tuscany.
Very impressive. See many pictures in my blog in the relative post.
I loved the third photo with the leaning tower peeping. Great composition
Fantastic shots of an iconic location.
Darryl and Ruth : )
Really a fantastic place, and so nice pictures Indrani! Thanks for sharing this beautiful trip!
The leaning Tower of Pisa is unique, isn't it?
nice to know that you visited such a marvelous place !
These are wonderful photos of the Leaning Tower! Although the first picture is very nice, I really like the last two.
Ahhhh…. I hurried over when I saw the title. Glad your childhood dream is fulfilled at last.
LOL about that trick shot !
Most Tourists like to pose like they are pushing the leaning tower with their hands to straighten it !
So beautiful and so exciting to be able to see it in person!!
Hugs
SueAnn
Amazing. I climbed the Leaning Tower of Pisa many years ago.Have to revisit.
Wonderful picture. I would love to see it for myself some day.
Hi Indrani! That's fabulous all that site in Pisa, isn't it…
And the first one looks a great work with ShiftN… 😉
Blogtrotter Two is facing the legendary question: «What is the creature that walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon and three in the evening?»
Enjoy and have a great weekend!
You have been missing a lot… 😉
Looks like a wedding tiered cake. So beautiful.
amazing! the architecture still looks beautiful even when it's not leaning.:p
Great shots of Pisa the leaning tower. It would be cool to see it in person. Thanks for sharing.
It's not the same when it's not leaning! Lovely shots.
Stared at 1st pic wondering why it wasnt leaning… 😀
Loved the 3rd one, where the tower seems to be peeking out from behind…
AAh! was waiting for this one! and beautiful as expected!
Looking at your Blog is like taking a history course only much more interesting. What wonderful places you are seeing. Enjoy!
0ne of my greatest dream to see places like this thanks for sharing,y0ur ph0tos are great
Why the first one not leaning 🙂
nice clear captures..
Indrani, great shot of the leaning tower. Is it my mind or does it get more leaning. I saw it last in 1958;
this is quite a bit of sinking is it not?I have been to Italy in between but not to Pisa.
Oh, I love your leaning one! There's something about the colors that are so beautiful! Subtle, but they make a big difference!! Marvelous captures as always, Indrani! I have so enjoyed your travels! Hope you have a beautiful day and a lovely weekend!
Sylvia
You almost had me fooled by the first photo. I thought "Pisa? But it isn't leaning!" I like the second photo, too. Lovely skies in both of them.
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Beautiful photos…nice trick with the first photo. This must have been an amazing experience.
Very good shots!
One of the amazing place to visit. Thanks for sharing!
Fiery sky
Great shots.
Hahaha, for a moment I thought the tower was straighten. Nice comparison.
What a thrill to see Pisa. Looking at it through your camera was almost like being there. Thank you for that.
That is one big and tall towers.
Sky Watch
nice shot of the leaning tower.
my skywatch,
scene of tranquility
After seeing the first one I was thinking if you will show a tilted one at all! Beautiful evening light.
Wonderful tower, I have never been there.. Many beautiful photos below as well..! 🙂
simply spectacular. i want to see this one too 🙂
Great shots of the leaning tower of pisa.
Good pictures in a nice light.Greetings Andrzej.
Hello Indrani
Your Italian pictures are so beautiful…. thanks for sharing it with us.
greetings, Joop