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Leaning Tower of Pisa
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Landmark
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, or simply the Tower of Pisa, is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa. Construction of the tower began on August 14, 1173, and occurred in three stages across 199 years. The tilt began during construction in the second half of the 12th century, caused by an inadequate foundation on ground too soft on one side to properly support the structure's weight. The tilt increased in the decades before the structure was completed. The tower's height is 55.86 metres from the ground on the low side and 56.67 metres on the high side. It has 296 or 294 steps; the seventh floor has two fewer steps on the north-facing staircase. Before restoration work between 1990 and 2001, it leaned at an angle of 5.5 degrees, but the angle was subsequently reduced to 3.97 degrees. The tower is a major landmark of medieval European architecture and a testament to the complex engineering of the period.
- Location: Tuscany, Italy
- Top sights: Leaning Tower of Pisa · Museo dell'Opera del Duomo · Pisa Cathedral
- Nearby: Florence (69 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 7 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 23 | 26 | 25 | 21 | 17 | 12 | 8 |
| Rain mm | 59 | 63 | 62 | 51 | 53 | 35 | 28 | 37 | 66 | 91 | 111 | 78 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Visitors can climb the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, but entry is strictly ticketed with limited daily numbers. The exterior can be freely viewed from the expansive Piazza dei Miracoli, which also houses the cathedral and baptistry.
Typical hours
The tower is typically open daily from around 8:30 AM until 8:00 PM, with extended hours in summer. Exact opening times vary by season, so checking the official website before your visit is strongly recommended.
Photography
Photography is allowed both inside and outside the tower, but flash is prohibited to protect the frescoes. Tripods require special permission from the ticket office, making handheld photography the best choice.
Time needed
Climbing the tower and enjoying the panoramic view takes about one to one and a half hours. If you also plan to visit the cathedral and baptistry, allocate a total of two to three hours.
Combine with
Right next to the tower are the cathedral, baptistry, and Camposanto Monumentale, all on the Piazza dei Miracoli. A combined ticket covering all these attractions is available, saving money and queuing time.
Getting there
The Leaning Tower is about a 20-minute walk from Pisa Centrale train station. Alternatively, the LAM rossa bus takes you directly to the Piazza dei Miracoli.
Insider tip
Book your climb ticket online well in advance, as slots often sell out days ahead. Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the best photos.
Geography
Facts
- Construction began on August 14, 1173.
- The tower weighs an estimated 14,500 metric tons.
- There are seven bells, one for each note of the musical major scale.
- Galileo Galilei is said to have dropped two cannonballs of different masses from the tower.
- The tower was closed to the public on January 7, 1990, and reopened in December 2001.
- The 1990s restoration cost around $27 million.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Leaning Tower of Pisa (10)
Museo delle Sinopie🏛 museum
Museum in Italy showing the preparatory drawings for frescoes.
Chiesa di San Giorgio ai Tedeschi
Italian church in Pisa.
Chiesa di San Ranierino
Church building in Pisa, Italy.
Porta San Ranierino
Building in Pisa, Italy, a city gate.
Monumental Cemetery
Monumental cemetery in Pisa, Italy, with frescoes and sarcophagi.
Porta del Leone
Building in Pisa, Italy, a city gate.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you climb the tower?
Yes, but children under 8 years old are not allowed to climb for safety reasons.
How many steps are there?
There are 273 steps to the bell chamber at the top.
Should I book tickets?
Absolutely, as entry is timed and slots are limited.
Why is the tower leaning?
Due to the soft ground of sand and clay that subsided under the foundation.
What else is in the square?
The Cathedral, Baptistery, and Campo Santo cemetery are also worth visiting.
Leaning Tower of Pisa: where is it located?
Leaning Tower of Pisa is located in Tuscany, Italy.
Leaning Tower of Pisa: what is there to see?
Highlights include Leaning Tower of Pisa, Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Pisa Cathedral.
Leaning Tower of Pisa: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Leaning Tower of Pisa: why is it worth visiting?
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, or simply the Tower of Pisa, is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa.
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