The Leaning Tower of Pisa: An Icon of Imperfection

Ah, Pisa! The name alone conjures images of one of the most famous (and most photographed) architectural quirks in the world—the Leaning Tower of Pisa. But let’s dig a little deeper, beyond the Instagram poses and souvenir shops, to uncover the story behind this legendary structure. Whether you’re planning a trip to Pisa or just daydreaming about Italian adventures, here’s everything you need to know about the iconic Leaning Tower, plus a glimpse into my own Pisa adventure.

A Tower Built to Impress

The Leaning Tower of Pisa wasn’t originally meant to lean at all. Construction began in 1173 as part of the city’s grand plan to showcase its wealth and power. The tower was designed as the bell tower for the adjacent cathedral in the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). The square itself is a masterpiece, featuring the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto Monumentale. Together, these buildings formed a center of faith, art, and civic pride for medieval Pisa, and the tower was meant to be the crowning jewel. But nature had other plans.

Why Does the Tower Lean?

By the time builders had completed the second story, they noticed something unsettling: the tower was tilting. The cause? A foundation set in soft, unstable soil—an unfortunate mix of clay, sand, and silt. Despite the obvious issue, construction continued (because, why not?). To counteract the tilt, builders tried to adjust the angles of the upper levels, giving the tower a slightly curved appearance when viewed from afar. After nearly 200 years, the tower was finally completed in 1372, tilt and all. Ironically, the very flaw that could have doomed the tower is what made it world-famous. It’s a reminder that even imperfection can become an icon.

Engineering Miracles: How It Stays Standing

By the 20th century, the tower’s tilt had become more extreme, sparking fears that it might collapse. In the 1990s, engineers stepped in with a massive restoration project, stabilizing the tower by removing soil from underneath and anchoring it with counterweights. Today, the Leaning Tower is safe for visitors and is even leaning slightly less than it did in the past (the tilt is now about 4 degrees). Fun fact: it’s estimated to remain stable for at least 200 more years!

My Pisa Adventure: Morning Charm and Hidden Gems

Josie and I arrived in Pisa early in the morning, thanks to a cheap one-hour-and-twenty-minute flight from Palermo. It was only 8:30 a.m. when we got to the Piazza dei Miracoli, so the area wasn’t crowded yet—perfect timing to soak it all in. We, of course, took the iconic photo of us “holding up” the Leaning Tower. It was fun and cliché, but honestly, how could we resist?

After exploring the square, we wandered over to grab some postcards to send to our families back home. Walking through Pisa’s streets, we were pleasantly surprised by how charming and lively the town felt. We stumbled upon a lovely shopping center, and I found the perfect coat on sale (talk about a great souvenir!).

Josie and I had also decided to start a charm bracelet for every country we visited. Pisa became the starting point of this tradition as we picked up a bracelet and our first charm—an adorable little Italy charm to commemorate our adventure.

We eventually sat down for brunch at a cozy local café. The morning sun made it even more special as we journaled and wrote our postcards. I tackled another prompt from my journal, and we both paused to reflect on how quaint and charming Pisa was. From the quiet streets to the hidden sights we stumbled across, the town felt like a peaceful slice of Tuscany.

Visiting the Leaning Tower

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is part of the UNESCO-listed Piazza dei Miracoli, and it’s a must-visit when exploring Tuscany. Here’s what you can expect when you go:

1. Climbing the Tower

Yes, you can climb it! There are 294 steps spiraling up to the top, offering stunning views of Pisa and its surroundings.

2. Snap the Classic Photo

No trip is complete without trying to “hold up” the tower in a cleverly angled photo. Sure, it’s cliché, but it’s also a lot of fun.

3. Explore the Piazza dei Miracoli

While the tower steals the spotlight, the rest of the square is equally breathtaking. Don’t miss the Baptistery’s incredible acoustics or the intricate details of the cathedral’s façade.

4. Stroll Through Pisa

Pisa isn’t just about the Leaning Tower. Wander through the city’s charming streets, stop for gelato, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Pisa’s riverside area, the Lungarni, is especially beautiful at sunset.

A Symbol of Resilience

The Leaning Tower of Pisa isn’t just a quirky tourist attraction—it’s a symbol of resilience and creativity. Despite its flaws (or maybe because of them), it has stood the test of time, captivating millions of visitors from around the world. So, the next time you visit, don’t just snap a photo and leave. Take a moment to marvel at this architectural oddity, a structure that turned an imperfection into a legacy.

Travel Tip: The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. And if you’re exploring more of Tuscany, Pisa is just a short train ride from Florence and Lucca, making it the perfect day trip.

Have you been to the Leaning Tower of Pisa? What was your favorite part of the experience? Share your thoughts below—I’d love to hear your travel stories!