Leaning Tower of Pisa
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The Leaning Tower of Pisa (also known as Torre di Pisa or Torre pendente) is 56.67 m (185.93 ft) tall on its higher side and 183.27 feet (55,86m) tall on its lower side and is one of the most famous landmarks in Italy. It was built between 1173 and 1372, after Donna Berta di Bernardo left money to Pisa Cathedral for the building of a belltower (or campanile). Book tickets in advance so you can visit on your trip to Pisa!
By Miriam Dewam
By Miriam DewamSelect a date to find available tickets, tours & activities:
Tickets
Book your ticket to the Leaning Tower of Pisa in advance.
Reserved Entrance to Leaning Tower of Pisa & Cathedral
4.5
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Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Cemetery, Baptistery and Sinopie Museum entrance tickets
4.6(820)
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Tours of Pisa
Combine your trip to the Leaning Tower with a tour of the city.Pisa: 1.5-Hour Small Group Leaning Tower Tour with Tickets
4.9(14)
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Pisa: 2.5 Hour Guided Tour w/ Leaning Tower & Cathedral
4.7(25)
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Pisa guided tour with Leaning Tower and entrance to the Cathedral
4.7(62)
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Square of Miracles guided tour with Leaning Tower ticket (option)
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More Tickets & Tours
Browse even more products which include a trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.Pisa: Piazza dei Miracoli Guided Tour & Leaning Tower Option
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Leaning Tower of Pisa & Cathedral: Fast Track Ticket
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Private Tour of Leaning Tower Pisa Top Attractions w Local Guide
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The Leaning Tower of Pisa and Renaissance Florence Private Tour from Tuscany
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6 tips for visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Pisa Cathedral and Leaning Tower of Pisa | Photo: Unsplash, Urlaubstracker
1
Book your ticket in advance onlineDue to the restricted number of visitors, tickets are limited in number and have an assigned time slot. Especially in high season, tickets can sell out quickly, so be sure to book them online in advance.
Town sign of Pisa | Photo: Unsplash, Dominik Dancs
2
Be on time on siteDue to the security measures taken, the tickets are bound to 30-minute time slots, with 30 people each being able to visit the Leaning Tower. In order to be able to keep the chosen time slot without problems, you should be about 20 to 25 minutes earlier on site.
3
Mandatory baggage drop offFor security reasons, the Leaning Tower of Pisa can only be visited after all luggage has been dropped off. Therefore, you should leave your bags and backpacks at the checkroom of the Opera della Primaziale Pisana at least 15 minutes before the booked time slot. With our previous tip to plan your arrival with 20 to 25 minutes before the time slot, this should be possible without any problems!
4
Enjoy the ViewApart from the interesting architecture of the Leaning Tower, a trip to the top also offers you a wonderful view of the city of Pisa. It’s one of the most beautiful vistas in the whole of Tuscany!
Pisa Cathedral | Photo: Unsplash, Taylor Flowe
5
Stop By Pisa CathedralIf you’d also like to visit the Cathedral then you can use your ticket to the Leaning Tower to enter! Although entry to the Pisa Cathedral is free, you still need a ticket and this way you don’t need to book both separately.
Camposanto Monumentale | Photo: Unsplash, Joshua Kettle
6
See More on a Walking TourCombine your visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa with a guided tour of the city’s highlights, including the cathedral, the Baptistery (which is the largest in Italy), and the Camposanto, the old cemetery of Pisa.
The floors of the Leaning Tower of Pisa | Graphic: TicketLens, Miriam Dewam - CC-BY-SA 2.0
More than just a leaning tower
When the city of Pisa was under attack, the free-standing bell tower (Campanile) sometimes served as a refuge for members of the church, and is today one of the most visited sights in Italy. Not only does the tower offer a good view of the city, but it also lives up to its name - the incline is clearly noticeable as you climb up! In our graphic you can learn more about its features.Seriously Crooked
The tower was built on soft ground composed of clay and fine sand, and originally its foundations were less than 3 m (10 ft) deep. The tilt became obvious in the early stages of building as the foundation couldn’t compensate for the soft ground, and for a long time construction was put on hold - partly because of the tilt, but mostly because Pisa was involved in a lot of wars with its neighbors. After construction resumed, the building had mostly stabilized, but over the centuries, the tower gradually leaned more and more in one direction. It was only in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that significant efforts were made to stabilize the tower. Today the tilt is about 3.97º, but before the stabilizing efforts of the last centuries, it was 5.5º.
296 Steps
The spiral staircase of the tower stretches over 8 floors with 296 steps. It is so narrow that the observation deck can only be reached single file. To ensure the safety of visitors, tickets are tied to 30-minute time slots for up to 30 people per slot.
187 ft height
Already during the construction work on the third floor, which took place 12 years after the start of construction, the inclination of the tower became noticeable and led to an interruption of the construction due to this difficulty as well as political unrest. It was not until 100 years later that four floors followed, which were built slightly offset to compensate for the inclination. After 200 years of construction, it was finally decided to complete the tower, which had once been planned with a height of 100 m (328 feet), with a belfry at 57 m (187 ft).
View in the depth
Surrounded by seven bells, the Leaning Tower has a special feature on the 7th floor at a height of 48 m (157 ft): In the middle of them is a glass lid through which you can see inside the tower. Already when entering the tower, this peculiarity becomes visible, as it is the main source of light for the tower.
The Roof of the Leaning Tower | Photo: Flickr, Glen Bowman - CC-BY-SA 2.0
The summit
After only a few minutes you reach the highest vantage point of the tower at a height of just under 57 m (164 ft). From here you not only overlook the square but also have a wonderful panoramic view over the city of Pisa.
Leaning Tower of Pisa | Photo: Unsplash, Square Lab
The landmark of the city of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa was built as a campanile, a freestanding bell tower, for Pisa Cathedral. Together with the Baptistery, the Cemetery and the Cathedral, it forms the cathedral complex of Piazza dei Miracoli, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.Stairway of the Leaning Tower | Photo: Flickr, slifex - CC-BY-SA 2.0
Former Record-Holder
In 2007 the Leaning Tower of Pisa had to give up its crown as the most crooked building in the world to the church of Suurhusen in Eastern Friesland, Germany. The Guinness Book of Records lists the church as having a tilt of 5.19º, which is much more dramatic than the Leaning Tower’s current 3.97º. In addition to accidentally wonky buildings, there’s a skyscraper in Abu Dhabi called Capital Gate which was deliberately built to have a tilt of 18º. However, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is definitely the best known and is a much-loved photo opportunity for tourists from around the world!
The belfry | Photo: Flickr, Rossella Giannone - CC BY-SA 2.0
Seven Bells in the Tower
In the building there are still a total of 7 bells that weigh just over 7.500 kg (16.534,67 punds). The Pasquareccia, the oldest of them, dates back to the construction of the tower. It was originally rung under the name of La Giustizia whenever criminals were executed. In the 18th century it was replaced by a replica and rings daily for mass in Pisa Cathedral. Since the bells cause strong vibrations when they are rung, it is not allowed to ring more than one at a time to avoid aggravating the slope or even causing it to collapse.
Ornaments on the Leaning Tower of Pisa | Photo: Flickr, Manel Zaera - CC BY-SA 2.0
32,000,000 pounds finest Stonework
The external façade of the Leaning Tower is made of white Carrara marble, which has been mined in Tuscany since the Roman era. The eight floors of the tower are decorated with marble arches, representing some of the finest masonry skills.
Inside the tower | Photo: Unsplash, Èric Teixidó
Non-electric Lighting
This historic building is solely illuminated by natural light. Daylight can pass through the narrow slits on the landing. A glass ceiling on the 8th floor graces the tower, allowing light to flood in from above as well.
Close-up of the Leaning Tower of Pisa | Photo: Unsplash, Larry Koester
Myths, Facts, and the Bizarre
The extreme lean of the Leaning Tower isn’t its only interesting feature: its whole history is peppered with interesting stories. For a long time it was not known who had designed the towerA Puzzle Solved
For centuries, the identity of the Leaning Tower’s architect was a mystery. However, at the end of 2019 the paleographer (handwriting expert) Giulia Ammannati finally discovered proof that Bonanno Pisano designed the building. The architect also designed Pisa Cathedral’s gates. The tower was built over 199 years and was completed at the end of the 14th century, with several architects adding their own touches along the way.
Galileo and the Leaning Tower
Galileo’s student Vincenzo Viviani wrote in his biography that Galileo dropped balls of identical material but different masses off the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This experiment demonstrated that objects fall at the same pace, regardless of their mass, directly contradicting Aristotle’s teaching. While it’s a nice story and lets students picture the scientific principles visually, there’s no evidence that it really happened. Most historians believe it was a thought experiment. A similar experiment was carried out by Flemish scientists Simon Stevin and Jan Cornets de Groot in the church tower in Delft.
The Must-Have Photo of Your Trip
We’ve all seen them: the pictures of visitors to Pisa posing as though they’re holding up the Leaning Tower. While there are endless variations to be tried, if you decide you’re too cool for the shot then you can always enjoy watching other people struggling to make it work.
The Surfing Tower
Although it seems as if the Leaning Tower could tip over at any time, according to current research, it will withstand any earthquake. The answer for it lies underneath the leaning tower itself: the foundation. Ironically, it is the same base which is responsible for its leaning position. Due to the dynamic effect between ground and tower, the structure can surf on the waves triggered by earthquakes.
Piazza dei Miracoli from a bird's eye view | Unsplash: Michael Wise
A Day in Pisa
You should plan half a day to a full day to see all the sights in Pisa. Come along with us on a journey through Pisa!Train to Pisa | Unsplash: Frank Andiver
Getting to Pisa
If you drive to Pisa by car, it is best to park in one of the car parks outside the city. A free parking lot is just a 15-minute walk from the Piazza dei Miracoli. If you arrive by train, you can walk 20 minutes to reach the Piazza dei Miracoli. There are also buses that run from the station to the Leaning Tower. You can take the LAM Rossa or Navetta Centro Città bus, both of which stop close to the station and drop you off near to the Leaning Tower.
Pisa town sign | Unsplash: Edu Gonzalez
The City of ‘Pisa’ - Short Facts and Figures
Today, Pisa has about 90,500 inhabitants and is one of the most popular cities in Tuscany. The University of Pisa makes it a lively student city, which is best discovered on a stroll.
It is believed that Pisa was founded by the Greeks in the 7th or 6th century BC and later settled by the Etruscans. Due to its favorable location on the Tuscan coast, the city became a maritime power in the 10th century CE and developed a thriving trade fleet. Pisa established trade routes to North Africa, the Byzantine Empire, and the Middle East, making it an important trading center. Its ships transported not only goods, but also culture and ideas, leading to cultural exchange and a flourishing economy. However, in the 12th century CE, Pisa began to decline losing to the Genoese fleet in the Battle of Meloria. The Medici rebuilt Pisa, including the university under the rule of Florence, from 1406 CE. Even Galileo Galilei once taught at the renowned university.
It is believed that Pisa was founded by the Greeks in the 7th or 6th century BC and later settled by the Etruscans. Due to its favorable location on the Tuscan coast, the city became a maritime power in the 10th century CE and developed a thriving trade fleet. Pisa established trade routes to North Africa, the Byzantine Empire, and the Middle East, making it an important trading center. Its ships transported not only goods, but also culture and ideas, leading to cultural exchange and a flourishing economy. However, in the 12th century CE, Pisa began to decline losing to the Genoese fleet in the Battle of Meloria. The Medici rebuilt Pisa, including the university under the rule of Florence, from 1406 CE. Even Galileo Galilei once taught at the renowned university.
Piazza dei Miracoli | Unsplash: Riccardo Cervia
Piazza dei Miracoli
The Piazza dei Miracoli, also known as the Square of Miracles, is a remarkable architectural ensemble in the heart of Pisa. The square is famous for its extraordinary religious buildings, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale di Santa Maria Assunta), the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Camposanto Monumentale (the monumental cemetery of Pisa). The Piazza dei Miracoli is not only an important religious center, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors from all over the world. The preserved architectural heritage and its cultural significance make the square an unmissable destination for tourists wanting to experience the beauty and history of Pisa.
The entrance to Pisa Cathedral with the three bronze doors | Unsplash: Federico Di Dio Photography
Duomo Santa Maria Assunta
Its richly decorated four-story marble facade attracts attention and impresses with intricate details, reliefs, marble columns, and sculptures. The three mighty bronze portals lead to the interior of the cathedral, which is just as magnificent with high arches, elegant columns, and elaborate frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Visitors can admire the impressive pulpit, created by Nicola Pisano and his son Giovanni. There is also a magnificent baptismal font designed by various artists.
Fun Fact: The three bronze portals are the destination for Pisan students every year. By laying their hands on them, they hope for good luck in exams, as the polished figures show.
Fun Fact: The three bronze portals are the destination for Pisan students every year. By laying their hands on them, they hope for good luck in exams, as the polished figures show.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa | Unsplash: Andrea Cevenini
Torre pendente di Pisa (Leaning Tower of Pisa)
Almost every visitor in Pisa tries to take a funny photo with the Leaning Tower. Supporting, leaning on, pushing over, or even hugging it are popular photo motifs.
Check out our page: Leaning Tower of Pisa. There you'll find out more about the tower!
The foundation stone of the tower was laid in 1173 CE, and the tower began to lean as soon as the first three floors were completed. 100 years later, the architect Giovanni di Simone used heavy building materials on the north side and built up to the seventh floor. 200 years after construction began, the architect Tommaso Pisano completed the 55m (180,4ft) high monument. Today, you can climb the bell tower via winding steps. You have to climb a total of 294 steps before you can enjoy the view over the Piazza del Duomo and Pisa's city center.
Check out our page: Leaning Tower of Pisa. There you'll find out more about the tower!
The foundation stone of the tower was laid in 1173 CE, and the tower began to lean as soon as the first three floors were completed. 100 years later, the architect Giovanni di Simone used heavy building materials on the north side and built up to the seventh floor. 200 years after construction began, the architect Tommaso Pisano completed the 55m (180,4ft) high monument. Today, you can climb the bell tower via winding steps. You have to climb a total of 294 steps before you can enjoy the view over the Piazza del Duomo and Pisa's city center.
Baptistery | Unsplash: Dmitry Bukhants
Baptistery of San Giovanni
The Baptistery of San Giovanni in Pisa is another impressive Romanesque building on the Piazza dei Miracoli. Construction of the baptistery next to the cathedral began in 1152 CE and was completed in the 14th century CE. With its impressive dome and richly decorated facade, it attracts the attention of visitors. Inside, the largest baptismal font in Italy impresses, topped by an artistically designed dome.
Cemetery | Unsplash: Yeswanth Mohana Velu
Cemetery ‘Camposanto Monumentale’
Surrounded by an impressive row of arcades, the cemetery built in 1277 CE houses a significant collection of frescoes, sculptures and tombs from various periods. Designed in the Romanesque style, the cemetery exudes a calm and reverent atmosphere that invites visitors to linger and reflect. The frescoes on the walls tell stories from the Bible and the history of Pisa, while the graves of the city's nobles and scholars offer fascinating insights into the past.
It is said that soil from Jerusalem was used for the cemetery so that the nobles could be buried on holy ground.
It is said that soil from Jerusalem was used for the cemetery so that the nobles could be buried on holy ground.
Fresco in the Cathedral of Pisa | Flickr: Layy Koester CC-BY 2.0
The Cathedral Museum and the Sinopias Museum
Both museums are usually included in various combination tickets. The Cathedral Museum houses sculptures and paintings from the 12th to the 15th century. The Sinopias Museum displays drawings that were used to prepare the frescoes.
Old Town of Pisa | Unsplash: Elena Devola
The Old Town of Pisa
The old town is only a short walk from the Piazza dei Miracoli. The buildings stand close together and the crowds are fewer than at the Cathedral Square, where it can often be loud and hectic. The small streets with many restaurants and shops soon open up to the Piazza dei Cavalieri. Here stands the Palazzo Carovana with its black and white facade. It was redesigned in 1558 AD by Giorgio Vasari and was the seat of Grand Duke Cosimo I. de’Medici. An elite university has been housed here since 1810. On the square, there is also the Palazzo del Collegio Puteano, the churches San Rocco and Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri, the Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici, and the Palazzo dell’Orologio (Clock Palace), which was created from two dilapidated towers.
Bar in Pisa | Unsplash: David Straight
The University District
In a few more steps, you will reach the University of Pisa. Of course, you will find numerous bars here that support the lively student life in Pisa with plenty of drinks. Not far from here is the city market on the Piazza delle Vettovaglie. The shopping street Borgo Stretto, simply called 'Borgo' by Pisans, is the most popular shopping street in the city. In the narrow streets, commonly called 'Stretto' by Italians, you will find numerous shops, cafés, and restaurants. A tip for lovers of antique stores and bookshops is the area around Piazza Dante.
Riverside street along the Arno in Pisa | Unsplash: Giulia Hetherington
The riverside street
The 241km (150 miles) long river Arno, which flows through Italy, also meanders through Pisa, past colorful palaces and city villas. On the southern bank lies the church of Santa Maria della Spina, which was built for travelers. The Ponte di Mezzo, one of the bridges over the river, is a popular viewpoint. The picturesque promenade along the riverbank is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike and invites you to linger with its green spaces, cozy cafés, restaurants, and bars.
New Year's Eve in Pisa | Unsplash: Andrea Marcheschi
Other highlights
If you still have some time, you can visit the historical maritime museum, which commemorates the time when Pisa was a naval power. The botanical gardens and museums were founded in 1543 and include plants from all over the world on about 3ha (7,4 acres). One of the most beautiful art collections in Tuscany can be found in the former Benedictine monastery San Matteo, which today houses the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo. Here you will find sculptures, ceramics, manuscripts, textiles, and Tuscan paintings.
Spaghetti alle Vongole | Unsplash: Mohd Lazim Ath Thany Bin Mohd Lazim
Typical dishes in Pisa
The cuisine of Pisa is characterized by Tuscan tradition and benefits from its proximity to the sea. Fresh fish and seafood are therefore a delicacy that can often appear on the menus. Popular dishes include 'Cacciucco alla Livornese', a fish stew, 'Spaghetti alle Vongole' (spaghetti with clams), or 'Baccalà alla pisana' (a cod dish from Pisa). Tripe ('Trippa'), risotto with regional white truffles, or 'Mucco Pisano' (beef steak) are also typical of Pisa.
The use of local ingredients such as olive oil, fresh vegetables and pecorino cheese (cheese made from sheep's milk) gives the dishes a distinctive flavor, while excellent Tuscan wines round off the meals. In the numerous restaurants, osterias and trattorias in Pisa, visitors can discover and enjoy the diverse and delicious cuisine of the region.
The use of local ingredients such as olive oil, fresh vegetables and pecorino cheese (cheese made from sheep's milk) gives the dishes a distinctive flavor, while excellent Tuscan wines round off the meals. In the numerous restaurants, osterias and trattorias in Pisa, visitors can discover and enjoy the diverse and delicious cuisine of the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are visitor numbers restricted?
The Leaning Tower’s staircase is narrow and can only accommodate a limited number of visitors at one time. As a result, the number of people who can enter the building, and therefore the number of tickets sold each day, is limited. Read more.
Is there an elevator?
There is no elevator to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, therefore the tower is not accessible to visitors with mobility problems. Read more.
My child is under 8 years old, can I still visit the attraction?
Childcare is offered but must be booked in advance, it is provided by trained staff at Piazza del Duomo. Read more.
Is it allowed to carry bags and backpacks during the tour?
All luggage must be deposited in the checkroom of the Opera della Primaziale Pisana. The deposit is free of charge and should be checked in 15 minutes before the booked time slot. Read more.
Can I bring my dog to the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
No, animals aren’t allowed into the Leaning Tower. An exception is made for certified service dogs as long as you bring their documentation along. Read more.
Is it allowed to take pictures and videos of the Leaning Tower?
Videos and photos may be taken for personal purposes only, permission are required for commercial use and must be obtained from OPA . Read more.
General information
opening hours
In November and February, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is open from 9:45 am to 5:15 pm, in December and January from 10 am to 5 pm (except between December 21 and January 1, when it’s open from 10 am to 7 pm). In March the tower is open from 8:30 am or 9 am, and closes at 6 pm, 7 pm, or 8 pm, depending on the date. Between April and September, the opening hours are 9 am to 8 pm, except from June 17 to August 31, when it will be open from 8:30 am to 10 pm. In October the site is open from 9 am to 7 pm.
From November 1 @ 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. From November 2 @ 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. From November 3 @ 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. From November 4 @ 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. From November 5 @ 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. From November 6 @ 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. From November 7 @ 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. From November 8 @ 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. From November 9 @ 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
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Piazza del Duomo
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Written byMiriam DewamMiriam is keen on traveling and has a passion for photography, which she can enhance through her cross-media studies. She uses her knowledge as well as first hand experience from diverse travels to help other travellers as a content creator at TicketLens.
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