Leaning Tower of Pisa Reviews (Pisa, Italy)

MY ANGLE ON PISA

Scotland, Scotland, United Kingdom

October 2, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo One of the highlights of our trip to Tuscany last year was to be our visit to Pisa. To be accurate, the main attraction was not so much the city of Pisa itself, charming though it undoubtedly is, but the Field of Miracles*. Well, to be punctiliously ...Read more

From journal TRAVELS IN TUSCANY

must see in pisa

by alanmack37

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

September 18, 2010

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I tried 3 times to visit here but was late, third time lucky. Get here early as there is a long queue to buy tickets. Give yourself an hour. Its a must see once you walk up the steps and get to the top. This is Pisas and italys greatest attraction. ...Read more

Amazing Sight

by Meggysmum

Oxford, United Kingdom

September 14, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo As a child I remember marvelling pictures of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and thinking that it couldn’t possibly stay upright and that it probably wasn’t even real. Thus I was delighted that my Mediterranean cruise was making a stop at Livorno which ...Read more As a child I remember marvelling pictures of the Leaning Tower of Pisa and thinking that it couldn’t possibly stay upright and that it probably wasn’t even real. Thus I was delighted that my Mediterranean cruise was making a stop at Livorno which is the closest port to Pisa.

Driving through the countryside of Tuscany was delightful and the town of Pisa was artfully reflected in a lake as we drove past. Coach parking is not allowed in close proximity to the Field of Miracles where the tower is located so we were parked a good twenty minute walk away in a huge coach park which obviously attracts a lot of hawkers selling handbags and tea towels.

We walked past the outside walls of the Monumental Cemetery and then into the Compo dei Miracoli through some large gates. The Leaning tower of Pisa was then directly in front of us. No amount of photographs can prepare you for how amazing this structure looks, whenever you look at a photograph you get an impression in 2D but seeing the tower leaning precariously over the footpaths in all three dimensions is quite awe-inspiring. The structure, a bell tower, was begun in 1172 but after three storeys were built it was obviously already leaning due to poor design as well as unsubstantial soil structure. It was eventually completed in the 14th century but continued to move at the rate of about quarter of an inch a year. Not long ago it started to lean more drastically as the movement increased and it was closed to visitors for ten years whilst it was made more stable. You can visit it now but you have to buy a ticket at the building on the left side of the Field and they are timed many people pre-book. The 180ft marble tower is beautiful and to see it in all its splendour is worth a visit in itself but the rest of the Field of Miracles is also worth visiting.

All of the buildings are open to the public but tickets have to be purchased at the afore-mentioned ticket office.

Immediately behind the Tower is the Duomo (Cathedral). This beautifully ornate building was completed in 1063 using stones from anywhere the masons could find them. From the outside this is evident by the odd stone with a carved flower or face or even a stone that looks like it was part of a burial casket dotted around the walls. The inside is supported with magnificent columns and there are intricate gold mosaics both outside and inside the building. Queues do build up here rapidly and there is little shade so it is wise to visit early in the day.

Opposite the entrance to the Duomo is the Baptistry with its unusual two coloured roof. This was a later building and wasn’t finished until 1284. Originally there was no roof and now there seem to be various stories about why one side of the roof is tiles in terracotta and the other is not.

The Cemetery now houses a museum which is also open for an admission charge.
All of these buildings are set amongst beautiful green lawns. Down one side of the street is a mass of souvenir shops selling everything you can think of in the shape of the Leaning Tower. However Pisa is a Tuscan town that has more to offer than just the Field of Miracles so it is worth walking out through the walls via one of the archways and discovering what else Pisa has to offer.
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From journals Historical Italy, Italian Delights

So Much More than a Leaning Tower

by rufusni

Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

February 28, 2010

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Best of IgoUgo Having flown into the airport at Pisa the night before, we couldn't miss the famed leaning tower before we jumped on the train for a short journey to Florence. We arrived in good time before the hoards and most of the tour buses...so it wasn't too ...Read more Having flown into the airport at Pisa the night before, we couldn't miss the famed leaning tower before we jumped on the train for a short journey to Florence. We arrived in good time before the hoards and most of the tour buses...so it wasn't too busy. There had been some discussion over whether to climb the tower or not, but we decided in the end not to bother, but it is easy enough to buy a ticket for a set time, as you have to go up in a group, and there are only a limited number available.

The famed leaning tower does look quite spectacular – while its leaning status has gained it worldwide renown – it is a fabulous building even if it wasn’t leaning with its rounded Romanesque arches at each level, it appears so intricate. The structure seems to lean due to the unsuitable ground where it was built, and several attempts have been made to make it safe and maintain it. It is amazing to see another one of those landmarks that is known the world over. It does present the perfect opportunity to line up photos of someone holding up the tower for that cheesy tourist shot- but it just has to be done!

But the tower is not a building all alone, it was built as the bell tower of the duomo (the cathedral) and is part of a much larger complex of buildings around the Piazza of Miracles, including a baptistery. To get into any of the buildings on the site including the cathedral you are going to have to buy tickets – and if you look anything like a tourist you are going to have a difficult time convincing the guards that you are going into the duomo to worship which is free. There are a few ticket offices all of which are clearly signed.

Work on the duomo began in 1063 – and like every other European cathedral took centuries to build and complete. Unfortunetely much of the medieval art work was destroyed in a fire in 1595 – though the apse has the original 14th century mosaic of Christ Pantocrator (Christ in Majesty), which is amazing. Like any cathedral, it has had additions and further work over the centuries – some positive additions, others less so – the gold ceiling may be impressive but wasn’t my thing, nor were the electric candles. I did find the black and white marble beautiful in all the geometric shapes. The marble pulpit however was what caught my attention – this was carved at the beginning of the 14th century, managed to survive the fire but was missing for centuries until it was rediscovered in 1926 – it seems that during redecoration after the fire it had been packed away to keep it safe but was forgotten about. While that story makes it interesting, the pulpit itself is exquisitely carved. It is supported by pillars with several figures, including unusually Hercules and then the top is made up of panels depicting biblical scenes such as the annunciation, crucifixion and the last judgment. It is an amazing building – both inside and out, and well worth buying a ticket.

The third part of the complex I want to mention is the baptistery. There are theological and ecclesiastical reasons why baptisteries in Italy tend to be separated from churches, but there is no reason to get into that now. The baptistery is a huge round building dedicated to St John the Baptist – and there is a a progression in styles from the rounded Romanesque arches at its base to the more gothic style of the top and dome which were later additions. It is the largest baptistery in Italy – but while it is a remarkable building from the outside, I’m not sure I’d be so quick to go inside again – its fairly plainly decorated , though you can climb up a level and see down, and also out towards the duomo. However interestingly eventhe carved pulpit in the baptistery was carved by Nicola Pisano, will his son Giovanni carved the one in the Duomo.

The area surrounding the tower and cathedral is tourist central for Pisa – so lots of stalls selling every conceivable souvenir – but try a little further afield and you’ll get a better price in all likelihood on that must have souvenir. Also the cafes charge for the privilege of location – so head away, unless you just must have that coffee looking onto the tower.

All in all, it was fabulous to see the famed tower, looking back I wish I had climbed it just to say that I had, but oh well! But it is worth also going into the duomo, but I think I’d skip the baptistery if I went again. And if you were in Florence, its worth the train ticket!
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From journal Flying Visit to Florence

Pisa - It's Jaw Dropping...

by Gunjan Katia

Faridabad, India

July 2, 2009

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Pisa is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking places of ever been... its really really authentic. The entire city of PISA is worth exploring. The road side cafe's the lanes, buildings all speak out the rich culture and heritage of Italy. The ...Read more

Leaning Tower of Pisa - Torre Pendente di Pisa

by Liam Hetherington

Manchester, United Kingdom

June 22, 2008

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Best of IgoUgo Nations are all too often summed up by a shorthand image. Greece? The Acropolis, a symbol of learning and civilisation. Britain? The grand clock-tower of Big Ben, order and science atop the 'Mother of Parliaments'. The US? Obviously the Statue of ...Read more Nations are all too often summed up by a shorthand image. Greece? The Acropolis, a symbol of learning and civilisation. Britain? The grand clock-tower of Big Ben, order and science atop the 'Mother of Parliaments'. The US? Obviously the Statue of Liberty. And Italy? It has to be the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

In many ways it is a shame that a country with so much to see and admire is mentally linked with what is essentially a bit of bodged craftsmanship. After all, it was here that Galileo Galilei conducted his experiments. Yet, no matter how many images you may have seen of the infamous Torre Pendente does not prepare you for the thrill of seeing viewing it with your own eyes. Despite its unplanned-for tilt the tower is quietly majestic. Though certainly my immediate reaction as I caught my first glimpse of it as I approached from the east (where the southward lean was hence most apparent) was that the Tower just looked *wrong* - humourously so. It is completely out of kilter with the straight lines of the cathedral behind it. Moreover, what is clearly apparent is that it started to lean during construction, but that its architects and masons kept on going, slightly offsetting each subsequent tier from the previous, so that the whole thing has a perceptible banana curve. The belfry on top sits at such a strong angle it looks like a rakishly-tipped top-hat.

Yet somehow, while the amusement value of the tower never diminishes (witness all the tourists contorting themselves into weird tai chi-like poses atop the square's bollards for the obligatory 'Holding up the Leaning Tower' photo...), it does have a certain majesty and beauty. This is more apparent closer up, where you can appreciate the pale grey marble used, the slenderness of the columns ringing each tier of the campanile, and the the carved flesh-eating gargoyles. Had it not slumped this construction might have been a good-looking cathedral bell-tower, but not a world-famous one. You can hence understand the decision made during renovation - correct the lean a little, prevent it from toppling (throughout the 19th and 20th centuries the angle of lean increased at an accelerating pace), but leave it still noticeably canted. The Non-Leaning Tower of Pisa wouldn't have much of a lure to it, would it?

Now that the preservation works are over and done with (all that marks their passing is a few strong cables attached to the tower) tourists can once more ascend the Torre Pendente. Tickets are bought from the office in the buildings along the north wall of the Piazza and cost €15. Dear yes, but you are paying for the chance to visit one of the world's most famous monuments, one that requires substantial upkeep (in more ways than one!). For this you are put into a group for a timed slot (every half hour). Bear in mind that at peak times all the slots may be booked solid. I turned up at 9.30 on a weekday morning in March, and so was fitted in to the next group at 10.00. If you are visiting Pisa in summer it may well be worth paying a bit extra (€17) and booking your tour online in advance from http://boxoffice.opapisa.it/Torre/index.jsp - tickets must be booked at least 15 days in advance, which is a hassle, but certainly worthwhile to ensure you do not miss out. Bags must be left in lockers at the ticket office. Children under the age of 8 are prohibited; those between 8 and 12 must be held by the hand by an adult at all times, those between 12 and 18 have to be accompanied by an adult.

If the price is steep, so is the tower. At the allotted hour your guide lets you descend into the tower lobby and mount the spiral staircase. It reels like a ship upon the ocean. At certain points the climber tips over to the interior of the tower; half a revolution later and you are leaning against the outer wall. It is interesting to note how the worn depressions in the steps, eroded by countless feet over countless years, likewise weaves from left to right to compensate for the tower's angle. Restoration is still ongoing - men crouch on the pillared balconies using tiny tools, the sort of drills a dentist would use.

At the top another staircase leads up to the belfry, and then another even narrower one up to the very apex. Here you get birds-eye views over the remarkable Piazza dei Miracoli, over Pisa to the south, and towards some brooding dramatic hills to the east. I can see now how these feuding Tuscan towns kept their independence from each other for so long.

Ascending the Tower is expensive for thirty minutes, there is no denying it. However we are talking about one of the world's most famous buildings here. I would recommend an ascent anyway for the marvellous view over the UNESCO-protected heart of Pisa. The Leaning Tower grows on you. It might raise a smile when you first see it, yet weirdly it is no less stunning for that. And don't we all want a beauty with a sense of humour? Close

From journal Easy Pisa

Leaning Tower of Pisa - Torre Pendente di Pisa

by paigey121

Los Altos, California

August 7, 2007

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Best of IgoUgo We stopped in Pisa on our way to Lucca. We dropped out bags at the train station and walked over to the Field of Miracles. Everything there leans a little. It was a great stop through for a few hours. We arrived around noon and immediately set out ...Read more

From journal Italy: Rome to Venice and In-between in 15 Days

The Tower of Pisa

by Dutchnatasja

Great Falls, Virginia

February 24, 2006

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The Tower of Pisa is the bell tower of the Cathedral. Its construction began in August of 1173, and continued (with two long interruptions) for about 200 years, in full fidelity to the original project, whose architect is still uncertain.The tower ...Read more

From journal Pisa

There's something funny about that tower

by Jarde

Oxford, United Kingdom

August 29, 2005

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"It was good." Cooke, '05 Need we say more. For us, a flying visit (just over an hour in Pisa) was more than enough. The first impression you get on seeing the tower is not, as you would expect, "Wow, that tower's leaning," but, "Holy shit, the ...Read more

From journal Flying Stop in Pisa

Leaning Tower of Pisa

by leopardgrrrl88

Kent, Ohio

July 23, 2005

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Pisa is a quaint town with a pleasant atmosphere. The first thing you notice, is, of course, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the sight that made the town famous. The tower is striking, though not nearly as tall as I had imagined it to be. However, its ...Read more

From journal Pizza Pisa

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MY ANGLE ON PISA

must see in pisa

Amazing Sight

So Much More than a Leaning Tower

Pisa - It's Jaw Dropping...

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Leaning Tower of Pisa - Torre Pendente di Pisa

The Tower of Pisa

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Leaning Tower of Pisa

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MY ANGLE ON PISA

must see in pisa

Amazing Sight

So Much More than a Leaning Tower

Pisa - It's Jaw Dropping...

Leaning Tower of Pisa - Torre Pendente di Pisa

Leaning Tower of Pisa - Torre Pendente di Pisa

The Tower of Pisa

There's something funny about that tower

Leaning Tower of Pisa