About
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the freestanding bell tower of the cathedral complex in Pisa, Tuscany. It stands on the Piazza del Duomo, a broad lawn of white marble shared with the cathedral and the Baptistery, and it is known above all for its unintended tilt. Visitors arrive expecting a curiosity, and the tower does not disappoint: from the grass, its lean is striking even before you walk around it.
The tower and its story
Construction began in 1173 and took nearly 200 years to complete. The lean was not part of the original plan. It developed while the tower was going up, which is why the building seems to hold its own against gravity in every photograph. The tilt is the reason the monument is so widely recognised, and it gives the whole piazza its character.
What a visit offers
- The views from the square: the tower, cathedral and Baptistery together form one of the most photographed groups of monuments in Italy.
- The cathedral complex: the tower is part of a single ensemble, so a visit naturally takes in the neighbouring buildings.
- A short, focused stop: the piazza itself is compact, which suits a half-day or a stop between other destinations.
Planning your trip
The monument is at Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy, and can be reached on foot from the centre of Pisa. The contact number is +39 050 835011. Pisa is a manageable city, and the area around the piazza gives you a pleasant walk through the old town. If you are visiting Tuscany, the tower makes a memorable first or last stop on a trip that takes in other cities in the region.
