Rising from the heart of Piazza del Duomo, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks. Known worldwide for its unintended tilt, this bell tower is a marvel of medieval engineering and a symbol of resilience and charm.

Quick Information

ADDRESS

Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy

RECOMMENDED DURATION

1 hour

TICKETS

From € 24.40

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Plan your visit

Did you know?

The tower’s famous tilt began during construction due to soft, uneven ground beneath its foundation.

Galileo is believed to have conducted physics experiments from the tower.

The Leaning Tower has survived four strong earthquakes over the centuries.

More insights

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Buy tickets to Leaning Tower of Pisa

Leaning Tower of Pisa Tickets

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Pisa Monumental Complex: Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Museums & Baptistry Tickets

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From Florence: Pisa Guided Day Trip with Leaning Tower Access

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Pisa Cathedral and Leaning Tower Guided Tour

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Why is the Leaning Tower of Pisa a must-visit attraction?

The Leaning Tower of Pisa isn’t just a global icon—it’s an architectural accident that turned into a masterpiece. Its unique tilt, caused by unstable soil, has fascinated millions for centuries. As you stand at its base, you'll not only witness the illusion of defiance against gravity but also appreciate the intricate Romanesque detailing in its white marble exterior. Climb the 273 spiral steps to the top for panoramic views of Pisa and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. The tower’s presence in the Piazza del Duomo, alongside the cathedral and baptistry, offers visitors a glimpse into medieval Italian craftsmanship and culture. Whether you're a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or a curious traveler, the Leaning Tower offers a blend of curiosity, beauty, and history that makes it a must-see on any Italy itinerary.

Blame it on the ground!

The Leaning Tower didn’t start out with a tilt—it was the soft clay soil beneath Pisa and a shallow 3-meter foundation that caused one side to sink mid-construction. With little understanding of soil mechanics back then, builders paused and resumed work over nearly 200 years, unintentionally creating the world’s most famous architectural mishap.

Must-explore spots in the tower

Tower base

The beautifully carved marble base features Romanesque details and intricate reliefs that showcase medieval craftsmanship. You’ll also spot subtle structural reinforcements that were added during restoration to stabilize the lean.

Spiral staircase

Climb the 273 steps of the narrow spiral staircase that winds upward, giving you a firsthand feel of the tower’s distinctive tilt and architectural ingenuity. The climb offers shifting perspectives as you ascend, making the lean feel more dramatic with every turn.

Bell chamber

At the very top, the bell chamber houses seven ancient bronze bells, each with its own unique tone, ringing out over Pisa for centuries. Though rarely rung today, these bells once played a central role in Pisa’s religious and civic life.

Panoramic views

From the summit, enjoy stunning views of Pisa’s red-tiled rooftops, the cathedral complex, and the rolling Tuscan hills beyond—an unforgettable perspective that rewards every step climbed. It’s the perfect spot for photos, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Piazza dei Miracoli and beyond.

Highlights of the tower

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The seven bells

Each bell represents a musical note and has its own unique history dating back centuries.

A brief history of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

1173 - The construction of the bell tower begins.
1178 - Construction is paused because the tower starts to tilt due to its massive weight and the loose soil beneath.
1272 - Giovanni de Simone resumes the construction of the bell tower.
1284 - Construction is once again halted because Pisa's defeat in the Battle of Meloria.
1399 - The construction is finally complete, but the tilt still exists.
1934 - Mussolini attempts modifications to make the tower straight but worsens it further.
1990 - The tower is closed for corrections.
2001 - The Leaning Tower of Pisa reopens for visits.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa's history in depth

Who built the tower?

Initially, the tower was designed by Bonanno Pisano, a renowned local sculptor and architect. Construction spanned over two centuries, with architects Giovanni di Simone and Tommaso Pisano later overseeing the project. They made structural adjustments to counteract the tilt. The tower exemplifies the elegant Pisan Romanesque style, blending artistic detail with medieval engineering ingenuity.

Architecture of the tower

Made primarily of white and grey marble, the Bell Tower features six open loggias stacked above a solid base and capped with a bell chamber. The 56m tall tower leans at nearly 4 degrees due to its weak foundation soil. Construction took place in three main stages from 1173 to 1372. The interior spiral staircase connects all levels, and the tilt is especially perceptible during the ascent. Decorative blind arcades, columned galleries, and classical ornamentation showcase the artistic legacy of medieval Pisa.

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Additional information on the tower

The Leaning Tower of Pisa stands proudly within the Piazza del Duomo, also known as Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautiful square is home to four remarkable monuments: the Leaning Tower, the Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistry, and the Camposanto Monumentale. Visitors can easily explore all these historic sites together in one visit by booking Pisa Monumental Complex tickets, making the piazza a complete and unforgettable cultural experience.

Seeing through rose-tilted glasses: Other leaning buildings in the world

Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi: The world record holder

In 2010, Capital Gate earned the Guinness World Record as the “World’s Furthest Leaning Man-made Tower,” tilting an incredible 18 degrees—over four times more than Pisa.

Leaning Towers of Germany

Germany is home to two naturally tilting church towers—the 14th-century bell tower in Bad Frankenhausen and the 15th-century Leaning Tower of Suurhusen, both competing with Pisa’s iconic lean.

Belfry of Bruges, Belgium

This medieval bell tower in Bruges leans just 1 degree due to an unstable foundation, but its tilt is clearly visible in the city’s main marketplace.

Frequently asked questions about the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Is it one of the Seven Wonders of the world?

No, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is not officially listed among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient or Modern World, but it remains one of the world’s most famous architectural landmarks.

Is it stable today?

Yes, after extensive restoration and monitoring, the tower is currently stable and safe for visitors, with its lean reduced to about 3.97 degrees.

How much does it tilt?

The Leaning Tower of Pisa currently leans at an angle of about 3.97 degrees. At its most extreme in the 1990s, it tilted over 5.5 degrees, but restoration efforts have since reduced the lean to a safer angle without straightening the tower completely, preserving its iconic tilt.

Can visitors go inside it?

Yes, visitors can climb inside the tower via a spiral staircase to reach the top and enjoy panoramic views of Pisa.

How many floors does it have?

The tower has eight levels, including six open galleries, the base, and the bell chamber at the top.

Has it survived any major calamities?

Despite enduring at least four major earthquakes since 1280, the Pisa Tower still stands—thanks to the very soil that caused its tilt. Engineers found that its soft foundation and rigid structure create a unique balance, allowing it to sway with seismic waves without collapsing.

Does it have grand interiors?

Contrary to its exterior magnificence, the tower has spare interiors, with just a couple of narrow staircases leading to the top. The inside is reminiscent of a giant cylinder, into which natural sunlight pools in from the various windows and the aperture on top.

Does the Leaning Tower of Pisa appear in pop culture?

In one scene of the move Superman 3, Superman is shown to straighten the Leaning Tower's tilt.