Leaning Tower of Pisa architecture explained: Design, structure & restoration

The original architect of the Leaning Tower, Bonanno Pisano began construction in 1173. A prominent Pisan sculptor, he established the tower’s elegant Romanesque style—marked by rounded arches, classical columns, and balanced proportions. He envisioned a harmonious monument to civic pride rooted in classical traditions.

Decades later, Giovanni di Simone resumed work and attempted to correct the tilt by slightly angling the upper floors. He introduced structural adjustments while preserving the original style, blending architecture with emerging engineering awareness. He adapted the design to counter structural flaws without disrupting visual rhythm.

Tommaso Pisano completed the bell chamber in the 14th century. He used lighter materials and slimmer columns, staying faithful to the Romanesque design while ensuring stability for the already leaning structure. His vision was one of restraint and refinement, aiming to finish the tower without compromising its integrity.

Exterior
From a distance, the tower dazzles with its clean marble lines, open arcades, and unmistakable tilt. The symmetry of arches and columns contrasts with its lean, offering a visual paradox that both pleases and puzzles. Each gallery ring invites the eye upward, culminating in the domed belfry.

Inside, the space is strikingly hollow and spare. Unlike many bell towers filled with elaborate interiors, the Leaning Tower’s core is an open vertical shaft, rising uninterrupted from base to belfry. This vast emptiness amplifies every sound and accentuates the echo of footsteps along the stone spiral staircase that clings to the inner wall.