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Leaning Tower of Pisa architecture explained: Design, structure & restoration
Architecture and design of the Leaning Tower | Quick overview
Official name: Leaning Tower of Pisa
Nature of attraction: Freestanding bell tower (campanile)
Location: Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
Founded: Construction began in 1173
Architectural style: Romanesque
Main architect: Attributed to Bonanno Pisano (with later interventions by Giovanni di Simone and Tommaso Pisano)
Height: 58 meters (depends on which side you measure)
Material: White marble
Notable feature: 4-degree lean due to unstable subsoil
Architectural style & influences
Romanesque architecture
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a hallmark of Romanesque architecture, a style known for its rounded arches, thick walls, and symmetrical arcades. This medieval aesthetic, dominant in 11th and 12th century Europe, is beautifully showcased in the tower’s colonnaded design—rows of elegant round arches supported by classical columns on each tier.
Arcaded loggias
But it’s not just about form. The design echoes a deep religious symbolism, aligning with the spiritual ambitions of Pisa’s cathedral complex. Each of the tower’s eight stories, including the belfry, was meant to reflect heavenly harmony. The arcaded loggias, reminiscent of ancient Roman amphitheaters, offer rhythm and repetition, balancing the vertical rise with classical proportion.
Byzantine and Islamic styles
Influences from Byzantine and Islamic styles are also subtly present, especially in the decorative motifs and the layering of arcades, showing Pisa’s openness to Mediterranean artistic currents, thanks to its status as a powerful maritime republic.
Accidental masterpiece
What sets the tower apart, however, is not just style but circumstance. The unintended tilt, caused by a shallow foundation and soft subsoil, created a visual dissonance that paradoxically enhanced its fame. Later builders adjusted subsequent levels to compensate, giving the tower its unique curved profile—a mistake turned masterpiece.
Architectural highlights of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
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Who built the Leaning Tower?
Bonanno Pisano
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.
Giovanni di Simone
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
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.
History of the architecture
Timeline of construction
- 1173: Construction of the tower begins under architect Bonanno Pisano.
- 1178: The structure reaches the third level, and the lean becomes noticeable due to unstable soil.
- 1272: Construction resumes after a long pause, led by Giovanni di Simone.
- 1372: The bell chamber is completed by Tommaso Pisano, marking the end of major construction.
- 1990: Tower is closed to the public for stabilization work.
- 2001: Reopens after successful engineering interventions to reduce the tilt and ensure safety.
Stages of Construction
Foundation and lower levels (1173–1178)
Bonanno Pisano laid the foundation and completed the first three tiers. The lean began early, caused by the soft, uneven subsoil.
Pause and mid-levels (1272–1350s)
After a long hiatus, Giovanni di Simone took over. He continued construction with a slight curve to offset the tilt, gradually raising the tower’s height while trying to stabilize it.
Completion of the bell chamber (1372)
Tommaso Pisano added the final level, the belfry. His design used lighter stone and slimmer elements to reduce structural stress.
Modern stabilization (1990–2001)
Engineers undertook major preservation work, including soil extraction and counterweights. These efforts reduced the tilt by over 40 cm and stabilized the tower for future generations.
The exterior and interior of the tower
Exterior
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.
Interior
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.
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Frequently asked questions about the architecture of the Leaning Tower Of Pisa
What materials were used to construct the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
The tower was constructed using white marble, limestone and sandstone.
Why is the tower hollow inside?
The tower's core is intentionally hollow, with a central void stretching from base to belfry. This reduced the weight bearing on the soft soil and made climbing feasible via a narrow spiral staircase built into the inner wall.
How is it different from other Romanesque towers?
Unlike typical Romanesque bell towers, Pisa’s is cylindrical, freestanding, and features a consistent ringed arcade design across all levels. Most notably, no other Romanesque tower in Europe leans as dramatically—or as beautifully.
Are there any symbolic meanings behind the tower’s design?
While primarily functional, the tower’s vertical reach and arcaded tiers reflect Pisa’s civic pride and its ambition to rival other powerful maritime republics. It was designed not just as a bell tower, but as a statement of dominance and identity.
Can you climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
Yes, visitors are allowed to climb the tower. There are 296 steps to the top, and the climb can be strenuous due to the tower's lean.
What is the purpose of the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
The tower was originally built as a bell tower for the adjacent cathedral, but it has also served other purposes throughout history, such as acting as a watchtower and a symbol of the city of Pisa.
How many bells are in the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
There are seven bells in the Leaning Tower of Pisa, one for each note of the musical scale.
How much does the Leaning Tower of Pisa lean?
The tower leans at an angle of about 3.9 degrees, which is roughly equivalent to 3.9 meters (12.8 feet) off-center.
