There are various marvelous attractions nearby but still and until now, the City of Pisa in Tuscany is widely known for its Guglielmo & Pisano Leaning Tower.
This freestanding tower tends to lean to the southwest (about 5.5 degrees) due to poor constructional foundation in 1173. If you are going to measure it all up, the Leaning Tower has a height of 183.27 ft on the lowest side while 186.02 ft on the highest side. The whole tower weighs at 16,000 short tons and if your planning to lose weight, climbing its 296 steps thrice a week is probably enough to get fit.
Brief History
The construction began in 1173 with pillars and arches as the ground floor. With plans and designs originally made by Guglielmo and Bonano Pisano. When Pisano died, Giovanni di Simone completed the construction of the tower in 1264. In 1360-1370, the Gothic-Romanesque architectural design was passed to Tommaso di Andrea Pisano, where seven bells are installed inside the tower.
Further surface restoration from corrosion and blackening continued in 1990 until 200. Seventy metric tons were removed in May 2008 to ensure its deep-rooted foundation that can last for at least two decades.
What It Feels
Standing outside the tower while photographing a top-view shot feels like you are the courageous David in front of an immobile Goliath. Going inside the entrance door can really be hair-raising for those first timers but when you see the largest bell on the ground floor (L’assunta), its classic ingenuity is not a disappointment.
The narrow and almost shrunken staircase from the seventh to the next level seems spooky at first but as you reach the top, the view from the top is completely a breathtaking experience not to be ignored. Don’t worry, it’s allowed to bring cameras and video cams but refrain from leaning to the protecting balusters around.
Children less than eight years old are not allowed inside the tower and those who suffer from any forms of vertigo are discouraged.
As of the writing of this content, visiting the Leaning Tower depends on the availability of the tour guides and the weather during the visit. An advance booking is necessary at their ticket office or before your visit; you can stay at their nearest hotels nearby.
Other Attractions in Pisa
Apart from the Leaning Tower, try to tour the City of Pisa with stops at the Romanesque dome known as the Battistero, the art collection of frescoes at Campo Santo Monumentable, the preserves masterpieces at Museo del Opera del Duomo and the incredible murals in Museo delle Sinopie. The ever-first University Botanical Garden of Europe is also a must-visit.
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