Have you ever had a creative idea, a masterpiece in mind that did not quite go to plan? So did Diotisalvi and Guglielmo the architects of the leaning tower of Pisa, one of the most iconic mistakes in the world. People come from all over the globe to push, pull, karate kick or lay on this amazing monument for that iconic photo; it is almost a competition to come up with a crazy pose alongside the tower.
A small city nestled amongst the Tuscan landscape is Pisa, home to 9000 people and overrun with millions of tourists every year to see the marvel structure. Pisa is beautiful, however, there is not too much to do there and the accommodation can be quite expensive. It would be better to stay in Florence and do a day trip to Pisa. Located only 68 km outside of Florence, Pisa is very accessible via public transport.
Take the train from Florence to the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Catch the train from Santa Maria Novella Station (Florence) to Pisa Central Station. The trip takes around an hour and ticket prices start at $10 – $14 per person. Once you arrive at Pisa Centrale, do not be fooled the tower is not directly in front of you. You have the option to catch a shuttle bus (Bus A or B lines 3&4) or to walk 20 mins through the charming city of Pisa. Walking is the best way to check out those lovely back streets, street markets and get a real feel for the city. If you choose to walk, ensure you have printed google map directions with you; signage is poor, you will most likely get lost (Sometimes that can be fun)
As you emerge through the shaded entrance; the white sleek marble buildings will captivate you.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
Leaning for almost 800 years is a miracle of medieval engineering the Leaning Tower of Pisa; it took more than 200 years to complete; during the 12th-14th Century. Various wars halted the construction on several occasions. Foundations were laid for the tower and by the second level; it was clear it was on a lean. The architects believed if they kept building the upper levels that the tower would slowly straighten out.
Finally completed with 8 stories and 207 columns it was clear the tower was on a lean and going to stay that way. The reason for the lean; the tower was built on ground that was too soft to hold up the heavy structure, so it began sinking in turn leaning. The tower is continuing to lean, and each year sinks around 1.5 mm. It could be fixed; however, it brings over 6 million tourists to Pisa every for their iconic photo. The monument was closed in 2001 to strengthen and straighten it by 2-4 cm.
There is more to the Piazza than the Leaning Tower
Even know the leaning bell tower steals the show with most visitors; there are 3 other iconic buildings that make up the square. It is believed that the whole Piazza represents the main stages of human life; the Baptistery represents birth; the Cathedral of Pisa represents life and the Camposanto Monumentale or the Monumental Cemetery is the final stage of death.
After you have finished getting your iconic photo with, on or around the leaning tower you can choose to take the 297 spiral steps to the top; to enjoy the views of the surrounding Piazza. 45 people are allowed up the tower at a time and tickets are limited. Be prepared and buy your tickets in advance, the official website is known to crash and be a bit unreliable so you can use third-party websites such as Expedia.
Tourist Price
Bring a tourist hot spot you will find plenty of café’s, stalls and restaurants. Through the arch on the far end of the square, you will come across a souvenir market. You should never pay full price; come up with a reasonable offer that you are happy with. In this same area, you will see McDonald’s, Hungry Jacks various other little cafes. Useful tip: bathroom wise Hungry Jacks has one on the right-hand side of the cashiers and you can usually sneak in there without a problem. McDonald’s toilets (at the time) were the most disgusting things I have ever seen, do not waste your money buying something to use their facilities. Enough of the toilet talk let us talk safety.
Tips and Safety
- DO NOT stand, walk, lay or even breath on the grass fields around the buildings. There are small chain fences that block off these areas, you may think it’s harmless just to sneak over for that perfect picture, it’s not worth it trust me. Guards will ascend upon you from every angle.
- Being such a popular and crowded destination, this is a fantastic payday for pickpockets; they pray on unsuspecting tourists mesmerized by the bell tower. Always keep your belongings in front of you, never put them down and always have them insight.
Getting that perfect Photo
There is nothing more satisfying than seeing people pose for some classic and cheesy photos with the tower. You will see people laying on the ground legs up in the air, leaning in some weird position and it all reminds you of those Wii games; when you watch the person bowling and not the screen. The best game I came up with on my multiple visits to the Leaning tower was to wait until the person had the best angle of “holding” the tower up with their hands in the air, running past and high fiving them on the way through! Lots of entertainment to see their dazed face as you run away. In all seriousness you can get some fantastic shots and highly creative photos; we would love to hear from you and see who has the most ingenious shot; of them and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Take that day trip from Florence; enjoy a couple of hours marvelling at the glistening white marble buildings that have withstood the test of time. The Leaning Tower is spectacular and is a must-see for all; don’t just read about it in your history books head to Pisa and bring it to life.
Choose Accommodation close to the train line in Florence!
