Tower of pisa
About Tower of pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
A Marvel of Architecture and History
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, located in the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) in Pisa, Italy, is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Renowned for its unintended tilt, the tower is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and engineering that has captivated visitors for centuries.
Tower of pisa Construction and Design
Construction of the tower began in 1173 and spanned nearly two centuries, with significant interruptions due to wars and funding issues. The architects intended it to serve as the bell tower for the nearby Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. By the time workers had completed the third story, the tower began to lean due to unstable foundation soil and inadequate support. Despite numerous attempts to correct its angle, the lean persisted, adding to its fame.
The tower of pisa stands at 58.36 meters tall on its higher side and contains 273 steps to the top. Its elegant Romanesque design, featuring white marble arches and intricate carvings, showcases the artistic and architectural expertise of its creators.
The Lean and Its Legacy
The tower’s tilt, originally around 5.5 degrees, threatened its structural stability. Restoration projects in the 20th and early 21st centuries successfully reduced the tilt to 3.97 degrees and ensured its safety for future generations. Today, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is celebrated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of engineering ingenuity.
Visiting the Tower
Tickets are required to climb the tower, with entry regulated by timed slots to manage the crowds. Visitors can also explore the adjacent Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto as part of a comprehensive tour of the Piazza dei Miracoli. A climb to the top offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Tuscan landscape.
Whether admired for its architectural beauty, historical significance, or unique tilt, the Leaning Tower of Pisa continues to attract millions of visitors annually, symbolizing human creativity and resilience.
Leaning Tower of Pisa Facts
→ Name: Tower of Pisa, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Bell Tower of Pisa
→ Italian Name: Torre Pendente di Pisa
→ Location: City of Pisa, Italy.
→ Accommodation: Find Hotels in Pisa
→ Construction Year: started in 1173, finished in 1399
→ Original Height: 60 m
→ Actual Height: 56.67m =highest side; 55,86m =lowest side
→ Stairs: 251 steps
→ Weight: 14,500 tonnes
Architecture style → The leaning Tower of Pisa is a medieval architecture, in Romanesque style.
Construction time → The construction of Tower of Pisa began in 1173 and was completed in the 14th century, in 1399
Design → It is considered that the architects and engineers who designed the leaning Tower of Pisa are: Bonanno Pisano, Gherardo di Gherardo, Giovanni Pisano, Giovanni di Simone
Interesting Facts of Tower of Pisa
- Pisa got its name in 600 BC from a Greek word meaning “marshy land.”
- There are several other towers in Pisa that also lean: the bell tower at the church of St. Michele dei Scalzi, and the bell tower at the church of St. Nicola.
- The cathedral and baptistery are also sinking.
- Galileo was baptized in the baptistery in 1565.
- The foundation of the cemetery, Campo Santo, is made up of 53 shiploads of earth that were brought back from the Hill of Calvary in Jerusalem
Tower of Pisa How tall?
→ Measurements
- height of the Tower of Pisa is 60 meters. Actually the pisa tower’s height is 56.67m on the highest side and 55,86m on the lowest side.
- The outside diameter of the leaning Tower of Pisa’s base is 15.484 meters.
- Width of walls at base is 2.4384 meters
- Weight of tower of pisa is approximately 14,500 tonnes
- There are 251 steps from the bottom to the top of the Pisa tower.
- Other interesting facts can be found on our page Historical facts about Tower of Pisa.