# The Leaning Tower of Pisa: Italy’s Magnificent Mistake That Draws Millions
At 55.86 meters on its south side and 56.70 meters on its north, the Leaning Tower of Pisa stands as perhaps history’s most celebrated architectural blunder. This medieval bell tower began tilting during construction in 1173 due to soft soil and shallow foundations—just 3 meters deep—creating what would become one of the world’s most recognized landmarks. What was once considered an embarrassing structural failure now attracts over 5 million visitors annually to this small Tuscan city.
A construction project that spanned 200 years
The tower’s construction was an epic saga spanning nearly two centuries. Work began in 1173 but was interrupted repeatedly by wars and conflicts. By the time builders reached the third floor in 1178, the tower had already begun to lean. Rather than abandoning the project, medieval engineers attempted to compensate by building subsequent floors with one side taller than the other, creating a subtle curve in the structure.
“The tower is not just leaning—it’s actually curved, like a banana,” explains Paolo Heiniger, a local historian. “This is because builders tried to correct the tilt during construction, creating this unique curved silhouette that most visitors never notice.”
The perfect backdrop for the perfect photo
Today, tourists flock to the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) to capture the obligatory photo appearing to push, hold, or lean against the tower. For the best shots, visit early morning or late afternoon when crowds thin and the golden Mediterranean light bathes the white marble in a warm glow. The square itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site, housing not just the tower but also the magnificent Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto Monumentale.
Beyond the famous tilt
While most visitors come for the tower, many miss the hidden treasures nearby. The Cathedral beside it features remarkable Pisan-Romanesque architecture with its striking zebra-striped marble exterior. Inside, an ornate pulpit carved by Giovanni Pisano and the tomb of Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII await those who venture beyond the tower’s shadow.
A climb worth the effort
The 294 worn marble steps to the top offer an unusual sensation—you’ll feel the tilt as you ascend, with your body naturally compensating for the angle. Tickets cost approximately €25 and should be booked well in advance. Children under 8 aren’t permitted to climb, and those with heart conditions or mobility issues should consider the challenge carefully.
“When visitors reach the top, they experience something unique—the physical sensation of standing on a sloped surface while taking in panoramic views of Pisa. It creates a disorienting but thrilling experience found nowhere else,” says Maria Bartolini, a tower guide for over 15 years.
A magnificent engineering rescue
By 1990, the tower was tilting at a dangerous 5.5 degrees. After unsuccessful stabilization attempts, the tower was closed in 1990 for major restoration work. Engineers removed soil from beneath the higher side, gradually correcting the lean by 45 centimeters. The tower reopened in 2001 and is now considered stable for at least another 200 years.
Beyond the tower: Pisa’s hidden gems
Like many Mediterranean destinations with a famous landmark, Pisa offers much more than its tilting tower. Stroll along the Arno River at sunset, when the buildings glow in the evening light. Visit the Gothic church of Santa Maria della Spina, an ornate miniature masterpiece on the riverbank. The botanical garden (Orto Botanico)—one of the oldest in Europe—provides a peaceful retreat from the tourist crowds.
Local flavors worth savoring
Escape the tourist restaurants near the tower and head to the San Martino district for authentic Tuscan cuisine. Try regional specialties like Pici al ragù di cinghiale (pasta with wild boar sauce) or the rustic Cecina—a savory chickpea pancake that’s been a local staple for centuries. Like many Mediterranean destinations, Pisa’s culinary traditions offer a window into its cultural soul.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa stands as a testament to human perseverance and ingenuity—a mistake transformed into a masterpiece that continues to captivate our imagination eight centuries after its first stone was laid. In a world obsessed with perfection, this magnificent architectural “failure” reminds us that sometimes our most celebrated achievements come from embracing our flaws rather than hiding them.