No visit to Italy is complete without seeing the iconic Pisa Towel. known worldwide for its almost four-degree lean and 60 meters high, the tower became more than an interesting historical monument, considered one of the tallest bell towers in Europe.
Pisa’s inclination
Pisa’s inclination occurred during the progression of the second-floor construction in the 12th century, due to soft ground, which couldn’t hold its structure, causing the tower to sink.
The tower continued leaning till the end of the construction until that problem was fixed between 1993 and 2001, which reduced the tilt to 3.97 degrees. Soft ground or not, week foundation or not, the tower`s leaning is actually its unique charm.
My visits to Pisa
I had the fulfillment of visiting Pisa twice. To me, was like living a dream, when small I often see Pisa in many movies and always aspire to see it one day.
I recall both of my visits really well. My first time there, I went by bus from Livorno. I happen to have an afternoon off. (If you are a crew, you would need a couple of hours). We always have many stories to tell, but here is a funny thing that happened to me on the first time in Pisa:
Before arriving in the city I went to use the toilet, when, unfortunately, really, I dropped my camera in the toilet seat. I managed to rescue it, don`t ask me how, but my camera wouldn’t work for the next three months until it dried completely. After telling what happened to my friend she laughed, of course, me on the other hand, just worried about ruining my maybe one time moment in Pisa.
My friend took all the pictures for me with her camera, so I haven’t got that many shots of my first encounter with the tower. My second visit was accident-free, I am happy to say.
Transportation and prices to Pisa
This time, our starting point was La Spezzia. From La Spezia, I, my husband, and a group of friends from the ship purchased a tour to Pisa by bus. It is pretty easy to find tours in La Spezia, you can go by taxi, vans, bus…
There will be many agencies calling their tours out loud, follow one of them to your desired destination.
Because we were a big group, we went by comb. That trip cost 30 euros per person, both ways, and it takes around an hour to get there.
The Tower
Arriving in the city, a street away, you can see the Tower. She doesn’t stand by herself. Along with the leaning tower is the beautiful Cathedral Santa Maria Assunta, or The Duomo of Pisa, as well a Roman Catholic ecclesiastical building, Pisa Baptistery of St. John.
Pay attention to don’t miss any of those points, we tend to do that, when we see the tower. The Catedral is kind of hidden, we were so distracted doing hundred different poses with the Tower, only afterward we realized there was more to see.
Cathedral Santa Maria Assunta
The Cathedral was the biggest in Europe for almost a century, with 68 monolithic columns, brought here from Sardinia, Santa Maria Assunta, enriches this place with its marble used in one side of the building. The entrance here is totally free.
Piazza Dei Miracoli
The Piazza Dei Miracoli meaning square of miracle, or as mentioned before Pisa Baptistery, is recognized as a major center of European medieval art and one of the finest architectural complexes in the world. The building houses the Sinopias Museum (Italian: Museo delle Sinopie) and the Cathedral Museum (Italian: Museo dell’Opera del Duomo).
Visiting inside the Tower
You don’t need to admire the leaning tower only from outside, the entrance costs 18 euros, you must purchase the ticket in advance, (at least a day before) there, or on their website. (https://www.opapisa.it/en) It would be preferable to be there early if you can, the place is normally full and with big cues.
Once you enter be prepared to face 297 steps on your way up worth each step. It is a There are seven towers, each of them with stunning views, the last one being described by visitors as breathtaking.
Children under the age of 12 are not allowed inside the tower. Access is limited to 45 people at a time and the visit lasts only 30 minutes. They are not flexible with the time, so make sure you make the best of your 30 minutes.
Souvenirs
On the way to these stunning touristic attractions, you have all sorts of souvenirs placed on both sides, like a mini souvenir market. There, you can take a Pisa miniature home with you and many other souvenirs you like.
Conclusion
Both experiences for me when in Pisa were incredibly pleasant, I had spent a great time there, I had taken thousands of pictures and came home with great memories, some funny ones too.
Visiting the leaning tower is a must in any trip to Italy, add Pisa to the list, and don’t miss the opportunity to see the one and only, reclined building standing.
Bon voyage!
