The Leaning Tower of Pisa: A Complete Visitor’s Guide

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of Italy’s most iconic symbols and a must-visit destination for every traveler. Located in the Square of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli), this world-famous tower attracts millions of visitors with its unique tilt and architectural beauty.

Most first-time visitors are surprised by how dramatically the Leaning Tower leans; it tilts much more than photographs suggest. Encountering this massive structure evokes a sense of amazement, as it’s hard to believe it has stood for centuries. This breathtaking sight inspires many tourists to take creative photos “holding up” the tower or posing in other imaginative ways against this historic monument.

The tower is not only an architectural landmark but also part of a rich cultural and historical complex that showcases a period of Italian grandeur and exceptional achievements from the 12th century.

How to Reach Pisa

Transportation Options and Prices

By Train: The most convenient way to reach Pisa is by train.

• From Florence: A 60-80 minute journey, with tickets costing 9-12 euros one way.
• From Rome: A 3-4 hour journey, with tickets costing 20-40 euros one way.

By Bus: You can also reach Pisa by intercity buses at similar prices, but expect longer travel times.

By Car: Driving offers flexibility, but be mindful of parking options.

• Free parking is available on the outskirts of the city, with a 1 euro bus to the center.
• Paid parking is offered closer to the tower (2 euros per hour), about 700 meters away.

From the Train Station to the Square of Miracles

From Pisa’s central train station (Pisa Centrale), the Square of Miracles is about a 20-minute walk (approximately 1.5 km). Alternatively, you can take a local bus, which costs about 1.5 euros one way.

Pro Tip: On your walk from the train station to the Square of Miracles, enjoy views of the Arno River. Be cautious of street vendors offering counterfeit products.

Conclusion: Whether you choose to travel by train, bus, or car, there are convenient options to reach Pisa. Be sure to explore the city and make the most of what it has to offer!

Tower of Pisa – Tickets and Prices

Ticket Options and Costs

• Tower only ticket: 20 euros per person (includes Cathedral
  access).
• Combined ticket for the entire complex: 27 euros, which includes the Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery, Campo Santo Cemetery, and Museum.

Note that there are no discounts for children or senior citizens, and children under 8 years old are not permitted to climb the tower.

How and Where to Buy Tickets

Purchase in Advance Online (Recommended):

1. Visit the official Pisa Tower
   website.
2. Select the “Tickets” tab and click
   “Buy.”
3. Choose your date (you can book up to 20 days in advance and at least one day prior to your
   visit).
4. Select the desired
   attraction.
5. Choose the time and number of
   tickets.
6. Enter your personal details and
   complete the payment.
7. Print the electronic ticket sent to your
   email.

On-Site Purchase: Ticket counters are located behind the green garden with the Wolf statue. Expect long queues, especially during peak season.

Important to Know:

• Entry to the tower is at the time specified on the ticket. Arriving late may result in denial of entry without a refund.
• It’s advisable to book tickets for late afternoon or evening (around 6:00-8:00 PM) when there are fewer visitors and lighting is better for photography.

Pro Tip: Book tickets for late afternoon or evening (around 6:00-8:00 PM) when fewer people are present, and lighting conditions are ideal for photography.

The Square of Miracles Complex

Piazza dei Miracoli, or the “Square of Miracles,” is a walled complex in the historic part of Pisa. It features four remarkable buildings that were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta: While many tourists visit primarily to see the tower, the heart of the Square of Miracles is the magnificent cathedral. This five-aisled structure was built by skilled artisans from across Italy and houses numerous holy relics, most of which were taken as souvenirs during the Crusades.

Entry to the cathedral is included in the tower ticket and does not require advance booking, even after visiting the tower.

Baptistery of San Giovanni: An impressive round structure built in 1152, completed over 200 years later. It stands 55 meters tall with a diameter of nearly 110 meters. Its purpose was to host baptism ceremonies, and it is located adjacent to the cathedral.

Leaning Tower of Pisa: An architectural marvel that began construction in 1173 and took 177 years to complete. The tilt started early, after the first three floors were built. Construction paused for nearly 100 years before being completed in 1399. The tower, made of white marble, stands about 58 meters tall and has 294 steps, with a current tilt angle of 3° 54′.

Campo Santo Cemetery: A historic cemetery established in 1278 and completed in 1464, built around a capsule of sacred soil from Golgotha. It was once renowned for its stunning wall frescoes, many of which were destroyed in bombings during World War II.

Pro Tip: If you visit Pisa on a rainy day, the combination of soft light and wet marble creates excellent conditions for photography, and there are generally fewer tourists.

Internal Structure and Climbing Experience

As you enter the tower, you are immediately struck by a peculiar sensation. The building’s lean creates an optical illusion, making the walls seem to sway from side to side. The stairs are crafted from smooth, polished marble, which has become worn over time due to heavy foot traffic. As you ascend, you may feel a slight dizziness from the building’s tilt. Be sure to hold onto the railings and proceed with caution.

Bell Chamber and Viewpoint

At the top of the tower, you will find the bell chamber, which houses seven still-functioning bells that ring at designated times. These bells hang gracefully from the ceiling, contributing to the tower’s charm. The top two levels are accessible to visitors, featuring an open gallery encircled by a protective net, which provides a stunning panoramic view of Pisa, Campo Square, and, on clear days, even the Mediterranean Sea.

Note: Despite the tower’s tilt, the floor at the upper level remains straight, as there are four steps leading to the platform on one side and six steps on the other, creating a balance.

Pro Tip: One of the best times to climb the tower is around sunset when the golden light casts a warm glow over the city, and the sky is painted in spectacular colors.

Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa offers a unique experience, with its smooth marble stairs, the shifting wall perspectives, and breathtaking vistas from above.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Time Management and Storage

• Visit Duration: Allocate at least 3-4 hours for the entire complex. The climb itself will take around 30 minutes.
• Luggage Storage: It is mandatory to store large bags and backpacks in the storage room located behind the tower. This service is free for those holding tower tickets.
• Water and Restrooms: Free water replenishment stations are available in the square. Paid restrooms (costing 1-2 euros) are also present, but visitors with a combined ticket can use the free restrooms in the museum.

Recommended Visiting Seasons

• Spring and Autumn: Enjoy more pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Summer: It can be extremely hot; it’s best to visit early in the morning or in the evening.
• Winter: Expect fewer tourists, but be aware of the possibility of rain.

Tourist Traps and Harassment

• Be cautious of vendors selling counterfeit items in the area.
• Avoid purchasing tickets from unofficial sources.
• Stay vigilant for pickpockets, especially in crowded spaces.

Pro Tip: While many visitors opt for the full “ticket package,” if you’re pressed for time and primarily interested in the tower and the church, the basic ticket will suffice.

Beyond the Tower

The City of Pisa

Beyond the iconic tower and square, Pisa boasts a variety of other intriguing sites:

• Lungarno: A scenic promenade along the Arno River, ideal for a leisurely stroll.
• Piazza dei Cavalieri: A beautiful historic square worth exploring.
• Santa Maria della Spina is a small, unique Gothic church.

Food and Shopping

• Food: Within 50 meters of the tower, there are several restaurants, but prices tend to be higher than in other parts of the city. For a more authentic and budget-friendly dining experience, it is advisable to venture slightly away from the tourist area.
• Market: On the way to the square, you will find a market offering a variety of souvenirs and leather goods, many of which are imitations. Prices in Pisa are generally lower than in Florence or Milan.

Pro Tip: It’s often more economical to purchase souvenirs in shops located a bit farther from the tower, where prices can be up to 50% lower.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is much more than just a postcard image or a humorous backdrop. It is part of a magnificent architectural complex that exemplifies the genius and aesthetics of medieval Italy. The famous tilt, originally the result of an engineering miscalculation, has evolved into a source of wonder, attracting millions of visitors each year.

There’s no need to rush through Pisa when traveling from Milan to Rome. Instead, consider planning a full day to fully experience the magic of the Leaning Tower, its entire complex, and the vibrant atmosphere of the city itself.

When standing at the foot of the Leaning Tower and looking up, a sense of awe washes over you—a reminder that great mistakes can transform into wonders of the world.