Leaning Tower of Pisa

Work on the tower began in August 1173. Five years later, with only two floors up, it was already sinking on the south side. The foundations are about three metres deep, laid in soft river clay and sand. Pisa's wars then halted the work for almost a century, which gave the ground time to settle. When building started again, the masons made the upper floors taller on the leaning side to pull the line back up. That is why the tower has a slight curve. The bell chamber went on top in 1372.

By 1990 the lean had reached about 5.5 degrees and the tower was shut. Engineers stacked lead on the north side and drew soil out from under it, a little at a time. It reopened in December 2001, noticeably straighter, and today leans just under 4 degrees.

The cathedral is the oldest building on the square, begun in 1064 and paid for with spoils from Pisa's raids on Sicily. The Baptistery is the largest in Italy. UNESCO listed the square in 1987.

Half-day trips from Florence usually give you two to three hours in Pisa. That is enough to walk around the square, go inside the cathedral and take the photo of you holding the tower up. Longer days give Pisa less time, often an hour or two, before moving on.

The tower climb is a separate, timed ticket. You leave bags in a free cloakroom, then climb the worn marble steps that spiral up inside the walls. You feel the lean in your legs: on one side you are pushed against the wall, on the other you drift toward the middle. The visit lasts about 30 minutes. Late arrivals are not let in, and children must be at least 8.

The cathedral is free, but you need an entry pass with a set time from the ticket office, or the free pass that comes with any paid ticket. Inside, look up at the bronze lamp that Galileo is said to have watched swinging, and at Giovanni Pisano's carved pulpit. In the Baptistery, staff often sing a few notes to show off the echo. The Camposanto is a long cloister lined with old tombs and frescoes, and much quieter than the lawn outside.

The square is busiest from late morning to mid-afternoon, when coaches from Florence and cruise groups from Livorno arrive together. Before 10:00 the lawn is half empty and the light on the marble is softer. In high summer, evening climbs run until late, and the stone is cooler after sunset.

Tower slots open around three months ahead. From April to October, morning slots can sell out weeks in advance, so book as soon as your dates are fixed. In winter you can often buy on the day.

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. In July and August there is little shade on the square, so bring water and a hat. Opening hours change through the year (2026, check before you go).