Hey travel geeks! Fresh off the Trevi Fountain buzz, here’s another Italian icon from my archives: the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.
A quick history: Construction kicked off in 1173 as the bell tower for Pisa’s cathedral, but the soft, marshy ground caused it to start tilting almost right away. Work paused for nearly a century due to wars and funding issues, before resuming and finally wrapping up in 1372. The lean? About 4 degrees today — stabilized in the late 1990s so it won’t topple anytime soon!
Fun fact: Pisa’s soft soil didn’t just doom the tower — several other nearby bell towers lean too (like the ones at San Nicola and San Michele churches). The whole area’s basically a leaning landmark party!
Travel tip: To climb the 294-296 spiral steps to the top (depending on which staircase side you take — the north-facing one has two fewer on the seventh floor to compensate for the lean; it’s a dizzying, fun workout with epic views!), tickets cost around €20 and must be booked online in advance with a timed slot — they sell out fast, especially in peak season. No big bags allowed (leave them at the cloakroom), and kids under 8 can’t go up for safety reasons. Pro move: Arrive early (9-10 AM) for fewer crowds and better photos.
Have you seen the Leaning Tower in person? Did you go for the cheesy “holding it up” photo, brave the climb, or just admire from the grass? Share your stories (or pics!) in the comments below — let’s geek out over Pisa!
More weekly posts coming — next could be some geek con vibes or another Italy throwback. Safe travels! 🚀
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