I held a wish list for my travel destinations in Italy. And one destination that always caught my curiosity happened to be the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Beautiful image of leaning white marble tower had lingered in my mind, since long. So while traveling in Italy, I visited the city of Pisa. And, here I was gazing at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. One wish, out of a wish list I had jotted for Italy, was being fulfilled.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is such a pretty sight to savour. For a moment, to my imaginary mind, the round white tower seemed like a mammoth cream cake. And I smiled at my thought laced with sweetener.
Leaning Tower of Pisa is situated at Cathedral Square of Pisa named as the Piazza dei Miracoli and popularly known as the square of Miracles. The Tower of Pisa is in fact a bell tower for the Cathedral. It is said that slight tilt in Tower happened during construction itself due to flawed design. As the Tower structure’s weight tilted in one direction, leaning increased, further, till the time of completion of the Tower. But tilt was stabilized by the structural engineers.
I was utterly surprised when my guide told me that it took around two hundred years to complete the leaning tower of Pisa. At the time of completion, the Leaning Tower of Pisa was considered to be the tallest bell tower in Europe. Construction of the Tower started in year 1173 and construction went on in three stages. Earlier, construction was halted due to sinking of Tower. Later, the city of Pisa, at that time the Republic of Pisa, got embroiled in numerous battles.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Circular eight storied Pisa Tower is 185 mt tall and comprises of 207 columns. Around 297 steps to get to the top culminating at the bell chamber. When I was at Pisa Tower, some restoration work was going on, so I climbed up to approved area. Explored intricately designed columns of the Pisa Tower.
One of the most visited places in Italy, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is always packed with tourists. A gorgeous sight not to be missed, it ought to be in every traveler’s wish list.
What? It took 200 years to complete the tower?? I have yet to visit Italy and it will be in my bucket list for sure! Thanks for sharing. Going to bookmark this as my future use.
Amazing truth.
Oh my I remember going there way back when I was still in school. It’s the most amazing bit of architecture. That perfect balance and beautiful detail. I sometimes wonder if future generations will say the same about the buildings we’re putting up at the moment
Same to me. I had been gazing at leaning pics since my childhood.
Wow. 200 years is a long time. But look at the beautiful structure that came out of so much planning. I hope to see it in person some day.
So much technical planning indeed.
I love your whimsical visual of cream cake! Its gorgeous and one might be able to eat it too! It must be spectacular to meet it unperson. The leaning tower is on my bucket now. Thank you for the orientation, Indu – I am inspired! <3
Truly so.
I was looking for a picture of you pretending to hold up the tower. 😉 What a great experience! This site is definitely on my wish list.
Yea that pic pose is so common.
I LOVE that you’ve called it a mammoth cream cake! It sure looks like a multi-tiered baked good 😉 This is also on my bucket list!
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I fantasized really.
one of the places I really want to visit this year! I remember talking about its construction in art history class and I was so mesmerized by how it still was up! Want to go there for sure 🙂
Surely this is mesmerizing Maria.
I agree. A visit to Tuscany wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the historic city of Pisa. The Leaning Tower is certainly a marvellous sight to behold!
Absolutely Emily.
I have never heard of the Leaning Tower of Pisa before but what a cool site to see. I can see why it would be one of the most visited places in Italy. Awesome post.
Thank you.
This was so interesting, I have never known much about the Leaning Tower Of Pisa, I was pleased to learn some things about it in your post. I had no idea it took so long to build! You captured some awesome pictures!
Thank you.
Wow! I have seen photos but never knew any of the history behind it. I didn’t even know it was a bell tower! 200 years! It’s sad the original architect didn’t get to see it through.
Leaning tower of Pisa is mystical truly.
I love your whimsical visual of cream cake! Its gorgeous and one might be able to eat it too! It must be spectacular to meet it unperson. The leaning tower is on my bucket now. Thank you for the orientation, Indu – I am inspired! ♥
Thank you so much.
The leaning tower of Pisa is definitely a stunning place to visit. I love the way to described it as a cream cake, I really like the analogy. I am so glad you got to tick this off your wish list 🙂
I am so delighted ticking off this wonderful site from wish list.
I agree with you! The tower of Pisa is definitely a must-see while in Italy! I have never been to Pisa (yet) but I’ve heard is a nice city as well!
Absolutely must see site.
It does seem a bit crazy to me that they were able to go back and make it stable enough so it doesn’t just topple over! It looks like it’s just going to fall over any minute! What a cool experience!
Yes it feels like it may fall any minute.
I had visited back when I was a kid. I still remember it was a hot summer day. Your post refreshed my memories and the history about it. I would love to go back someday.
I never who have thought of visiting this site when I plan to visit Italy. Such interesting history and beautiful architecture.
I had no idea that it took 200 years to complete! I also didn’t know that it was built in three parts. It’s definitely on my list whenever I make it to Italy.
I have visited the Leaning Tower of Pisa with my family when I was little, but I don’t really remember it so I hope I’ll have the opportunity to go there again. It’s such an interesting architectural sight!
Indeed architectural delight.