Leaning Tower

LEANING TOWER

In the year 1185 there was the basement subsidence and the consequent inclination which involved the blocking of the works for nearly a century. The continuation was entrusted to Giovanni di Simone, who in those years had worked on the Church of San Francesco with its bold bell tower. The architect showed extraordinary skill in limiting the consequences of the slope and so the work continued until 1284, the date of the naval defeat of Meloria. The last ring of the bell tower, the seventh, used as a belfry, was conceived and created by Tommaso Pisano around the mid-fourteenth century.

They are admitted to visiting groups of max 40 people accompanied by staff (the visit takes about 35 minutes). The beginning of the visit must be completed without fail at the time indicated on the ticket. Not accessible for children of eight years. Minors must however be accompanied by responsible adults.

The visit to the Leaning Tower requires visitors a considerable physical effort, which should be evaluated subjectively, taking into account that the spiral staircase inside the tower, very small, consists of about 300 steps. We do not recommend a visit to people who suffer from vertigo. You can access the belfry and at the top of the tower but not the middle floors. It is forbidden to lean out from the protective railings on the walkways and exit at various levels. It is prohibited to pass under the bells and percuoterle with anything. It is forbidden to visit the tower carrying bags or containers of any kind, which can be left in the cloakroom at the point of collection. It is allowed to bring and use cameras and camcorders.