What a fun afternoon we spent exploring Pisa, Italy, and climbing to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, officially known as the bell tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. In order to climb the 294 steps to the top, we had purchased our online tickets 6 weeks in advance. I was ready!
Our first glimpse of the tower was through the gate of the fortified wall. Wow!! It is really leaning! Please tell me this is safe….
Whenever I travel, my fear of heights doesn’t prevent me from seeking the tallest buildings and observation decks and buying tickets to the top. But I usually don’t linger there very long. I always get a little irrational as I stand near the edge for fear it will fall-for no good reason. So what a great idea it was for me to make plans to climb to the top of a leaning building!!!
Visiting Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
While we waited for our ticketed time to climb the tower, we stepped inside the Cathedral. It was a beautiful, Gothic style church with lovely paintings, statues, and burials. I enjoyed this place of worship and its quiet atmosphere, a contrast to the lines of tourists outside.
I’m glad that we took time to visit the Cathedral at Miracle Square. It has a lovely collection of religious art and relics.
After strolling around Miracle Square, we checked our bags and made our way to the line outside. Honestly, the closer I got to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the crazier it looked! With sweaty hands, I waited for my climb to begin.
The top reason NOT to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa!!
My top reason NOT to climb this tower is: It’s a tall, leaning building!!! But I couldn’t let my fear of heights and fear of falling be the reason to miss this climb! Onward!!
Once inside, we were at the base of the stone spiral staircase. It is a two-way, narrow passageway you share with others who may not speak your language. Just keep to the right and keep smiling.
The steps are slick and worn from the many brave souls who have gone before me. As we spiraled our way to the top, we would sometimes lean to the outside of the stairwell and sometimes to the inside. Hand on the wall.
As we climbed the tower, there were several small landings where we stepped aside to rest. My knees were pretty happy about that and we allowed other climbers behind us to pass us.
Soon we reached the top and looked out over Pisa and the Miracle Square. It was a wonderful sight! You’re really aware of how much it’s leaning. They should fix their tower!
Overlooking Pisa from the top of the towerIt was time for a few pictures of the old bells and the scenery-but not for long! The ‘leaning’ part was very noticeable at the top, so I was eager to go down. My fear of heights and falling was really in high gear, so no lingering for me! I kept expecting to hear someone yell timberrrrrrrrr!
After a quick descent and close encounters with climbers coming up, we retreated to the lovely grounds of the piazza to watch the people get just the right pose as if they’re propping up the tower. It’s really so funny to watch.
Propping Up the Tower of Pisa
I had to do MY part as well to keep the learning tower from falling. And it is a silly, fun thing to do when you visit Pisa.
The climb to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa was an interesting experience, and I’m glad we made the climb.
I just hope all those tourists will keep propping it up!!
Fun fact: By the twentieth century, the tower was leaning more than 20 feet to the south and the tower was closed for safety reasons. A renovation costing $27 million and lasting 11 years reduced the amount it leaned by 15 inches.
That looks crazy. Timber indeed.
It was a fun climb-except for my problem with tall leaning buildings!
Reduced the lean by 15 inches?? How funny that they didn’t just fix it completely. I guess it would have a little less touristy appeal. Great pics!
Doesn’t seem like much improvement does it! I think they stabilized it — and of course kept it leaning!
No way they would ever make it NOT lean! no lean - no tourist!
I agree with you, Ed. It’s the main attraction!! Thanks for your comment.
Note to future any tourist: You can only line up at the tower 15 minutes before your scheduled time to climb Pisa. If you wait any earlier, the “friendly” police will tell you to leave. Take that extra time to explore the cathedral, which is included in your tower ticket!
Coach, that’s a good tip! They do a good job of managing the crowds around the tower. I agree — spend some time in the lovely Cathedral.
I had no idea you could actually go inside! So cool!
Jasmine - Yes you can go inside! It’s the belltower for the Cathedral. It’s just a spiral staircase inside leading to the top floors and the bells. Pretty cool!