The town of Pisa makes for a very easy day trip from Florence or a nice stopover when travel between northern and southern Italy. There was a time when the fleets of Pisa were a forced to be reckoned with in the Mediterranean and the city still reflects that era of wealth and trade…even if that era was one thousand years ago. Pisa’s duomo and, more significantly, the adjacent Leaning Tower (torre pendente di Pisa), embody today much of Pisa’s rich heritage. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is actually the duomo’s bell tower and its well-known multi-tiered and columned exterior dominates the souvenir shops of Pisa.

The Leaning Tower was completed almost 300 years after its nearby duomo, in 1350, though construction had been going on since 1173. It was built on a subsoil of sandy silt and, as the tower grew in height, it began to list. Concerted efforts were made several years ago to halt the ongoing leaning of the tower while still preserving its famous 5.5 degree angle, a lean that measures 13.5 feet or 4.12 meters.

The tower has been again open to visitors since 2001 to ascend its steps for a lovely panoramic few of Pisa and the surrounding areas. Sure, the tower may receive hordes of visitors during peak season but the Leaning Tower of Pisa, along with the entire duomo complex are still well worth the visit. Try to arrive early in the morning to get lovely morning sun glowing on the white exterior of the tower and then leave before the masses arrive.

Check out this exciting hotel nearby: Airone Pisa Park Hotel.