When you’re growing up you hear about the leaning tower in Pisa. You’ve probably seen pictures of the bell tower, but actually walking through the archway and seeing it in person is a “wow” moment. We’ve visited before when we were in our early twenties, yet it was just as magical seeing it again.
The buildings are (from left to right) Baptistry, Cathedral, Bell Tower. The land on which they’re built is unstable and the bell tower started to lean as soon as it was built in 1173. This visit we didn’t have time to climb the tower, which is 294 steps, but last time we did puff our way to the top. At the time there were no railings and I worried about slipping on the marble and falling off the edge. The distinct tilt added to the sensation of unease!
And here’s another photo of me standing in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Our visit took place early in the morning and there weren’t many people. By the time we left the crowds were starting to arrive and the rain was coming down. The young boys selling umbrellas made a killing. We’re the proud owners of a souvenir Pisa umbrella. We had a fun visit.
November 14th, 2012 at 4:49 am · Link
I always feel sorry for that poor building.
I heard once they once considered fixing it, but dismissed the idea since it’s such a tourist attraction.
November 14th, 2012 at 11:51 am · Link
They stabilised it a few years ago and reduced the angle of lean. It’s such an iconic building and brings in so many tourists. It wouldn’t make sense for them to straighten the bell tower. It’s an attractive building too. They all are and so old!
In New Zealand an old building is one hundred years old.
November 14th, 2012 at 4:56 am · Link
That certainly would be a wow moment for me. I would be uncomfortable about standing on the leaning side of it!
November 14th, 2012 at 11:52 am · Link
There’s always so many people (tourists) everywhere. I’d worry about being pushed these days. I did notice that they have a rail now.
November 14th, 2012 at 2:07 pm · Link
I must admit, I always enjoy seeing the photos taken by tourists that ‘pretend’ to hold the tower up :-)
November 15th, 2012 at 1:31 am · Link
I’ll post some photos for you next week, Angela :)
November 14th, 2012 at 3:13 pm · Link
Love the pictures. I think the pictures of people standing in such a way that it looks like they are holding the leaning building up are funny. You see those quite often.
November 15th, 2012 at 1:31 am · Link
We saw lots of people taking them too.
November 14th, 2012 at 3:51 pm · Link
Ohh those are so wonderful the pics…I always love your posts…
November 15th, 2012 at 1:32 am · Link
Thanks, Savannah!
November 14th, 2012 at 4:36 pm · Link
That would be awesome to visit in person. Great photos and great pic of you.
November 15th, 2012 at 1:32 am · Link
It was fun exploring all that history.