Italy Virtual Tours – Leaning Tower of Pisa
Leaning Tower of Pisa – a well-famed and renowned piece of architecture in the world. It does not need a curated introduction. Almost everyone is aware of its prominence and importance. Enthusiastic travellers fascinate to visit the tower and engulf its historical past.
In the current situation, the world is trying to cure from the pandemic called COVID-19. Travellers are mostly stranded at home, waiting to unleash their desires to explore again. Even I am in the same state and dilemma of the world being cured again. I have been coming across several friend bloggers and travel enthusiasts, craving to venture out.
I decided why not start a virtual travel series. The series is dedicated to all my friends, readers, fellow bloggers, travellers and family members. The first series will be focused on the key attractions of Italy.
In today's article, I would like to provide a virtual tour of the famed Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Interesting Facts
The tower has undergone a remarkable era of history, attributed to its construction. The fact that its tilted is a curiosity among many. Leaning at an angle of approximately 4 degrees, it was not the original design or plan. Architect Bonanno Pisano was instrumental in supervising the entire construction. He was left dumbfounded the moment the leaning started.
Little did he realize the weak layer of subsoil existing beneath the structure. The construction had to be stopped and abandoned after it rose up to 3 tiers. The year was 1173. The tower was leaning away from the centre of gravity. The tilt was unavoidable and all attempts to prevent it went in vain. In the year 1272, subsequent efforts were made to strengthen the foundation. The results were not satisfactory. The world wars caused a hindrance to its reconstruction work.
In 1372, the seven floors of the tower was successfully completed. Yet the leaning continued and was almost 5 degrees in 1993. By 2008, after several innovative ideas and restoration activities, the tower is said to have attained stability. The engineers and architects responsible for the same, claimed that the tower can stand stable for approximately 200 years.
Witness to Galileo's experiments
The Leaning Tower of Pisa occupies a special place in the World of Science. And the reason is attributed to the legendary world-renowned astronomer, engineer and physicist Galileo. He was from Italy and was lecturing on Mathematics in the University of Pisa. His experiment was to prove that the time taken by objects to fall from a certain height is independent of their difference in masses. Galileo selected the Leaning Tower of Pisa as the location for his experiment. The experiment was a direct contract to Aristotle's gravitational theory, stating the speed of a falling object is proportional to its mass.
Disclaimer: Many historians believe that Galileo did not conduct the experiment practically. It is stated as a theory in one of his books, “On Motion”.
Architectural Marvels
The architectural beauty of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is simplistic. Bronze castings were mainly leveraged for the walls and column carvings. The main ingredient of the construction was marble and stone. You can find images of animals and human beings on the walls and the pillars.
The key attractions of it are the bell towers. The huge bells hanging from framed structures symbolize the grandness and charm of the tower. There are about 7 bells inside it, each cast at different time periods by various architects. The bells are named separately signifying the purpose of their establishment.
You need to climb almost 296 steps, spiralling around to reach the top. The view from the top of the tower is amazing. The entire city opens up in front of your eyes.
Entry Timings and Fees
You need to pay an amount of 18 EURO to climb up to the tower. Children below the age of eight are not permitted to enter the tower. Adults must accompany children from the age of 8 to 18 years. The ticket prices are the same for all. If you want to avoid the queue, buy the tickets online in advance.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is open all the year round from 9:00 AM till 7:00 PM. The timings may vary within this range, depending on the weather conditions and the seasonal changes.
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Booking.comHow to Reach the place
Visiting the place is worry-free, accessible by all means of transport. Pisa has its own international airport, Galileo Galilei. The bus stand is near to The Square of Miracles or the Piazza dei Milacoli. Train station is nearby and easy to avail. Besides taxis are available from the other cities of Italy and across the town of Pisa.
Booking.comThe Best Time to Visit the Place
If you want to avoid the crowds, best is to visit in the months of April till June and between the months of September and October. The weather is pleasant and comfortable, perfect for sightseeing. Avoid the monsoons and the winters.
Tips for Travellers
Before you embark on a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, here are some tips for travellers:
- Plan your visit well in advance, to book the tickets online and avoid the queue
- If you ever miss booking tickets online, then arrive at the venue well ahead to avoid standing at the end of the queue
- Ensure to accompany your children to the top of the tower
- Take pictures from the top of the tower to get a view of the city. Do not miss clicking the epic photograph of a leaning pose with the tower
- Keep the place clean; the tower is a World Heritage
- You can sit near the tower and gaze at its vastness and beauty
- Wear proper shoes for climbing the steps
Hope you enjoyed the virtual tour of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. We will be coming up with more virtual tours soon.
Author
Kuntala
A travel enthusiast craving to explore the exotic destinations in the world, deciphering the mysteries and the thrill concealed in them.
I’ve always wanted to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa. We’ve been to Europe a couple of time, and the next time we go, I want it to be Italy.
Thats great
I’ve been wanting to visit Italy & this is definitely on my list!
I would love to visit Italy and the leaning tower or pisa some day. I remember seeing old slides that my dad had when he was in Italy during the army. Such a marvel that it still stands!
Yes its really amazing
I’m loving all of the virtual tours being offered these days. You can literally travel around the world and never leave your home.
Happy you liked it
virtual tours are so important right now. i love how technology is allowing us to travel the world from teh comfort of your homes. How many stairs are there for the Tower of Pisa?
Almost 296 steps, so you need some good shoes
Was able to go here back in 2008 – so cool to have these virtual tours! Will share this with my hubby.
Great you loved it
Italy really has a magnificent charm. Loving how these virtual tours allow us to still see the world’s beauty in these times of uncertainty. Thanks for sharing this!
My pleasure
Hehe….this tower has always fascinated me! How it has managed to stand up for all this time baffles me!
yes really interesting
Very informative, will surely love to visit it someday
Thank you
Italy is one of the places i dream to visit. I just cant wait to be here next year.
Although I’m missing all of my regular travels, I’m particularly missing Italy (and my family there) this year. I’ll have to take a virtual tour to make things a bit easier, haha.
You will visit them soon
I love this article and will be sharing it with my son for school!
wow thank you so much
I love learning about the history of places and can’t wait to visit once we’re allowed!
Yes surely
Been to Italy but not there 📃🖍️
You must visit, historical place
Beautiful post!
thank you
Just an amazing place to visit…amazing info and facts about the same!! Loved it❤
Thank you, glad you liked it
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