Leaning Tower of Pisa

Where to Stay

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is easily accessible by air, train, and road.

By Air: The nearest airport is Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei), just 2 km from the city center. From the airport, a taxi takes about 15 minutes (€10-€15), or you can take the LAM Rossa bus to the city center for around €1.50, which takes about 10 minutes. Walking from the airport to the tower takes roughly 25 minutes.

By Train: Pisa's main station, Pisa Centrale, is well-connected to other cities in Italy. From the station, the tower is a 25-30 minute walk (2 km). Alternatively, you can take a local bus for about €1.50.

By Road: From Florence, it's a 1-hour drive (80 km) via the A11 Autostrada. You can also take a bus, which takes around 1.5 hours. From Lucca, about 20 km away, it's a 30-minute drive or a 40-minute bus ride. Once in Pisa, follow the signs to the tower or park nearby for easy access.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a freestanding bell tower that forms part of the Pisa Cathedral complex in the city of Pisa, Italy. It is one of the most remarkable architectural structures from medieval Europe. Famous for its unintended tilt, the 56m tower took nearly 200 years to build - work started in 1173.

The tower stands at a height of approximately 57 meters (186 feet) and has eight levels, including the base and a chamber that houses the bells. Its tilt, which reaches a noticeable angle of around 3.97 degrees, resulted from the shifting and unstable soil on which it was built.

Construction of the tower began in the 12th century and continued for nearly 200 years, spanning multiple phases due to the tilt and other complications. Despite its unintended tilt, the tower has become one of the most recognized landmarks in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. The tower is primarily made of marble and is decorated with a series of arches and columns that add to its distinctive appearance.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is known for its nearly four-degree lean, the result of an unstable foundation. The tower is one of three structures in Pisa's Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo), which includes the cathedral and the Pisa Baptistry. Over time, the tower has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world as well as an architectural icon of Italy, receiving over 5 million visitors each year.