Pisa Tower History
Pisa Tower History
On this page, we will introduce you to the history of the Pisa Tower in two ways. First, you’ll get a tabular overview in form of a timeline. Then, we’ll delve deeper into the exciting history of the leaning tower with more details.
Pisa Tower History: Chronological Timeline
1173
Construction begins on the Leaning Tower of Pisa, initially intended to be a freestanding bell tower for the nearby Pisa Cathedral.
1178
By the time the fourth floor is completed, the tower begins to tilt due to the soft, unstable soil foundation.
1233
Construction continues, with attempts made to correct the lean by adding higher floors on the side opposite the tilt.
1272 & 1280
Additional efforts are undertaken to rectify the tilt, including digging beneath the foundation and adding counterweights.
1350
The bell chamber is added to the top of the tower, despite the ongoing tilt.
1372
Construction is officially finished, with the tower leaning at an angle of 1.4 degrees.
1455-1457
Further stabilization efforts are undertaken by architect Giovanni di Simone.
1838
Engineers attempt to reinforce the tower’s foundation with lead and iron tie rods.
1840-1860
Extensive work is carried out by architect Alessandro della Gherardesca to stabilize the tower by removing soil from the base on the side where it leaned. This work successfully reduced the tilt by about 45 centimeters.
1934-1935
Engineers attempt to further stabilize the tower by injecting mortar into the base and tightening the existing tie rods.
1964
The tower is closed to the public due to concerns about its stability.
1987
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, along with the Pisa Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto Monumentale, are inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing their outstanding universal value and cultural significance.
1990-2001
Major stabilization projects are undertaken, including removing 70 tons of soil from beneath the north side and installing an intricate system of underground cables to anchor the tower. This work brought the tower’s inclination, which had increased to an astonishing 5.5 degrees over the centuries, to its current inclination of 3.97 degrees.
2001
The tower reopens to the public, declared safe for visitors.
2013
Engineers announce that the tower has stopped moving for the first time in its history and is stable for at least 200 years.
Present Day
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, an iconic symbol of architectural ingenuity and resilience, continues to attract visitors from around the world, standing tall despite its unique tilt.
Pisa Tower History: An in-depth Overview
In 1173, a project began in Pisa that would become an enduring symbol of the city, though not quite in the way its founders intended. Construction commenced on a freestanding bell tower for the nearby Pisa Cathedral, a structure destined to be known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. However, the initial celebration of this architectural endeavor was short-lived.
Almost immediately, the tower began to tilt due to the soft, unstable soil beneath its foundation. By the time the fourth floor was completed in 1178, the unintended lean was already apparent. Despite this setback, constructioncontinued for decades, with attempts to correct the tilt through unorthodox methods like adding higher floors on the side opposite the lean. However, these efforts only partially mitigated the tilt, and by 1272, concerns about the tower’s stability led to a halt in construction.
The following years saw the project stalled due to political and financial difficulties. While construction resumed in the 14th century with the addition of the bell chamber, further attempts to rectify the lean continued. Finally, in 1372, construction was declared complete with the tower leaning at an angle of approximately 1 degree.
However, the story of the Leaning Tower was far from over. The centuries that followed witnessed various restoration efforts to stabilize the structure. From adding lead weights in the 19th century to major engineering projects in the 20th century, including the installation of an underground steel cable system, these efforts aimed to prevent further tilting and ensure the tower’s long-term survival.
In 1964, concerns about the tower’s safety led to its closure to the public. This prompted a period of intensive restoration and stabilization work that lasted until 2001. These groundbreaking efforts, which included pumping out water from beneath the foundation, successfully reduced the tilt by approximately 45 cm (17.7 inches) meaning that the tower’s inclination, which had increased to an astonishing 5.5 degrees over the centuries, were brought to its current inclination of 3.97 degrees.
Finally, in 2001, the Leaning Tower of Pisa reopened its doors to the public, signifying a remarkable feat of engineering and a testament to the enduring spirit of this unique landmark. While it continues to lean slightly, it is now considered structurally stable for the foreseeable future.
But the tower’s story goes beyond its architectural marvel and engineering challenges. In 1987, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, along with the Pisa Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto Monumentale, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition acknowledges the historical and cultural significance of these structures, highlighting their role in shaping the artistic and architectural landscape of Tuscany and Italy.
Today, the Leaning Tower of Pisa stands as a global icon, attracting visitors from around the world. Its unique tilt, once an unforeseen consequence, has become its defining characteristic, a symbol of both human ingenuity and the power of resilience in the face of unexpected challenges. The tower’s history serves as a fascinating tale of architectural ambition, engineering innovation, and the ongoing efforts to preserve a cultural treasure for generations to come.
Leaning Tower of Pisa Tickets
Explore below our curated selection of Pisa Tower tickets and guided tours:
Reserved Entrance to Leaning Tower of Pisa & Cathedral
6530 Reviews
From €24.60
GetYourGuide
Climbing the tower is a very different feeling, but it’s worth it.
Pisa: Leaning Tower and Cathedral Skip-the-Line Tickets
1071 Reviews
From €30
GetYourGuide
Wonderful! There was no queue, the view from the top is worth it.
Tickets to the Leaning Tower of Pisa with Audio Guide
3152 Reviews
From €35
Headout
No waiting time, immediate access at the booked time, everything clearly arranged and well signposted.
Avoid long ticket lines; proceed directly to the Leaning Tower at your chosen time slot and unveil the splendor of this iconic landmark with your Pisa Tower Ticket with Reserved Entrance. Enjoy inclusive access to the Pisa Cathedral as well.
“Wonderful! There was no queue, the view from the top is worth it. The climb is a little tiring but in 2 minutes with good breath you will reach the top of the tower. The cathedral is beautiful too. I booked the first time and there really weren’t many people, then it started to get crowded.”
Júlio César – Brazil, November 29, 2023 [Source: GetYourGuide]
Opt for this Pisa Tower ticket if you wish to explore not only the renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa but also the adjacent Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Enjoy skip-the-line entrance to both sites, allowing you to bypass the ticket office line for a seamless experience.
“Wonderful! There was no queue, the view from the top is worth it. The climb is a little tiring but in 2 minutes with good breath you will reach the top of the tower. The cathedral is beautiful too. I booked the first time and there really weren’t many people, then it started to get crowded.” Júlio César – Brazil, November 29, 2023 [Source: GetYourGuide]
Explore the magnificence of the Leaning Tower with this Pisa Tower Ticket, providing entry to the Pisa Monumental Complex, including the iconic Leaning Tower and Cathedral. Elevate your visit with an engaging audio guide, offering intriguing tales and facts.
“No waiting time, immediate access at the booked time, everything clearly arranged and well signposted. About the Leaning Tower of Pisa does not need much to say, who is ever there should not miss the climb and the view.”
Marius Oct, 2023 – [Source: Headout]
Discover the iconic Piazza dei Miracoli on a guided walking tour, exploring its architectural wonders, including the cathedral and baptistery. Opt for the option to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and afterward, independently explore the Sinopie Museum, OPA Museum, and cemetery with included tickets.
“We loved this tour! Our guide was so fun and shared so many fun facts with us about the cathedral, baptistry, and tower. We did the optional tower climb at the end, and I’m so glad we did! This was a great way to explore Pisa in a short amount of time.” Sarah – United States; September 30, 2023 [Source: GetYourGuide]
This unbeatable combo package features one-way transfers between Pisa Central Station and Pisa Airport, along with a Pisa Tower Ticket. Ideal for your Pisa trip, it offers access to the renowned Leaning Tower and Cathedral of Pisa, coupled with a hassle-free and fast transfer.
“Uncomplicated and fast connection between airport and train station, online booking of tickets easy and hassle-free. Everything is fine.”
Anke, Nov, 2023 [Source: Headout]
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