When the belfry was completed in 1372, almost two centuries had passed since its first block was laid and various attempts to correct the inclination had failed. This period of time likely helped the soil to stabilize to a degree. The construction was halted for about 100 years, while the Republic of Pisa was embroiled in battles for supremacy with the city-states of Genoa, Lucca and Florence. When the third floor had been completed, due to the unstable sandy clay soil below and an all-too shallow foundation of ten feet, the tower started to lean. A 2001 study seems to indicate Diotisalvi was the original architect, due to the time of construction and similarity with his other works, notably the bell tower of San Nicola and the Baptistery, both in Pisa.

A piece of cast bearing his name was discovered at the foot of the tower in 1820, but this may be related to the bronze door in the façade of the Cathedral that was destroyed in 1595. For many years, the design was attributed to Guglielmo Bonanno Pisano, a well-known 12 th century resident artist of Pisa, known for his bronze casting, particularly in the Pisa Duomo.

There has been much controversy about the identity of who was the tower’s architect. It is one of the most visited monuments in the world, thanks also to the beautiful background that surrounds it, La Piazza dei Miracoli, the Square of Miracles, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tower was stabilized by remedial work between 19, which reduced the tilt, now stabilized with four degrees of inclination, or 12 feet 10 inches from vertical at the very top of the tower to the ground. But they are missing a worthwhile experience and thankfully one that appears secure for centuries to come.īy 1990, the tilt of the world-famous tower had reached five and one half degrees, a frightening amount for a structure that was well over six centuries old. Perhaps this is why many stand on the ground rather than venturing the climb. The entrance admission to the tower is 18 euros and only forty people can go up at one time. Most of the tourists admire the structure from the outside, frequently taking silly pictures while appearing to hold up the structure and then posting the photographs on Instagram.įar fewer venture up the eight stories of the architectural beauty, which may well be the most representative monument of Italy after Colosseum. A visit to the Tuscan city of Pisa would not be complete without a visit to its most famous monument, La Torre Pendente di Pisa, the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The leaning tower of pizza game