Pisa

Our first port in Italy was Livorno and tours were available to both Florence and Pisa. After doing a bit of research, I decided that making a return visit to Florence encompassing a long weekend was probably a better idea, so we opted for a day trip to Pisa. Despite everything I have read and heard about the Leaning Tower I was still quite surprised when I finally saw it for myself.

The Leaning Tower, constructed of white marble, was begun in 1172, but only 3 stories were completed. The reason? Because the tower began to lean! It was later completed in the mid-14th century. The degree of tilt had increased gradually until, in 1990, it was determined that the Tower was unsafe. An international committee of engineers, mathemeticians, and historians gathered to try and find a solution. Weights were placed along one side of the foundation and long cables were attached to the tower. Excavation work was done under the high side of the tower and ever so gently the high side foundation was lowered and the tilt was reduced. Today it is at the same level as it was in 1838. It is believed that the tower should be stable for at least 200 years.

So, hmmmm......but the tower still leans you say? Yes it does. If they had straightened it completely why would anyone come to Pisa?!!

How much tilt is there? If the tower were straightened the top would have to be
moved 12 feet 10 inches to reach vertical.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located in the Piazza del Duomo. The Leaning Tower is actually the bell tower for the beautiful cathedral. The small round building is the baptistry. The cathedral was built in 1063. The baptistry was begun in 1152 but not completed until 1284. I never quite understood why they would need a baptistry until our guide explained that no one was allowed to enter the cathedral unless they had been baptised. Now it's making sense I suppose.

Does something about this photo look not quite right? Perhaps you've noticed something else in the  Piazza del Duomo that leans? No, it's not just the domed building: the baptistery  It's also the cathedral! The walls of the cathedral are actually leaning in two different directions! I wonder how they will fix that?

Yes, we did take a few of the typical tourist photos. Hope you get a nice laugh from these!

Oh No! Look what I did!

No problem! I've got it!