The freestanding bell tower of Pisa Cathedral, begun in 1173 and famous for a lean of roughly 4 degrees. It is the best-known monument of Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the campanile of the cathedral and stands on the south-east side of Piazza dei Miracoli. Construction began in 1173 and was interrupted several times by war and by the soft, sandy clay beneath the foundations, which began to subside when the third storey was reached. Work resumed in the 1270s with the upper floors built at a slight angle to compensate, and the bell chamber was finished in the 14th century, giving the tower its subtle banana curve. The structure is about 56 metres tall and was closed to visitors from 1990 to 2001 while engineers removed soil from the north side and stabilised the lean at about 4 degrees; it has been stable since. The climb is made on a spiral stair of roughly 250 steps inside the walls, with views over the cathedral roof, the Camposanto and the red roofs of the old town from the top gallery. Access is strictly timed and limited in numbers: bags are not allowed, children under 8 are not admitted, and a free cloakroom is provided. Photographs from the grass in front of the Cathedral are free and the classic 'holding up the tower' pose is easiest in the early morning before tour groups arrive.
| Admission | Adult EUR 20 (~$23) for a timed climb; no reduced rate · Child Children must have turned 8 to climb and must be accompanied by a paying adult |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily from 9:00AM; closing time varies by season (about 8:00PM in the main season, extended to 10:30PM from 17 June to 31 August 2026). Confirm the day's slots at opapisa.it |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes for the climb plus 15 minutes for check-in |
| Best time | First slot of the day, or an evening slot in summer when the marble glows and crowds thin |
| Getting there | About 2.5 km from Pisa Centrale station (30-minute walk or a short LAM Rossa city bus ride); about 25 minutes on foot from Piazza dei Cavalieri |
| Address | Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy |
Good to know
- Best for
- first-time visitors, photographers, families with children aged 8 and over
Location
Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
43.7230, 10.3966 View on map
Highlights
- Roughly 250-step spiral climb to the open belfry gallery
- Views over Piazza dei Miracoli and the Pisan rooftops
- Stabilised lean of about 4 degrees after the 1990-2001 engineering works
- Romanesque arcaded tiers of white Carrara and local marble
Tips for visiting
- Buy tickets only at opapisa.it (official site of the Opera della Primaziale Pisana); resellers charge more
- Tickets are timed: arrive 15 minutes before the slot because late arrivals are not admitted
- Bags are not allowed in the Tower; use the free cloakroom near the ticket points and keep the locker token
- Children under 8 are not admitted to the Tower
When to visit
First morning slot (from 9:00AM) or the last evening slot in summer. Midday from April to September is the busiest period; November to February has the shortest queues.
Accessibility
The Tower has a narrow spiral staircase with no lift, so it is not suitable for wheelchair users or visitors who cannot manage the steps. The surrounding square is flat and fully accessible. Disabled visitors can arrange free on-site access to the other monuments by email to the Opera della Primaziale Pisana at least five days ahead (details at opapisa.it).
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Frequently asked questions
Can children climb the Leaning Tower?
Children must have turned 8 to climb and must be accompanied by a paying adult. Younger children can enjoy the exterior and the rest of Piazza dei Miracoli.
Can bags be taken up the Tower?
No. Bags and large items are not allowed in the Tower; a free cloakroom is provided and the ticket serves as the deposit token.
Is it better to buy tickets in advance?
Yes. Tower entry is by timed slot and summer slots sell out days ahead; buy at opapisa.it.