Leaning tower of Pisa

posted in: Europe, Italy | 13

During my recent visit to Rome, I planned to visit Pisa and Florence. The main reason for visiting Pisa was to see the “Leaning tower”. After spending first half of the day in Florence, I decided to head to Pisa on a regional train. There are 3 to 4 trains each hour between Florence and Pisa and the journey takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. I purchased the ticket and boarded the train. Two minutes before departure, I realised that I had not validated the ticket!! I rushed out of the train to find the machine, validated and came back running to the train!! It saved me from the fine and more importantly loss of face.

Leaning tower of Pisa

 

The heat was unbearable in Pisa. I had to walk for 30 minutes from railway station to the tower. I found an Indian restaurant “Gandhi”. The reviews were stunning – average of 5 star with more than 800 reviews. I was hungry and the comfort of Air Conditioners and tasty food lured me into the restaurant. At the end, it turned out to be one of the best North Indian food I ever had!! 

Cathedral and the tower

 

I finally reached the leaning tower. The tower was indeed leaning!! Constructed during 12th century, the structure started tilting due to unstable ground. It was titling from the time of its construction and only recently engineers were able to stabilise with some structural improvements. What would have been a normal building became household name due to its tilt which was not indented during construction!!

Tower as seen from the street

 

I spent more than an hour walking around the structure. Around the tower is a Cathedral and Baptistry which adds to the beauty of the place. There is no ticket to see the building from outside but there is a ticket to climb the building. I did not find climbing to the top of the tower interesting. The ticket price also acted as a deterrent. Upon finding some shade in the green lawn in front of the tower, I lied down to take some rest from the heat. I did not know when I went to sleep!! Anyway, that gave me much needed rest!!

Cathedral and the tower

 

There was nothing much to do in Pisa and I headed back to the railway station. The train to Rome was delayed by 15 minutes but it reached Rome on time.

13 Responses

    • aravindgj

      Haha!! I was alone and did not want to pester others for photograph!!

  1. mahi sultan

    very nice collection of pictures.I have never gone there but after reading this post ,I will look forward to visit Pisa soon.

  2. MANSI

    I keep hearing about how awesome leaning tower of pisa. It is definitely on my list!Your post was informative and has best collection of pictures.Which is good hotel to stay in pisa or florence?

  3. garaminhnhut

    The whole article is very comprehensive to share with everyone, it’s really good and helpful for me. Hopefully you will share more blogs in the future.

  4. ghesatcafe

    Thank you for sharing this content, the article says a lot of things needed for everyone, the accompanying image is also very good quality. Hope you continue to other posts.

  5. Ramanan Mohan

    Hi, After Jordan I am referring your guidance for Pisa. Is it direct train from Florence to Pisa?
    I planned to start from Florence by 12PM and return by night, will this duration good enough? Or other option taking some day tour with group.
    I want to climb the tower, which will not be possible in day tour with group.
    Your suggestion pleas and where can I see the timetable for this train?

    • aravindgj

      Yes. There are direct trains every 30 mins or 1 hour. You can go and check in trenitalia website. Note that you need to type “Firenze” for Florence!!

Leave a Reply