5 Things to Know Before Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Discover why the Italian cultural site used to be even more tilted

By Google Arts & Culture

Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (2005-08-30) by Getty ImagesGetty Images

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a must-see monument on any Italy trip. But if you can't make it abroad right now, enjoy this virtual tour of the tower and discover five things you'll want to know before you visit in person.

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1. The tower is located in Piazza del Duomo

Also known as Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), Pisa's Piazza del Duomo is located north of the Arno river in the Tuscany region of Italy.

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2. Next to the tower is Pisa cathedral

Although most people go straight to the Leaning Tower, the largest feature in the Piazza is actually the Duomo Pisa (the Pisa cathedral).

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3. The tower is 57 meters tall

Although this seems tall, if you compare it to the Eiffel Tower (which stands at 300 meters) it is perhaps not as high as you might think. Rather than height, it's the tower's marble-white beauty and, of course, its strange tilt, which have made it so famous.

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4. The tower tilts at an angle of 3.99 degrees

Did you know that before the tower was restored in 2001, it was even more tilted - an angle of 5.5 degrees? After the restoration work it was straightened slightly to make a safer angle and to ensure it didn't collapse.

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5. You can climb to the top of the tower

Despite it looking like it might fall over at any moment, you can safely climb all the way to the top of the tower. You won't get vertigo on this virtual tour, but make sure you've got a head for heights when you visit in person.

Italy, Tuscany, Cathedral Santa Maria Assunta, Leaning Tower of Pisa (2006-07-03) by Alexander HassensteinGetty Images

Credits: All media
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