The Leaning Tower of What?

Here are some facts on the Leaning Tower of Pisa:

The Leaning Tower of Pisa took around 200 centuries to build because of conflicts with Italian States and later a war stopped the construction too. The Tower was built on a terrible foundation which prompted the famous slant we now know today. It was built with sand, clay, and deposits from the Tuscan rivers Arno and Serchio. At one point the Tower´s slant changed directions when construction of The Leaning Tower of Pisa resumed in 1272 the people´s stacking of additional stories atop the existing three jostled the building’s center of gravity, causing a reversal in the direction of its tilt. It then tipped further south instead of North. The Leaning Tower of Pisa´s construction started on August 14, 1173 and was completed in 1372.

It was fascinating to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I quite enjoyed seeing it. I also thought it was fun to climb the 297 stairs to the top of the slanted tower. It really did feel like we were slanted. The views were really pretty and it was nice to see the whole of Pisa. -Angelina

Angelina and I took the train from La Spezia to Pisa on December 19, 2018 and then walked to the tower. Along the way we saw a tiny chapel along the Arno river, it was guarded by the Lion statue at the bridge. I was so excited to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa once again and this time it was open to go up, so we did. In 1995 when I last visited they were restoring the foundation, so my friend Kevin and I could not climb that year. This time we both made the steps up and it did feel quite slanted so I favored the left side wall. The 360 degree view up top was spectacular and the bell tower at the highest level was impressive too. The Tower of Pisa is the bell tower or campanile. The Pisa tower is one of the four buildings that make up the cathedral complex called the Campo dei Miracoli or Piazza dei Miracoli, meaning Field of Miracles. The history is a lengthy one and I was surprised when I read that there are 10 leaning towers in Italy, two more are in Pisa. After, we visited the cathedral, Duomo di Pisa or Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta which is an example of Romanesque architecture. It is also the seat of the Archbishop of Pisa. I am just struck by the size of these buildings and the numerous sanctuaries inside. I mentioned to Angelina that from above the shape is a cross, and that it is intentional in design. I feel a sense of awe when inside these cathedrals as there is so much attention to detail with the paintings, sculptures, stained glass windows, pillars and ceilings. I am overwhelmed with the ornate embellishments, it is hard to know where to focus my attention. Then I realize that praying and being in relation with God is still what it is all about, no matter what it looks like. I am missing our church, and we are going to try and find a church for Christmas Eve service. Pisa is a special place and it is a wonder that it took 200 years to finish, and it is still leaning! -Mona