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The first thing that springs to mind when you think of Pisa, is the famous tower, a unique symbol of Italy that is known throughout the world. Standing at 56 metres high, it is an example of beautifully intricate craftsmanship and in its own way is a work of art, even without its unique structural inclinations.
Everyone knows it as the 'Leaning Tower of Pisa' although in fact it is a free-standing bell tower, found just behind the enormous cathedral. Building work started in 1173 but was interrupted shortly afterwards when construction had reached the third floor. The tower had stated to lean due to subsidence in the ground surrounding it.
Rebuilding restarted in the 13th century, under the direction of two architects, Giovanni Di Simone and Giovanni Pisano. They cleverly created the higher floors with a slope going in the opposite direction to try and balance it out. The project was finally completed by Tommaso Pisano between 1350 and 1372, with the addition of the belfry on the top.
The building’s unique lean attracts the crowds who come to the Piazza Duomo, but it is not the only attraction in the square. The tower sits alongside the impressive Santa Maria Cathedral (1118), the Baptistery (1152), and the Camposanto Burial Ground (1277). You can also enjoy the artworks in the Sinopie Museum (1980) and the Duomo Museum of Art (1986).
Apart from the tower’s lean, the seven bells are also worth a mention. Assunta is the largest cast in 1654 by Giovanni Pietro Orlandi, weighing 3620kg. The smallest is Terza, cast in 1473 which weighs ‘only’ 300kg. At around noon every day, the crowds gather to enjoy the sound of the bells ringing out across the Piazza.
Text by Andrea Bonfiglio
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