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November 14, 2012

Look at that Tower. It’s Leaning!

Pisa_1

When you’re growing up you hear about the leaning tower in Pisa. You’ve probably seen pictures of the bell tower, but actually walking through the archway and seeing it in person is a “wow” moment. We’ve visited before when we were in our early twenties, yet it was just as magical seeing it again.

Pisa

The buildings are (from left to right) Baptistry, Cathedral, Bell Tower. The land on which they’re built is unstable and the bell tower started to lean as soon as it was built in 1173. This visit we didn’t have time to climb the tower, which is 294 steps, but last time we did puff our way to the top. At the time there were no railings and I worried about slipping on the marble and falling off the edge. The distinct tilt added to the sensation of unease!

Pisa_Shelley 

And here’s another photo of me standing in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Our visit took place early in the morning and there weren’t many people. By the time we left the crowds were starting to arrive and the rain was coming down. The young boys selling umbrellas made a killing. We’re the proud owners of a souvenir Pisa umbrella. We had a fun visit.

12 Comments

  1. Maria Zannini

    I always feel sorry for that poor building.

    I heard once they once considered fixing it, but dismissed the idea since it’s such a tourist attraction.

    • Shelley Munro

      They stabilised it a few years ago and reduced the angle of lean. It’s such an iconic building and brings in so many tourists. It wouldn’t make sense for them to straighten the bell tower. It’s an attractive building too. They all are and so old!

      In New Zealand an old building is one hundred years old.

  2. Brinda

    That certainly would be a wow moment for me. I would be uncomfortable about standing on the leaning side of it!

    • Shelley Munro

      There’s always so many people (tourists) everywhere. I’d worry about being pushed these days. I did notice that they have a rail now.

  3. Angela Brown

    I must admit, I always enjoy seeing the photos taken by tourists that ‘pretend’ to hold the tower up :-)

    • Shelley Munro

      I’ll post some photos for you next week, Angela :)

  4. Mary Kirkland

    Love the pictures. I think the pictures of people standing in such a way that it looks like they are holding the leaning building up are funny. You see those quite often.

    • Shelley Munro

      We saw lots of people taking them too.

  5. Savannah Chase

    Ohh those are so wonderful the pics…I always love your posts…

    • Shelley Munro

      Thanks, Savannah!

  6. Mary

    That would be awesome to visit in person. Great photos and great pic of you.

    • Shelley Munro

      It was fun exploring all that history.