Pisa and its Leaning Tower

Pisa has proved that the best things are happening unplanned thru its Leaning Tower whose unexpected inclination has made it famous all over the globe. Built on weak grounds, the tower began to tilt during its construction unable to support its massive weight. The structure continued to lean on one side as the construction progresses, so efforts were made to strengthen the building and stabilize its foundation preventing the possibility of collapse.

Upon seeing the Leaning Tower for the first time, it impressed me very much and was convinced that its noticeable tilt is really fascinating. I couldn’t help to copy what all tourists have been doing: strike the tower’s signature pose (pretending to support it). It looks crazy but it was fun to join them like my visit wouldn’t be complete without having those silly pictures.

However, Pisa’s Leaning Bell Tower is not the only best thing that this Tuscan town could offer. In fact, this remarkable campanile is just one of the four structures in Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). At the center of the square is a large cathedral made up of marble, which adopted the Romanesque architectural style. Needless to say, the interior is finely decorated where the pulpit sculpted by Giovanni Pisano will make the difference.

Adjacent to the cathedral is the Baptistery which is said to be the largest in Italy. On the other corner is the Monumental Cemetery (Campo Santo) which is a rectangular building elegantly designed to enclose the burial ground of noble Pisans.

Walking outside the perimeter of this famous square of Pisa, I found another significant landmark called, Piazza dei Cavalieri. It was once the political center of the city consisting of several buildings with impressive designs. The square is dominated by the view of Palazzo della Carovana which was once the palace for the Knights of St. Stephen, and now houses an educational institution.

Moving forward, I reached the Arno River lined with attractive palaces which heightened Pisa’s charm. Enjoying my steps along the riverbank, my attention was caught by this tiny Church of Santa Maria della Spina. Despite its small size, its beautiful Gothic architecture could be paralleled with the colossal churches in Italy.

There’s still so much to be unveiled in this town of Tuscany. Staying more days in Pisa will reveal more intriguing details – that there other several towers that also lean like the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.