Climbing the Leaning Tower of Pisa

I find that students typically either really like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or don't. I visited it when I was in college too, but came back as a medievalist and with children. It was one of life's great adventures getting to the top. We brought the flip-video and recorded our kids comments afterwards.

"What was your favorite thing about the Tower, we asked? Coming down!"

If you go to the leaning tower of Pisa, reserve tickets to climb the tower, and spend the money to go in the church. Yes, don't forget to take funny photos pinching the tower with your fingers, but you may appreciate it more if you climb the tower, for which reservations are necessary.

Here's what we did: while on a weekend to Florence, we took the train to Pisa (about 40 minutes), having made reservations in advance to climb the tower. (One could conceivably do a long day trip from Rome, if you started early and you didn't find about 3 hours on the train; it goes either straight through along the coast or with a change in Florence).

When we arrived at the Pisa train station, we taxied to the site (you can walk or take a bus alternatively, but we had kids and were on a time schedule). We visited the outside site, ate a nice lunch with a view of the tower, and then climbed it. Only about 20 are allowed at a time, with the guide.

What did it feel like to climb the tower? A bit scary and exhilerating. The views were great, and yes, you feel the 3.97% lean!

Tips: I had the kids in flip-flops; bad idea.

Historical relevance: The site is a testament to the growing economic power and competition of  medieval cities. Begun in 1173 (and with the funds from a widow, Berta di Bernando who donated 60 gold coins for the purchase of the first construction materials).

Fun fact: Pisa, the town, sells mucho souveniers. In 2011  it banned the image of the tower on men's underwear! Having visited the Croatian town of Porec in 2012, where such images of body parts and even more extreme activities appear on just about everything and make walking with children on beautiful medieval streets a treacherous activity--I support this. But watch out for Michelangelo's David's parts appearing on the next apron that you see!

The Lean: In 2001 it was reopened after extensive underground stabilization which moved the tower 18 inches inwards, and is supposed to stabilize it for 300 years. (I hope).

You can show up early, and the request afternoon tickets at the ticket office. However to ensure reservations (must be scheduled at least 15 days in advance), click here:  http://www.opapisa.it/en/plan-your-visit/ticket-office.html