Torre pendente di Pisa

Twenty one years ago today, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, was closed to the public. 

It wasn’t always leaning of course. Just 5 years after breaking ground in 1173, and as construction progressed beyond the second floor, a weak foundation and unstable soil caused the building to begin to sink.

Efforts over the years to stop the leaning have resulted in a numerous studies and stabilization efforts, even the removal of the bells (it was originally intended as a cathedral bell tower).

The good news is, the Tower was reopened again in 2001, but this time only to guided tours of 30 people at a time and requiring advance reservations.  

It comes as no surprise that Italy is now invested in maintaining the building’s tilt (more than 12 feet at the top) because of the role the tower plays in Pisa’s tourism.

My sister and I traveled to Italy in the late 80s and managed a trip through Pisa.  Regrettably, we ruled out a trek to the top - perhaps too little energy (for the 290+ steps) or more likely, too little cash.  We did, however, meet some very lovely people there, including a delightful elderly couple from the UK, Mr. and Mrs. Pickles.  

We didn't even bother to take the obligatory photo of us trying to hold the tower up but here's a photo from the train station in Pisa (see the poster of the Tower on the right).

Friendly Uruguayans along with me
and my sister at the train station in Pisa

So for those of us, like me, who didn't make it, here's a view from the top.