Updated: June 2026
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of those landmarks that almost everyone recognises instantly. I had seen countless photographs of it over the years, but when I finally visited Pisa, I found myself asking one question:
Was it really leaning that much?
The answer seemed to depend entirely on where I stood.
The Tower of Pisa forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Piazza del Duomo, often referred to as the Square of Miracles. The famous tilt was caused by unstable foundations during construction, but what was originally an engineering problem has become one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks.
The tower attracts millions of visitors every year and, naturally, I wanted to see it for myself.
Trying to Capture the Perfect Angle
One of the things that surprised me most was how difficult it was to photograph the tower.
Depending on the angle, it sometimes looked as though it was barely leaning at all. From another position it appeared to be leaning dramatically. After a while, I began to wonder whether the photographers were adjusting their cameras as much as the tower itself.
I eventually gave up trying to work out the perfect angle and simply took photographs from every direction in the hope that one of them would capture what I was actually seeing.
More Than Just a Leaning Tower
Although the tower is undoubtedly the star attraction, the surrounding buildings are equally impressive.
The Pisa Cathedral occupies the centre of the square and is a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture. Its scale is difficult to appreciate until you stand beside it.
The Cathedral, Baptistery and Tower combine to create one of the most beautiful architectural complexes in Italy.
The Baptistery of Pisa
Another highlight was the Baptistery of St John.
Its distinctive circular design and impressive dome make it one of the most recognisable buildings in the complex. The architecture is beautiful and the building complements the Cathedral perfectly.
The Baptistery is known for its remarkable acoustics and elegant design, making it much more than simply a supporting attraction beside the Tower.
Is Pisa Worth Visiting?
In my opinion, yes.
Many people visit Pisa purely to see the Leaning Tower, but the entire Square of Miracles is worth exploring. The combination of history, architecture and the uniqueness of the tower itself makes it an enjoyable day trip.
For me personally, it was another opportunity to tick off one of the world’s most famous landmarks and finally answer the question I had wondered about for years.
And after seeing it in person?
Yes, it really is leaning.
Although I am still not entirely convinced every photograph tells the same story.
Continue exploring Italy:
- Best Art Galleries in Italy – Florence’s Must-See Masterpieces
- Eating My Way Through Italy – Lessons from a Curious Food Lover
