Book your timed-entry ticket to ascend the 294 steps of the world's most famous bell tower. Experience the unique sensation of climbing the spiral staircase as it tilts around you, and emerge at the top for breathtaking views over the Piazza dei Miracoli and the city of Pisa. Secure your spot now—slots are limited and sell out weeks in advance.
Buy TicketsThe Leaning Tower is the freestanding bell tower, or campanile, of Pisa Cathedral. It stands in the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) alongside the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto Monumentale. Climbing the tower is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but requires a timed ticket. For a complete visit, check the full opening hours for all monuments and our visitors guide for tips on exploring the entire square.
Note: Children under 8 are not permitted to climb the tower for safety reasons.
The easiest way to secure your climb
Only a limited number of people can climb the tower at once. Booking in advance guarantees your 30-minute time slot and is the only way to avoid disappointment on the day.
The queue at the ticket office can be over an hour long in high season. A pre-booked ticket lets you go straight to the tower entrance for your scheduled time.
Change of plans? No problem. Cancel up to 24 hours before your visit for a full refund, offering you flexibility and peace of mind.
Receive your tickets instantly via email and show them on your phone. No need to print anything, just scan the QR code at the entrance.
Construction of the bell tower began in August 1173. The lean was never intended. By the time builders finished the third of its eight stories around 1178, the shallow, unstable subsoil of clay and sand had already begun to shift. Construction was halted for nearly a century, a pause that allowed the soil to compact and likely saved the tower from early collapse.
When work resumed, engineers tried to compensate by making the new stories taller on the sinking side, which is why the tower is actually curved. The project was finally completed in 1372, almost 200 years after it began. The seven bells in the chamber at the top, one for each note of the musical major scale, were added between the 14th and 17th centuries. Today, after extensive stabilization work in the 1990s, the tower leans at a stable angle of 3.97 degrees, safe for visitors to climb.
Climb the Tower in 3 simple steps
Choose your desired date and 30-minute time slot to climb the tower. Remember that slots are limited and booking several weeks in advance is recommended for peak season.
Complete your purchase through our secure payment system. You'll receive an email confirmation with your mobile tickets within minutes.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot. You MUST check all bags and purses at the free cloakroom next to the tower before joining the queue. Then, present your mobile ticket and begin your ascent.
Your questions about climbing the Tower, answered