Our flight was from Bristol airport to Pisa, and of course we had to take advantage of this fact, and go and see the Leaning Tower. It was quite impressive!!! It is actually a free-standing belltower (or campanile) and its tilt began in the early stages of being built, when they discovered that the foundation being inadequate on one side, and built on sinking ground to boot. Over the centuries it was partly-stablized, although it wasn't until the 20th and 21st centuries that it was finally stablized properly and the lean lessened. At its worst it leaned 5.5 degrees, but now is at 3.99. Work began on it in 1173! but the 7th floor not completed until 1319.
It looks almost straight here, but when you see it against other buildings the lean looks unsafe!
This is the wonderful Pisa Baptistry.
And of course, Pisa cathedral. Unfortunately we didn't have time to go inside either building. (I will try and add more details tomorrow.)
One of the residents . . .
This stunning building was on the way back to catch the bus.
Over the doorway of one Medieval building was this beautiful wooden carving of Madonna and child.
Back with more tomorrow.
