If you’re asking “where is the leaning tower“, the answer is wonderfully straightforward: it’s in Pisa, Italy. This iconic structure graces the aptly named “Square of Miracles“, known in Italian as Piazza dei Miracoli, a vibrant green expanse in this charming Italian town.
Pisa, a town of approximately 90,000 residents as of 2022, is nestled within the Province of Pisa, in the renowned Tuscany region of Italy. Its geographical position is remarkably convenient, offering a delightful blend of landscapes and experiences within easy reach.
From the Leaning Tower, a mere 20-minute car journey will transport you to the Tyrrhenian coast, complete with sandy beaches and a bustling port. Conversely, within just an hour, you can find yourself at the foothills of Pania della Croce, the area’s highest mountain, soaring to 1868 meters (6128 ft) above sea level. Imagine starting your day with a mountain hike and ending it with a relaxing stroll along the beach – in Pisa, this is entirely possible!
Discovering Pisa, Italy: Home of the Leaning Tower
To reiterate, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is definitively located in Italy, a country celebrated for its rich history, art, and, of course, pizza. Pisa enjoys excellent connectivity to other major Italian cities, making it an accessible destination within the country.
Pisa serves as an ideal base for exploring numerous famous Italian cities, many of which are easily reachable for a day trip. Below is a table outlining travel durations to popular nearby locations:
| City | by car | by train |
|---|---|---|
| Lucca | 25min | 60min |
| Florence | 2h | 1h 15min |
| Genoa | 2h | 3h 45min |
| Milan | 3h 15min | 3h 45min |
| Venice | 3h 30min | 5h |
| Rome | 4h | 3h |
The Precise Location: Piazza dei Miracoli
The Leaning Tower itself stands proudly in a verdant area called “Piazza dei Miracoli,” which translates to the enchanting “Square of Miracles.” This square is situated in the northern part of Pisa, roughly 1 kilometer (less than a mile) from the true heart of the town.
The Arno River, a significant waterway that bisects Pisa into its northern and southern halves, is approximately a 10-minute walk (800m) from the Square of Miracles.
For those needing precise coordinates, the official address of the Leaning Tower is:
Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa, PI, Italy
And for GPS navigation, the coordinates are:
43.722952, 10.396576
What to See Near the Leaning Tower?
The Square of Miracles isn’t just home to the Leaning Tower; it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site brimming with extraordinary monuments. Within this square, you’ll find:
- The Leaning Tower of Pisa: The iconic bell tower, structurally separate yet belonging to the Pisa Cathedral.
- Duomo di Pisa (Pisa Cathedral): The magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture.
- Battistero di San Giovanni (Baptistery of Pisa): A remarkable round building housing the baptismal font.
- Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery): A historic and serene cemetery with stunning architecture.
- Museo delle Sinopie (Sinopie Museum): A museum showcasing preparatory sketches (sinopie) for frescoes.
- Lupa Capitolina (Capitoline Wolf): An obelisk adding to the square’s diverse artistic elements.
- Fontana dei Putti (Fountain of Putti): A charming fountain adorned with angel figures.
Is Piazza dei Miracoli a Safe Place for Tourists?
Piazza dei Miracoli welcomes thousands of tourists daily, who explore the square on foot to admire the Tower and surrounding landmarks. The area is pedestrian-friendly, enhancing the visitor experience.
From September to July, particularly on warm, sunny days, students from the nearby University often gather on the Square’s grassy areas during breaks. While technically, walking on the grass is restricted, security personnel are generally lenient, allowing people to sit or relax on the lawn, provided the grass isn’t damaged.
According to Numbeo (https://www.numbeo.com/crime/in/Pisa), Pisa is considered relatively safe during daylight hours. However, exercising caution when walking alone at night is advisable.
Planning Your Visit: How Long to Stay in Pisa
While the Leaning Tower is the main attraction, Pisa offers more to discover, including other notable monuments, churches, and piazzas.
In Pisa, you truly can experience both mountain and seaside in a single day!
For a comprehensive visit to the town itself, a two-day stay is ideal. Alternatively, Pisa can serve as a convenient base for a longer exploration of Tuscany, allowing you to enjoy both its coastal and mountainous offerings over two weeks or more.
Essential Information for Your Trip to Pisa
For your travel planning, here’s a concise list of useful details:
- Continent: Europe
- Country: Italy
- Region: Tuscany
- City: Pisa
- International Dialing Code: +39
- Pisa GPS Coordinates: 43.7167° N, 10.4000° E
- Altitude: 4 m (13 ft)
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Language: Italian
- Pisa Time Zone: UTC/GMT +1 hour
- City Population: 89,828 (2022)
- Population Density: 485 (2022)
- Average Temperature High: 84.9 °F / 29.4 °C
- Average Temperature Low: 36°F / 2.2°C
Enjoy your trip to Pisa and your visit to the incredible Leaning Tower!
