How many steps are in the Leaning Tower of Pisa? (+ More!)

The Leaning Tower of Pisa has stood slightly askew for hundreds of years. This iconic crooked landmark in Italy was supposed to stand straight. But it gained a famous sideways slant thanks to the unstable soil on which it was constructed and poor planning. There are eight floors inside, including the top-level bell chamber. How many steps are there in this happy mistake? There are between 294 and 297 steps in the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Read on to learn more about this beloved Italian tourist attraction.

Leaning Tower of Pisa in Pisa, Italy
Leaning Tower of Pisa (Photo credit: quixoticsnd, Depositphotos.com)

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How many steps are there exactly?

The Leaning Tower of Pisa’s official website states there are 297 steps in the spiral staircase within the tower.

Meanwhile, according to Wikipedia, the Leaning Tower of Pisa has around 294 steps. One staircase has two additional steps, for a total of 296. 

Some people claim the Pisa Tower has only 251 steps. That’s a big discrepancy. The best way to find out is to go to Pisa and count for yourself!

Steps in the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Steps in the Leaning Tower of Pisa (Photo credit: Lonewolf1976 at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Why is the Leaning Tower of Pisa famous?

This white marble freestanding bell tower in the City of Pisa is famous because it is leaning. It stands at an angle of 5.5 degrees (about 15 feet). When it was built between the 12th and 14th centuries, it was a feat of medieval architecture and was likely one of the tallest bell towers in all of Europe.

Today, it is one of the most recognizable manmade structures in the world. It’s a favorite spot for tourists to strike a pose while pretending to hold up the tower. This optical illusion will impress your friends on Instagram!

Tourists love to pretend to hold up the Leaning of Tower of Pisa
Tourists love to pretend to hold up the Leaning of Tower of Pisa (Photo credit: frantic00, Depositphotos.com)

What is Pisa known for?

Pisa is home to Piazza dei Miracoli, which includes the Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistry, and the leaning bell tower. Together, these buildings make up one of the greatest architectural complexes in the world.

Also, Pisa is known as the birthplace of the renowned early physicist and astronomer Galileo Galilei.

Statue of Galileo Galilei at the courtyard of the Uffizi Gallery in nearby Florence
Statue of Galileo Galilei at the courtyard of the Uffizi Gallery in nearby Florence (Photo credit: anamejia18, Depositphotos.com)

How did Pisa get its name?

Some people think Pisa was named for the delicious Italian dish, pizza. But pizza was not invented in Pisa. That honor belongs to Napoli, Italy.

In fact, Pisa isn’t even an Italian word. The town of Pisa got its name from a Greek word that means “marshy land.” 

Pizza in Pisa
Pisa is NOT the birthplace of pizza, despite their similar names (Photo credit: CITAlliance, Depositphotos.com)

Who designed the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

For years, the architect of the Leaning Tower of Pisa remained a mystery. An etching found on one of the tower’s stones, however, has identified Bonnano Pisano as the creator of this selfie spot.

Pisano also constructed the San Ranieri Gate, which depicts the main episodes of the Life of Christ. It is located at the right transept of the Pisa Cathedral.

San Ranieri Gate, constructed by Bonnano Pisano
San Ranieri Gate, constructed by Bonnano Pisano (Photo credit: Wikimedia)

Will the Leaning Tower of Pisa eventually fall over?

I hope not! According to experts, the Leaning Tower of Pisa should remain standing for another 200 years or so, thanks to refurbishment projects. In fact, it may not ever fall if the team of engineers has calculated their fixes correctly.

Leaning Tower and angel statue in Pisa
Leaning Tower and angel statue in Pisa (Photo credit: vladacanon, Depositphotos.com)

Visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa!

Pisa makes a lovely day trip by train from Florence during a tour of Tuscany. Longing to visit and go inside of the tower yourself? Book your Leaning Tower of Pisa visit with GetYourGuide now!

 
Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, the Pisa Cathedral and the Pisa Baptistry
Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, the Pisa Cathedral and the Pisa Baptistry (Photo credit: Antartis, Depositphotos.com)

Explore More of Europe

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Fall in love with beautiful Strasbourg, France.

Learn about the best and worst of Barcelona, Spain with kids.

The famous Leaning Tower of Pisa
The famous Leaning Tower of Pisa (Photo credit: d.travnikov, Depositphotos.com)

More Travel Trivia

Do you love learning facts about the world? Then, you’ll love quizzing yourself with additional travel trivia questions! Test your global knowledge with the questions below.

What is the largest country in Europe?

How many years did it take to build the Golden Gate Bridge?

Which country has the most islands?

Who originally sang the song, New York, New York?

How many steps are in the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Save These Leaning Tower of Pisa Facts

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How many steps are there in the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

I have visited the Leaning Tower of Pisa twice, but have never climbed to the top? Think I’m missing out? Let me know in the comments below!

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10 Comments

  1. How strenuous is walking up the stairs in the Pisa,
    do not know if I am able to climb all those stairs. Let me know what you think.

    1. Hi Elsie- I visited the Leaning Tower of Pisa many years ago but I don’t think we climbed to the top because the line was too long. If you are fit, a climb to the top should be no problem. If you are not very mobile, you may want to skip it. It really depends on your health. You may want to ask your doctor before giving it a go.

  2. My Grandaughter Kaitlyn Barbour and l (Liz Pollock ) are going to pisa on Wednesday 5th April 2017 and on my bucket list is to climb the leaning tower of pisa so here to counting the steps Kaitlyn ????????

  3. I wasn’t even close to guessing right. I thought there’d be way more steps than that.
    Pretty sure you have to take a picture of yourself holding up the tower if you find yourself in Pisa. I think it’s a law or something.

  4. Wow! I’m so amazed by this structure… poor planning results to great view! Good that it wasnt rebuilt ‘coz the slant contributes uniqueness and mystery to this structure. Such an amusing blog, great info… Just like visiting as well!