The foundation stones of Il Torre di Pisa were laid in 1173 and despite its lean, the tower is still going strong.
Its weight is estimated at 14,500 metric tons. and the thickness of the walls at the base is 2.44 metres.
You need to be strong to climb to the top, not only because of the 294 steps. Those suffering from vertigo aren’t able to find the courage to handle the height or the lean. The last time we were there, we sent young Mischa Bella up on her own but in the company of a handsome gentleman and his son, who we found in the queue! You need to be 18 years old to attempt the climb da sola, and Mischa, who was only 14, was determined to reach the top. Brava Mischa.
And brava also to Ailsa who has chosen STRONG as the travel theme this week.
ALMOST ITALIAN 
Brava to both of you! Discretion being the better part of valour! I’m sure the combination of 294 steps and the incline would do me in. Love your visual interpretation of strong!
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Thanks Ardy. And travelling witha 14 year old granddaughter is brave too! Mt T and I both suffer from vertigo so spent long waits at the bottom of many things.
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I suffer from vertigo .. That’s me out! Great post ..
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Thanks Julie, I love looking up at it from the grass. Better than looking down from above.
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🙂
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Brava, Mischa indeed! My tinnitus which has morphed into a form of vertigo would probably disallow me to do this today 😦 Nice shots.
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Mischa also climbed to the top of Montmatre and la tour Eiffel. I recall waiting below these same three monuments when her mother was 14 years old. Talk about deja vu.
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Last time I climbed the torre was when I was in my 20s – very frightening as I found myself clinging to the interior walls and nearly bottled it before reaching the top. So, brava to Mischa Bella who climbed in the company of strangers. Recently, just admired this stunning bit of architecture from the ground!
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The best way to view it I agree, before heading off to a wonderful pranzo in a trattoria in a nearby laneway.
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Love that first shot Francesca, perfect composition. I’d be looking from the ground too!!
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Yes, so many of us have become height challenged!
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I’ve never been to Pisa and have never seen close up images of the tower before….beautiful detail.
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Thankyou kindly. Despite it being a tourist mecca, there are some wonderful little back street trattorie too.
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Now that is a great theme! I’ve never seen this up close but I’d love to one day.
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Up close is good, especially from the grass below!
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I would love to climb this someday! I hadn’t thought about the lean making it harder.
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It makes it harder for sure.
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And Brava Francesca! Good choice
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Thanks Tina.
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