Torre del Campano, Bell tower in Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa, Italy
The Torre del Campano is a bell tower on Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa that holds seven bells, each tuned to different musical notes. The marble structure has significant height and diameter, giving it a substantial presence on the plaza.
Construction started in 1174 under architects Guglielmo and Bonanno, but foundation problems caused the structure to lean, a characteristic that persisted across centuries. These early structural challenges shaped the tower's appearance and remain part of its story today.
The bells have marked religious ceremonies and the daily rhythm of the city for centuries, shaping how people organized their time. Visitors today can still hear these sounds and grasp how deeply connected faith and everyday life were in medieval Pisa.
To see the bells up close, visitors need to climb internal stairs that wind through the tower. The ascent requires effort, but the view from above rewards those who make the journey.
The tower contains two spiral staircases leading to the bell chamber, with one staircase featuring extra steps to compensate for the structure's lean. This engineering solution shows the creativity of medieval craftsmen in adapting to geometric challenges.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
