2015 - October: Miscellaneous Day Trips - Pisa

Joyce & I visited Pisa in 2009, but we didn't have enough time to climb the Leaning Tower (la torre pendente di Pisa) as we needed to get on to Rome. This time, I was able to make the climb and walk where Galileo walked! 

From Wikipedia: Galileo Galilei is said to have dropped two cannonballs of different masses from the tower to demonstrate that their speed of descent was independent of their mass. However, this is considered an apocryphal tale, its only source being Galileo's secretary. (Sorry, but I'm a believer!)

The River Arno also flows through Pisa. This is looking west as I walk north from the train station.

The Baptistery, Cathedral and the Bell Tower.

This view shows the extent of the leaning. You can see how the builders tried to compensate for the lean at the upper levels. Today, after restoration, I believe the leaning is still about 12 feet off center!

There is fascinating reading about The Leaning Tower in Wikipedia. Here's the link: Wiki_Leaning_Tower_of_Pisa

Once inside, you can see that it's basically a cylinder.

The floor was like that of a 'fun house' as you partially lose your balance when you first step inside. They only allowed about 30 at a time to climb (all 296 steps) to the top. 

Speaking of steps; notice how worn they are, probably because the tower has been around since the 11th century! 

Interestingly, the steps on the 'outside' of the lean were worn as shown here. The steps on the 'inside' were worn towards the center of the tower. It was a challenge to get to the top!

296 step later...

... you reach the bells. There are 7 altogether, tuned to the musical scale.

From here, the views are amazing!

Me and my shadow!

Returning to terra firma...

Almost as bad as the selfie! This lady didn't know it but she was pushing the wrong way! 

Here's how one hotel moves their guests around.

Maybe Larry can help with the translation...