A select few (or rather, a few curious ones) know that in Pisa we not only have the famous leaning tower, which became even more famous in January 2020 when it was also photographed from Corsica 190 km away, … but we have three!
During my tours I always jokingly comment that in Pisa we have a “stability problem” (which is not that far from reality) and therefore we can easily “create” architectural wonders outside the norms.
So let’s start with this countdown, and start from the furthest from the tourist circuit and the most inclined (yes!), with a slope of 5% we have the bell tower of the church of San Michele degli Scalzi.
Being a bit far from the center, few tourists know about this “tilted twin”.
Documented since 1025, the church has suffered greatly over the years, from the Second World War and the 1949 flood.
Let’s move our mind towards the area of Santa Maria, near the Arno. The church of San Nicola has so many wonders that it deserves an article of its own (indeed I will do it later) but let’s focus here too on its slightly inclined octagonal bell tower with respect to the current street level.
Dated to the second half of the XIII century, it is attributed to the great artist Nicola Pisano. It hides other “mathematical” secrets but I will leave you with the curiosity.
Finally, last but not least, the bell tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
You won’t believe me but until 2019, the year in which the researcher Giulia Ammannati of the Scuola Normale in Pisa finally found the correct attribution, no one knew who did it! In fact, after years of speculation, it can finally be said with certainty that it was the work of the sculptor and bronzesmith Bonnano Pisano.
Do you want to know more about the history and all the mysteries around the tower?
Book this tour here or ask for more info!
