The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks—not only for its beautiful Romanesque architecture, but also for its unmistakable tilt. But how did this famous tower end up leaning in the first place?

The story of the Leaning Tower of Pisa begins in 1173, when construction started on Pisa’s bell tower. Almost immediately, the builders noticed something unusual: the tower was sinking into the ground. The reason? The soil beneath Pisa consists of soft clay and sand, unable to support such a heavy structure. Without strong foundations, the tower began to tilt during its early stages of construction.

Over the next two centuries, architects and engineers tried to correct the problem while continuing to build. Ironically, each attempt to fix it only made the tilt worse. By the time the Tower was completed in the 14th century, it had already become a true “leaning wonder.”

In the 20th and early 21st centuries, modern engineers stepped in to stabilize the monument. By carefully removing soil from beneath the tower and installing support systems, they reduced the tilt just enough to keep the Leaning Tower of Pisa safe—without taking away its charming identity. Today, the tower stands proudly, not despite its flaw, but because of it.

What once seemed like a construction mistake has become a global symbol of architectural curiosity and playful imperfection. Sometimes, a little mistake makes history unforgettable.

If you want to learn more about the Tower of Pisa and the history of Tuscany’s most famous monuments, visit this page!