This time our virtual field trip will take us to Tuscany Italy to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Explore one of the wonders of the medieval world in less than an hour. On this virtual tour, you'll get a good introduction to the famed Leaning Tower of Pisa and learn a bit about its history and architecture. So gather the family, grab the computer mouse, and remember - your monitor isn't tilted.
The following websites are great resources to learn about the Leaning Tower of Pisa:
Leaning Tower of Pisa Online
Leaning Tower of Pisa Information is a website that provides a nice overview of the Tower of Pisa with a list of basic facts, such as:
- Official name: Torre Pendente Di Pisa
- Function: Bell Tower
- Original Architect: Bonanno Pisano
- Construction began: 1173
- Construction ended: 1350
- Height: 185 feet
- Weight: 14,700 Metric Tons
The website also offers pictures, statistics, and links to Tower history, articles, and even a web page of Leaning Tower of Pisa humor.
Heading for a Fall?
The Fall of the Leaning Tower displays informative material from an episode of NOVA in the form of an interactive website. This is a very educational site (of course, it was developed by PBS). Much of its content examines the work that has been done to save the Tower from eventually collapsing. This site also offers a historical timeline regarding the Tower of Pisa and an article about various projects to restore world monuments. There is also a teacher's guide with ideas for class activities.
Virtual Tour of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Virtual Travel to Pisa Italy is a fantastic website that offers 360 degree panoramic views of the Leaning Tower. Move your mouse in any direction that you want to look. Use the zoom option to get a more detailed view. For the best results click on the full screen button! You'll get a truly impressive look at some of the world's finest examples of medieval architecture and art. In addition to the Leaning Tower, this site also offers virtual tours of the nearby Pisa Cathedral and Baptistery. Over a dozen panoramic tours are available including:
- The Leaning Tower of Pisa
- The Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli
- The Cathedral
- Inside the Cathedral
- The Baptistery
- Inside the Baptistery
- The Fountain With Angels
Pisa on the Internet
Before we finish our virtual field trip to Pisa, let's stop off at a few sites that have a lot to offer. Aerial Panorama of the Leaning Tower of Pisa provides a dramatically different 360 degree vista - shot from the air, which lets us enjoy a nice view of the lovely landscape of Tuscany. Leaning Towers is a fun site that features a number of different leaning and lopsided buildings. Pisa Travel Guide and the equally informative Pisa Sights and Tourist Attractions are great websites if you are considering an actual visit to Pisa. They provide useful information about area transportation, tourist offices, hotels, restaurants, local attractions and festivals.