Ronald

Has anyone climbed the stairs to the top? My wife was wondering how strenuous it was. We will be vacationing there in early August.

PalQ

I did the climb just after the reopening in 2003 and thought it's strenuous in that there are lots of stairs, we had to go up behind a guide who set a decent pace. Be sure to make a reservation or show up early. When i went they said they only were allowing a few groups of 35 each each hour - had to be led by a guide. no lifts then like used to be maybe now. long time ago i walked up by myself on the circular marble walkway around the outside but apparently this is closed for safety reasons - the marble was kind of worn and slick. I read you can reserve on line - but don't know details. But i think if you just show up in August you may have to wait hours in line.

kbrennan

It's not impossible, but it can be a workout! The staircase winds round and round and the footing is poor in places - the marble is worn down from hundreds of years of traffic. My husband and daughter kept up a steady pace all the way up, but I slowed down a bit from time to time to catch my breath. There aren't many places to stop without interupting the rest of the group that is acsending the tower (they send up groups of about 25 at a time)but there are a couple of spots where you can stop for a moment. It is certainly worth the exercise - the views are wonderful!

turnip

I'm waaaaaaaay out of shape. Or, as Homer would say, I'm in shape, it's a pear shape...

Heck, if I can do it, you can do it.

ParadiseLost

Ronald: I've posted daytrip directions and some info in the past if you're interested. Do a search on pisa daytrip directions
Just place yourself in the rear of the line/queue when walking over to the Tower.
There is a guide in the front of the line and another at the end when the climb starts.
Another tourist and myself where the slowpokes and we stopped a few times.
I apologized to the guide (a young woman) for holding her up, she laughed and said something like "I've been to the top many times before" .
If you or your wife has a problem, it's no big deal to just turn around and walk back down. You wouldn't be the first . Regards, Walter
Regards, Walter

LoveItaly

Yes, we did, but way before there were reservations, guides etc. And my dear daughter slipped coming down. Thankfully she was alright.

kimerley

my son did the Tower in July, I sat in the shade of the tower and read a book! He enjoyed it and the view. You should book and pay for your tickets via their web site. Very easy, you pick the day and time. Print off the confirmation and on the day of the visit present it at one of ?3 booking offices on the site.
We travelled from Manarola (CT) for the day. Lachlan did the climb at 1pm he was down again by 1.30 pm and we then caught a train to Lucca for the afternoon. It was a great day.

cailin

To be honest I think it depends on what you classify as "strenuous". I didn't think it was at all strenuous, and neither did my parents who are both in their 60s. Yes it's an uphill climb, but it only takes 10 minutes. It's nothing compared to St Peters in Rome or St Pauls in London. It's well worth going up to the top - the views are great!