Leaning Tower of Pisa

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Leaning tower of Pisa - capital of column at the top

Torre di pisa, capitello con scimmiette

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Pisa. Torre 02

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Pisa, torre pendente (18)

Pisa. Torre 01

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Torre pendente di Pisa) is a freestanding bell tower of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa, known worldwide for its nearly four-degree lean, the result of an unstable foundation. The tower is situated behind Pisa's cathedral and is the third oldest structure in the city's Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo), after the cathedral and the Pisa Baptistry.

History

Construction of the tower began in the 12th century, in 1173, and it was completed in the 14th century, in 1399. The lean began during construction, due to soft ground on one side that was unable to properly support the structure's weight. Efforts to compensate for the tilt only increased the lean until the structure was stabilized (and the tilt partially corrected) by efforts in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Architecture

The tower is a marvel of Romanesque architecture, standing at a height of about 56 meters (184 feet) from the ground on the low side and about 57 meters (187 feet) on the high side. The width of the walls at the base is 2.44 meters (8 ft 0.06 in) and at the top 2.09 meters (6 ft 10 in). Its weight is estimated to be 14,500 metric tons. The tower has 296 or 294 steps; the seventh floor has two fewer steps on the north-facing staircase. Prior to restoration works, the tower leaned at about a 5.5-degree angle, but this has since been reduced to about 3.97 degrees.

Efforts to Correct the Lean

Over the centuries, various efforts have been made to stabilize the tower's foundation and reduce its lean. These have included the addition of 800 tons of lead counterweights and the removal of soil from underneath the north side. In 2001, the tower was reopened to the public, with its lean having been reduced sufficiently to be considered safe for visitors.

Cultural Significance

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of Italy's most recognizable landmarks and a popular tourist attraction. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, along with the neighboring cathedral, baptistry, and cemetery. The tower's image has been widely used in media and popular culture, symbolizing both the ingenuity and the challenges of medieval European architecture.

See Also

• Pisa Cathedral
• Pisa Baptistry
• Romanesque architecture
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy