Pisa Tower, or the Leaning Tower of Pisa, is one of the most famous monuments in the world and is located in the Italian city of Pisa. It is a bell tower, originally intended to be vertical, but which began to lean to one side during construction in the 12th century. Since then, the tower has become a symbol of Pisa and a popular tourist attraction.
History
The Pisa Tower was built between 1173 and 1350. Construction began on the foundations of a cathedral. The ground was unstable and this caused the tower to start to lean even before it was completed. Over the years, the tower has gradually shifted more and more, and now it leans at an angle of about 4 degrees. In the 19th century, engineers stabilised the tower with metal supports to prevent it from collapsing.
Architecture
The Pisa Tower is an example of Romanesque architecture. It is a freestanding bell tower made of white marble, with eight stories and a total height of 56 meters. The base of the tower is 13.5 meters in diameter and each story is slightly smaller than the one below it. The tower is decorated with four arcades, each containing three arches. Inside, there are seven bells, each with its own name.
Attractions
The Pisa Tower is a popular tourist attraction and has become an iconic symbol of the city. Visitors can climb the 294 steps to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the city. The tower also has a museum with displays about the history of the tower and the city of Pisa. In addition, the tower is surrounded by other monuments, such as the Duomo and the Baptistery, which are also popular tourist attractions.
Conservation
The Pisa Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is protected by Italian law. In recent years, the tower has been undergoing conservation work to ensure its stability and protect it from the elements. The Italian government has also taken steps to reduce the number of visitors to the tower in order to protect it from damage.
Conclusion
The Pisa Tower is one of the most famous monuments in the world and is an iconic symbol of the Italian city of Pisa. It is a freestanding bell tower with eight stories, built in the 12th century. The tower is a popular tourist attraction and is protected by Italian law. Visitors can climb the 294 steps to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the city, or explore the museum and other monuments surrounding the tower.