The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most iconic monuments in the world. It is located in the Italian city of Pisa and is one of the four buildings in the famous Piazza del Duomo. The Tower is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa. It is situated behind the Cathedral and is the third oldest structure in Pisa’s Cathedral Square after the Cathedral and the Baptistery.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa was constructed over a period of nearly two centuries, beginning in 1173. It began to lean during construction in the 12th century due to an inadequate foundation on ground too soft on one side to properly support the structure’s weight. The tilt increased in the decades before the structure was completed in 1372. This caused the tower to become famous all over the world. The height of the tower is approximately 55.86 meters (183.27 feet) from the ground on the low side and 56.67 meters (185.93 feet) on the high side.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is renowned for its unintended tilt to one side, which is estimated to be around 5.5 degrees from the vertical. Its tilt began during construction, caused by an inadequate foundation on ground that was too soft on one side to properly support the structure’s weight. The tilt increased in the decades before the structure was completed in 1372. The tilt has been stabilized by efforts over the years, including the construction of metal anchors and lead counterweights. The tower is currently stable and open to the public.
Architecture of the Tower
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is an example of Romanesque architecture. It is a tall structure with a circular plan and is made up of eight stories and a belfry. The exterior of the tower is composed of marble from Carrara and forms eight distinct levels. The base of the tower is made up of 16 arches and there is a gallery on the uppermost level. The interior of the tower is divided into four stories, each with its own set of stairs.
History of the Tower
The Tower of Pisa was constructed over a period of nearly two centuries, beginning in 1173. It began to lean during construction in the 12th century due to an inadequate foundation on ground too soft on one side to properly support the structure’s weight. The tilt increased in the decades before the structure was completed in 1372. The tower remained in its leaning state until the 20th century when efforts were made to stabilize it.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 and is one of the most visited attractions in Italy. The tower has become an icon of the city of Pisa and is a symbol of Italian culture. It is also a popular tourist attraction and is visited by millions of people every year.
Restoration of the Tower
In the late 20th century, efforts were made to stabilize the tower and prevent it from further tilting. The first project was undertaken in 1934 when soil was removed from the north side of the tower to correct the tilt. This project was unsuccessful and the tilt continued to increase. In 1990, a more comprehensive project was undertaken to correct the tilt and stabilize the tower.
This project involved the installation of metal anchors and lead counterweights to the north side of the tower and the construction of an underground concrete ring around the base of the tower. This project was successful in stabilizing the tower and reducing the tilt to its current level of 4.1 degrees. The tower is now stable and open to the public.
Conclusion
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most iconic monuments in the world. It is renowned for its unintended tilt to one side, which is estimated to be around 5.5 degrees from the vertical. Its tilt began during construction, caused by an inadequate foundation on ground that was too soft on one side to properly support the structure’s weight. The tower is currently stable and open to the public.
The Tower of Pisa is an example of Romanesque architecture and is made up of eight stories and a belfry. It has become an icon of the city of Pisa and is a symbol of Italian culture. It is also a popular tourist attraction and is visited by millions of people every year.