The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the world’s most recognizable monuments. It is located in the city of Pisa, Italy and is a part of the Piazza del Duomo. The tower is a freestanding bell tower that was built over a period of nearly 200 years and is renowned for its dramatic tilt. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions.
History of the Tower
The Leaning Tower of Pisa was constructed in three stages, starting in 1173. It was built as the bell tower of the Pisa Cathedral, which is the main church of the city. The construction was interrupted in 1284 due to the tower’s tilt, which had already begun to be noticeable. The tower was then left for almost a century until 1360 when it was decided to continue with the construction. It was finally completed in 1372.
Architecture of the Tower
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a Romanesque-style bell tower that stands 55.86 meters tall. It is composed of seven tiers of white marble and is topped by a circular belfry. The tilt of the tower is caused by an inadequate foundation, which was built on an unstable subsoil of clay and fine sand. The tower currently leans at an angle of 3.99 degrees.
Restoration of the Tower
Due to the tower’s tilt, it has been subject to various stabilization efforts over the years. The first of these was carried out in the late 19th century, when iron rods were inserted into the tower’s foundation. In the early 20th century, lead counterweights were added to the structure in order to reduce the tilt. In the 1990s, a major restoration project was undertaken in order to further stabilize the tower. This included the installation of hundreds of steel cables and the removal of 70 metric tons of soil from the tower’s base.
Interesting Facts About the Tower
- The Tower was originally built as a bell tower for the Pisa Cathedral.
- The Tower has been leaning since the day it was completed.
- The tilt of the Tower has been reduced by over 4 degrees since the 1990s.
- The Tower is the third-tallest structure in the city of Pisa.
- The Tower is made up of seven tiers of white marble.
- The Tower is one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions.
Visiting the Tower
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is open to the public for visits. It is located in the Piazza del Duomo, in the center of the city of Pisa. The tower is open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, with last entry at 7:00 pm. Tickets for adults cost €18 and for children, €13. Visitors are allowed to climb up the tower’s 296 steps to the top, where they can enjoy spectacular views of the city and its surroundings.
Conclusion
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the world’s most iconic monuments. It has been standing for nearly 800 years and is a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of its builders. The tower is a popular tourist destination and a must-see for any visitor to the city of Pisa.