The Tower of Pisa is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Located in the Italian city of Pisa, the tower is a leaning bell tower that has been a major tourist attraction for centuries. The tower is made of white marble and stands at a height of approximately 60 meters. Its most distinctive feature is its tilt, which is caused by an unstable foundation and has made it an instantly recognizable symbol of Italy.
History of the Tower of Pisa
The Tower of Pisa was built in 1173, during a period of great prosperity in the city of Pisa. The tower was intended to be a bell tower for the nearby cathedral, and its construction was overseen by the renowned architect Bonanno Pisano. The tower was intended to be perfectly vertical, but due to the unstable foundation, it began to lean as soon as construction began. Despite the tilt, the tower was completed in 1372 and has remained standing ever since.
Restoration of the Tower
The Tower of Pisa has been through several periods of restoration over the years. The first restoration was undertaken in the 16th century, when the tower was stabilized and the tilt was reduced. In the 19th century, the tower was again stabilized, and the tilt was further reduced. The most recent restoration was completed in 2001 and involved the installation of a series of steel cables to reduce the tilt even further.
Facts About the Tower
- Height: The Tower of Pisa stands at a height of approximately 60 meters.
- Tilt: The tower has a tilt of approximately 3.99 degrees.
- Construction: The tower was constructed from white marble and was completed in 1372.
Interesting Facts About the Tower of Pisa
- The Tower of Pisa is one of the four major attractions in the Italian city of Pisa, along with the Duomo di Pisa, the Baptistery and the Camposanto.
- The tower is believed to have been built on an ancient Roman structure that was constructed in the first century BC.
- The tower was built with eight stories, but the seventh story was added in the 16th century.
- The tilt of the tower is so severe that it is actually possible to walk up the stairs without having to climb.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa Today
Today, the Tower of Pisa is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy. Millions of people visit the tower each year to marvel at its unique tilt and to take photographs of the iconic landmark. The tower is also a popular destination for weddings, as it is believed that couples who get married at the tower will have a long and happy marriage.