The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a world-famous bell tower located in the Italian city of Pisa. It is the third-oldest structure in the city’s Piazza del Duomo and is the most recognizable and iconic monument of the city. The tower is a freestanding bell tower that began construction in 1173 and was completed in 1372.
History of the Tower
The tower was built as the bell tower for the nearby cathedral and was designed by Bonanno Pisano, a local architect. Construction began in 1173, but was interrupted several times due to political turmoil in the city. The tower began to lean during construction due to an inadequate foundation and soft ground on one side. The lean of the tower was initially around 4.5 degrees, but has since increased to around 5.5 degrees.
Architecture of the Tower
The tower is composed of eight storeys and is 55.86 meters tall. It is made of white marble and is made up of six distinct stories. Each story has an arcade of columns and the fourth storey has an open gallery. The bell chamber is located at the top of the tower and contains seven bells.
Leaning Tower of Pisa Today
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most iconic monuments in the world and has become a symbol of the city of Pisa. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Italy and attracts millions of visitors every year. The tower has been stabilized several times throughout its history to prevent further leaning, and is currently in a state of equilibrium.
Conservation Efforts
In recent years, there have been several conservation efforts to ensure the preservation of the tower. In 2008, a project was launched to restore the tower and make it safe for visitors. The project included the installation of a new foundation, the strengthening of the structure, and the installation of a monitoring system to measure the tower’s movement.
Conclusion
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most iconic monuments in the world and is a symbol of the city of Pisa. It has been the subject of numerous conservation efforts and is currently in a state of equilibrium. The tower is a popular tourist attraction and attracts millions of visitors each year.