The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the bell tower of the Italian cathedral of the city of Pisa, in the Italian region of Tuscany. The Tower is the third oldest structure in Pisa’s Cathedral Square after the Cathedral and the Baptistry.
The tower is world famous for its unintended tilt to one side. It was built in the 12th century and began leaning shortly after construction began in 1173. The tower is built of white marble and is 55.86 metres (183.27 feet) high from the ground on the lowest side and 56.70 metres (186.02 feet) high on the highest side.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located in the city of Pisa, in the Italian region of Tuscany, and is the most famous building in the city. It is also one of the most recognizable monuments in the world.
History
The Leaning Tower of Pisa was originally designed to be the bell tower of the Cathedral of Pisa. Construction of the tower began in 1173 and was completed in 1350. The tower began to lean shortly after construction began, due to an inadequate foundation and loose soil. Over the centuries, the tower continued to lean more and more, reaching a maximum tilt of 5.5 degrees in 1990.
In an effort to prevent the tower from collapsing, a series of engineering projects were undertaken in the late 20th century. The tower was stabilized by using a combination of lead weights, steel cables, and reinforced concrete. As a result of these efforts, the tilt of the tower was reduced to 3.99 degrees in 2008.
Architecture
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is an example of Romanesque architecture, characterized by round arches and multiple stories. The tower is made up of eight stories, each with a different number of columns and arches. The tower is topped by a bell chamber containing seven bells, each with a different note.
The Base
The base of the tower is made up of a series of arcades, each with a different number of columns. The arcades are decorated with reliefs depicting scenes from the Bible, as well as sculptures of animals and humans.
The Belfry
The belfry is located at the top of the tower and is the most ornate part of the structure. It is made up of two levels, each with a different number of columns. The upper level contains seven bells, each with a different note.
Facts about the Leaning Tower of Pisa
- The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located in the city of Pisa, in the Italian region of Tuscany.
- The tower is 55.86 metres (183.27 feet) high from the ground on the lowest side and 56.70 metres (186.02 feet) high on the highest side.
- Construction of the tower began in 1173 and was completed in 1350.
- The tower began to lean shortly after construction began, due to an inadequate foundation and loose soil.
- The tower is an example of Romanesque architecture, characterized by round arches and multiple stories.
- The tower is topped by a bell chamber containing seven bells, each with a different note.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most recognizable monuments in the world and is a symbol of the Italian region of Tuscany. It is a testament to the engineering feats of the Middle Ages and a reminder of the power of nature.