The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most famous monuments in the world. Located in the city of Pisa, Italy, it is an iconic example of the power of architecture and engineering. The tower stands 55 meters tall and has become a symbol of the city. The tower is most famous for its tilt, which was caused by the unstable foundation on which it was built.
History
The Tower of Pisa was built in 1173, during the time of the Maritime Republic of Pisa. The tower was intended to be a bell tower for the nearby cathedral, but the building was abandoned in 1178 due to the unstable foundation. Work resumed in 1272, and the tower was completed in 1372. Over the next few centuries, the tower slowly began to tilt due to the unstable foundation, and by 1990 it had reached an angle of 5.5 degrees.
Architecture
The tower is made of white marble and is in the Romanesque style. It has eight stories and is capped by a dome. The tower has a total of 294 steps, and is one of the most visited monuments in the world. The tilt of the tower has been measured over the years, and by 2008 it had reached an angle of 4.1 degrees.
Restoration
In 1990, the tower was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Since then, a major effort has been made to preserve the tower and to restore it to its original condition. A team of engineers and architects has been working on the restoration since 2001, and the tower has been stabilized. The tilt of the tower has been reduced to 3.99 degrees, and the restoration work is expected to be completed by 2021.
Conclusion
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most famous monuments in the world. It is a symbol of the city of Pisa and a testament to the power of architecture and engineering. Despite its tilt, the tower has been preserved and restored, and is expected to be completed by 2021. The Tower of Pisa is an iconic monument and a must-see for any traveler to Italy.
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