The Leaning Tower of Pisa: a construction miscalculation that turned into dignity

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The Leaning Tower of Pisa: a construction miscalculation that turned into dignity
Picture: Piksandart | Dreamstime
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Leaning Tower of Pisa is undoubtedly one of the main attractions of Italy. Despite the fact that the tower itself is a remarkable monument of medieval architecture, it did not receive worldwide fame for this.

The miscalculation of the builders, which made the Leaning Tower of Pisa “falling”, made the tower a real tourist symbol.

The history of the tower

At the beginning of the 11th century, the Republic of Pisa was a prosperous Italian territory that grew rich on maritime trade. In this regard, the local authorities could afford to start building a long-planned architectural ensemble, consisting of a cathedral, a baptistery, and a bell tower, taken out in a separate tower.

First, the construction of the cathedral (modern Pisa Cathedral) began, and then the turn came to the bell tower. The first stone in the foundation of the future Leaning Tower of Pisa was laid in 1172.
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The tower was designed by the Italian architect and sculptor Bonnano Pisano.

At first, the construction went quite well. However, after the construction of the first three floors, the slope of the tower was first noticed. Construction work had to be suspended.

It quickly became clear that the tower was tilting due to the weak ground on which it was located. The builders strengthened the base of the tower and in 1198, in modern terms, the construction of the first stage of the tower was completed.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa
Picture: Paolo Cristiano | Dreamstime

It should be noted here that in the Middle Ages it was quite normal to build buildings (especially such significant ones as palaces, cathedrals, etc.) for more than one hundred years, and objects were opened for operation long before their completion.

In 1233, the construction of the tower continued and it was finally completed only in 1350. By this time, the roll of the tower was gradually increasing, and therefore the bell tower, located on the top of the tower, was made more straight.

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Due to the problems encountered during the construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it differs significantly from its original design. So, the number of floors had to be reduced from 10 to 8, and the height of the tower was reduced by about 40 meters.

Measures to prevent the fall of the tower

For the first time, the question of how to keep the tower from rolling arose at the end of the 13th century. But the assembled commission of specialists was unable to develop any solution that would stop the fall of the tower.

Time passed and the tower gradually (by about 1 mm per year) continued its fall. Due to the lack of technology, the fall of the tower was still impossible to stop, so everything was limited to replacing collapsing columns.

Finally, already in the 90s of the XX century, a decision was made on the need for work to preserve the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The main architectural landmark of Pisa was closed for restoration for several years. During this time, unique and time-consuming work was carried out to strengthen the soil at the base of the tower.

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As a result, for the first time, her fall was stopped. Moreover, according to experts, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is now able to stand for at least another 300 years.

The place of the tower in the modern world

At present, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, even without taking into account its famous slope, is a remarkable monument of medieval architecture. The tower has both Byzantine and Romanesque features and is decorated with various decorative elements.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa
Picture: Chi Nguyen Thi Van | Dreamstime

At the top of the tower there is a belfry of seven bells, the sound of which is considered the most beautiful in Italy.

Visitors can also go inside the tower. On the ground floor there is a large hall, which along its perimeter is decorated with various bas-reliefs in the form of various fantastic creatures.

You can climb the spiral staircase to the top of the tower.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is also known for the fact that tourists are constantly photographed near it, trying to depict scenes of holding or pushing the tower.

How to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa

The tower is located in the city of Pisa, Tuscany region, in northwestern Italy. From Rome to Pisa can be reached by train, which takes about 3 hours.

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The tower is open to visitors all year round, in summer it is open from 8-30 to 20-30, in winter – from 9-00 to 17-00 local time.

Tickets to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa are quite expensive (18 euros). At the same time, long queues are still formed at the box office, so it is better to buy a ticket in advance.

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