Pisa - Leaning Tower

The Leaning Tower is the main tourist attraction in Pisa. Zillions of photos are taken here each week.

The construction of the tower started exactly on August 14, 1173. Architects were either Bonanno Pisano, who created the bronze doors (previous uploads) or Diotisalvi, the architect of the Baptistery.

The tower's tilt began already during the construction, caused by an inadequate foundation on ground too soft to properly support the structure's weight. Due to wars, Pisa waged against Genoa, Lucca and Florence, it was on halt for a century, but was continued and completed in 1372.

A long discussion started in the 20th century, how to prevent the tower from toppling. 800 tonnes of lead counterweights got installed. In 1989, after a medieval tower in Pavia had collapsed, the Leaning Tower was closed to the public. Engineers were able to straighten the tower by 45 cms and the tower was opened to the public again end of 2001.

In 2008, after the removal of 70 tons of ground, engineers announced that the Tower had been stabilized. They stated it would be stable for at least 200 years.