Leaning Tower of Pisa History

A Fascinating History of Leaning tower of Pisa

The medieval structure of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is located in Italy. The history of the Leaning tower of Pisa is fascinating to an extent that has made this architectural structure a tourist destination. As per the Leaning tower of Pisa facts from the later twentieth century, the structure leaned 15 feet from the perpendicular due to the significant change brought in its foundation.


The Leaning Tower of Pisa was built in 1173 as the third and final structure of Pisa's Cathedral Complex. Leaning Tower of Pisa facts states that it was built with the intention of serving the purpose of a bell tower. The Leaning Tower of Pisa started leaning to an extent in the late twentieth century to an extent that an active project was initiated in 1990 to stabilize the structure.

Construction of the Leaning Tower

The Leaning Tower of Pisa or Torre Pendente di Pisa of Italy was the third and last structure of the Pisa's Cathedral complex. Originally built to serve the purpose of a bell tower as per the Leaning Tower of Pisa History started showing angles of tilting in the later part of the twentieth century.


This notable medieval structure was built in the year 1173 and the Leaning Tower of Pisa facts says that the uneven settling of the foundation on the soft grounds is the reason behind this tilting of the structure. The project architect during the first phase was Bonanno Pisano and Gherardo din Gherardo. The second phase of construction work initiated in the year 1275 was led by Ar. Giovani di Simone.

When It Started Tilting

The Leaning Tower of Pisa history dates back to August 1173 when its construction commenced. Interestingly, the Leaning Tower of Pisa started tilting even during its construction phase, attributed to the unstable foundation soils. This marked the beginning of its prolonged period of tilting. Over centuries, the tower's lean became more pronounced due to the soft ground underneath. Various attempts were made to rectify the tilt, and ongoing restoration work aimed to both stabilize the tower and preserve its distinctive lean.

Halting the Construction

According to the Leaning Tower of Pisa history, the angle and gravity of tilting had worsened by the time construction had reached the eighth floor. As a counteraction to this destructive phase, the construction was paused for an uncertain period to find a solution for the same. The project came to a halt in the year 1178 with the intention of resuming soon, but then War broke out between Italy and Genova which caused the construction to take a pause for about 100 years.

Reconstruction of the Leaning Tower

Continuing the Leaning Tower of Pisa's history, after an initial pause in construction in 1178 due to ongoing war and financial difficulties, building resumed in 1272. Engineers adjusted the subsequent floors to compensate for the lean, attempting to create a vertical structure atop the slant. The tower's unique tilt, however, persisted due to the unstable foundation. Despite its unconventional lean, the construction was completed in the mid-14th century. The Leaning Tower of Pisa has since become a global icon, drawing visitors to marvel at its remarkable architecture and the intriguing story of its construction amidst challenges.

Threatening makeovers

In the Leaning Tower of Pisa's history, various attempts were made to rectify its lean, often resulting in perilous makeovers. In the 19th century, fearing its collapse, engineers undertook measures that inadvertently increased the tilt. Subsequent efforts in the 20th century, including soil extraction, aimed to stabilize the tower but led to further instability.


Modern engineering marvels eventually intervened with extensive restoration work from 1990 to 2001, successfully reducing the tilt and ensuring the tower's safety. These risky endeavors highlight both the challenges and dedication in preserving the Leaning Tower of Pisa's historical significance for future generations.

Mussolini's Attempts to Correct the Tilt

In the annals of Leaning Tower of Pisa's history, Mussolini's regime sought to rectify the tower's tilt. In the 1930s, engineers, fearing the tower's collapse, undertook efforts to reduce the lean. Soil was excavated from underneath the higher side and braces were installed to counteract the tilt.


However, these attempts had limited success and actually exacerbated the problem. The tower was closed to the public in 1990 due to safety concerns. Subsequent restoration endeavors between 1990 and 2001, employing modern techniques, succeeded in stabilizing the tower and slightly correcting its angle, preserving its unique place in history.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa in World War II

Embedded within the Leaning Tower of Pisa's history is its intriguing connection to World War II. During the war, the tower's lean drew the attention of both the Allied and Axis forces, raising concerns about its strategic value and potential collapse. The Germans, retreating in 1944, ordered its destruction, but luckily, the intervention of a local military official prevented this fate.


The Leaning Tower of Pisa survived the war, albeit with minor damage due to nearby bombings. This chapter underscores the tower's cultural significance and its enduring resilience amid turbulent times.

Survival Through Earthquakes

On checking the Leaning Tower of Pisa's history, the tower has almost survived around 4 earthquakes since 1280. It's surprising to note that the same soft soil underneath the building that caused tilting of the building saved the building from surviving the earthquakes. On researching, the Leaning Tower of Pisa facts was found that the unique property of the soil below the building doesn't resonate with the earth's vibrations. This was astounding to the crowd and to the whole world.

Italy's Request for Aid

As years passed by, the angle of the tilt of the Leaning Tower of Pisa was increasing. For the same reason, the Italian Government opened invitations for help to protect the Leaning tower of Pisa from collapsing in February 1964. Scientists and physicists warned about the collapse of this major tourist attraction in Italy due to the Leaning Tower of Pisa's increasing tilt and also to falling prey to natural disasters. The successful and active restoration work finally commenced in 1990.

FAQ

When did the Tower of Pisa start being built?

The construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa started in the year 1170 and the construction was completed in two phases in the year 1372.

How many years did it take to complete the Pisa tower?

It took 200 years to complete the construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the third and final structure of Pisa's Cathedral Complex.

How many degrees does the Leaning Tower of Pisa tilt?

Currently, the tower tilts at 3.99 degrees as per the analysis of Physicists.

Is the Leaning Tower of Pisa currently stable?

The current status of the Leaning tower of Pisa is that it has finally stopped moving and the building is being remained at a tilt of 3.9 degrees.

How many steps does the Leaning Tower of Pisa have?

The Leaning tower of Pisa has around 296 steps.

Can I buy tickets to visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Yes, Leaning Tower of Pisa tickets can be bought online.

When did the Leaning Tower of Pisa finish construction?

The construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa was completed in the year 1372.

Can you go inside the Tower of Pisa?

Yes, after purchasing a ticket, you can get inside and also climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

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