Everyone’s rushing to support it — the everyday scene at the Leaning Tower of Pisa

By MOOK Scenic Spots / Mofei
 
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a tall tower located in the city of Pisa, in the Province of Pisa, Tuscany region of Italy. To its north lies a national architectural complex within the city. The adjacent cathedral, baptistery, and cemetery all had a significant impact on Italian architecture from the 11th to the 14th century, which is why they were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the freestanding bell tower of the Cathedral of Pisa. It is located behind the main cathedral and is one of the three major structures in the Piazza dei Miracoli. Its construction began in 1173, and it was originally designed to be built vertically. However, shortly after the project commenced, it began to lean due to uneven foundation and soft soil layers. The tower was completed in 1372, leaning towards the southeast.

In the past, people once believed that the bell tower was intentionally designed to lean, but we now know that this was not the case. As the bell tower of the Cathedral of Pisa, it was originally designed to stand vertically. The original plan called for an eight-story structure reaching 54.8 meters in height. Its distinctive white façade is a hallmark of medieval-style architecture.

In the 14th century, the Italians made one final effort for the bell tower, finally completing the originally planned eight floors and placing the bells that were meant to be installed there. However, fearing that their weight might destabilize the tower, these bells have never been rung.

Thanks to the efforts of modern scientists, the Leaning Tower of Pisa’s tilt has been reduced from 5.5 degrees to its current 3.9 degrees, allowing people in the 21st century the chance to admire this architectural marvel.