Learn about the Leaning Tower of Pisa’s History

By far the most recognizable tower in the world, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is well worth the visit.

Being listed in top Europe hot spots, it is an absolutely stunning gravity-defying structure to see in person.

The Tower’s beginning

Back in the year 1000, the City of Pisa was one of the most powerful regions in the land. Due to their wealth and power, they chose to build an extravagant Tower to flaunt both the military victories and the grandeur of Pisa. The tower was just a section of the grand cathedral complex the city would build, to be named the ‘Field of Miracles’. The plan featured a cathedral, baptistery, a cemetery and the bell tower. Nowadays, however, this complex is named Piazza dei Miracoli, also known as the Square of Miracles. It is one of the finest architectural complexes on earth, with the Leaning Tower being the most popular spot within.

The Tower’s Construction

Giovanni di Simone is majorly attributed for designing the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Start of the construction began in 1173, lasting until 1178 until Pisa decided to halt construction. Due to the reduction in wealth as well as the building’s slight lean. Simone soon attempted to even the tower by building slightly smaller components on one side of the structure, but unfortunately, the weight of the extra floors only caused the tower to sink further. The reason for the lean was said to be soft alluvial soil on one side of the building’s foundations. Leading to the tower to slowly sink through the unstable ground.

History of Stabilisation

Throughout the tower’s life, there have been many attempts to fix the lean. However, it wasn’t until 2008 that it was stated that the tower had stopped moving for the very first time. Due to the multinational task force of architects, mathematicians, and engineers which used a number of stabilization methods to halt any further sinkage or tilt. Resulting in this leaning tower to remain famously tilted for the remainder of its life!

Related article: How to get a photo ‘holding up’ the Leaning Tower of Pisa

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