Experts assert that the famous tower in Pisa will stand for at least another 200 years. It might even remain in its (almost) vertical position forever. This is all thanks to a restoration project that saved the tower from collapse.
From the very beginning of its construction on unstable ground in 1174, the tower has been leaning progressively more to the south. Its tilt to one side even influenced its construction, as the architects tried to "compensate" by tilting it to the north, giving the tower its banana-like shape.
Several reckless construction projects accelerated the gradual fall of the Leaning Tower of Pisa over the past few centuries. Thus, in 1990, it reached its sharpest tilt angle of 5.5 degrees. By all calculations, the tower should have collapsed upon reaching an angle of 5.44 degrees, but fortunately, the predictions of the computer model did not come true, and engineers proposed a reconstruction project.
The restoration work, carried out from 1999 to 2001, stabilized the tower. Engineers placed weights on the north side of the tower, while simultaneously removing some soil beneath it, causing it to slowly sink back.
Now, the Leaning Tower of Pisa stands at an angle of only 3.99 degrees. Regarding strong earthquakes or other unpredictable disasters, engineers claim that it will still remain in place and stand for at least several hundred years.
Interesting facts about the Leaning Tower of Pisa:
1. Architectural Mystery: The identity of the original architect of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is still debated. Some credit Bonanno Pisano, while others believe it was Diotisalvi.
2. Long Construction: The construction of the tower took 199 years, starting in 1173 and finishing in 1372. The long construction period allowed engineers to observe the tilt and make adjustments.
3. Multiple Uses: The tower was originally intended as a freestanding bell tower for the nearby cathedral, but over the centuries, it has served as a tourist attraction and even as a site for scientific experiments.
4. Galileo's Experiment: Legend has it that Galileo Galilei, a native of Pisa, used the Leaning Tower to conduct experiments on gravity by dropping two spheres of different masses to demonstrate that their time of descent was independent of their mass.
5. Tilted on Purpose?: Contrary to popular belief, the tilt was not intentional. The tower began leaning during its construction due to the soft ground on one side, which could not properly support its weight.
6. Survived Earthquakes: Despite its precarious tilt, the tower has survived at least four strong earthquakes since 1280. Researchers believe this is due to the soft soil, which absorbs seismic waves, reducing the tower's resonance and preventing it from collapsing.
7. Height Variance: Because of its tilt, the tower's height varies: it is about 56 meters (183.3 feet) on the highest side and 57 meters (186 feet) on the lowest side.
8. Weight: The Leaning Tower of Pisa weighs approximately 14,500 metric tons (16,000 short tons).
9. Stabilization Efforts: Over the years, several stabilization efforts have been made. The most significant was in the late 20th century when the tilt was reduced by removing soil from underneath the higher side and anchoring the tower.
10. Tourist Attraction: The Leaning Tower of Pisa attracts millions of tourists each year, who come to admire its unique tilt and take iconic photos pretending to hold up or push down the tower.
11. World Heritage Site: The Leaning Tower is part of the Piazza del Duomo, also known as the Cathedral Square, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
12. Lean is Slow and Steady: The tilt of the tower increases at a rate of about 1-2 millimeters annually, but thanks to modern engineering, it is now stable for the foreseeable future.
These fascinating facts highlight the historical, architectural, and cultural significance of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
