The Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is exactly what its name implies: leaning. Located in Pisa, Italy, the tower stands 117 feet tall and is about 10° (17 feet) off of where it should be. Many tourists flock to see it each year, hoping to see it before it collapses. To avoid this, the tower was closed off to the public in 1990 and work began in 1992 to secure its foundation. Amazingly, the tower has stood for hundreds of years, from the start of its construction in 1174 to the present day. Originally, the building started to sink after the construction of the 3rd floor. Even so, workers managed to complete it in the year 1372. The Leaning Tower is built in the Romanesque style of architecture and contains 8 stories of stone arches and marble columns. The walls are 13 feet wide and over 300 steps rise to the 8th story.

What is the purpose of the tower? It is a bell tower, and it stands amidst a cathedral and a baptistery in the Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square), which is in the center of Pisa. Many people consider it to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. But that's most likely a matter of opinion. Either way, it is an interesting sight to behold and will continue to be - as long as it doesn't fall down.

Sites for further Information

   "Pisa's Page About The Leaning Tower of Pisa"
    http://www.xs4all.nl/~pisa0/pisa2.htm

   "Pisa: The Leaning Tower"
    http://www.cibernet.it/thebox/pisa/tower.html

   "The Leaning Tower of Pisa"
    http://www.flash.net/~spartech/ReekoScience/LeaningPisa.htm

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