The lean is caused by one of the building's sides sliding into soft ground. The Pisa Cathedral is next to the Pisa Learning Tower (on the right). The Tower of Pisa, often known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, is a bell tower. The tower, as the name implies, leans on one of its sides. It is estimated that if the foundation were solid, the tower would be about 28 feet shorter.
The reason for the lean is unknown. Some say it is because the tower was built without any regard for gravity, but this is not true. The foundation is not horizontal, but sloping 5 degrees from the vertical.
An alternative theory is that the tower was built over an ancient well and that water still fills it today. If this is true, then the weight of the water could cause the tower to lean even though no one is around to push down on it.
Yet another explanation is that the tower was built with cheap materials that are now deteriorating.
In any case, it is obvious that something must be done to rescue the tower. It can't stay this way forever.
Update: The Pisa cathedral has been restored some what and is open to visitors. However, due to budget cuts, the Leaning Tower is closed indefinitely.
The Pisa Leaning Tower The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italian: Torre Pendente di Pisa) or simply the Tower of Pisa (torre di 'pi: za; 'pi: sa) is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa, famous across the globe for its roughly four-degree lean caused by an unstable base. The tower was built between 1164 and 1246 as the main structure of a medieval European university that included schools, libraries, and accommodation. It has been called the first modern skyscraper because of its unconventional design featuring a central lift with galleries for visitors, which allowed people to reach what would now be considered very high floors.
The tower has been described as Europe's best example of late Gothic architecture. It has also been called the Eighth Wonder of the World. In 2007, it was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, along with its related grounds and buildings.
It is believed that the tower was designed by Arnolfo di Cambio, who also designed the Cathedral of Pisa. The original plan called for the construction of two other identical towers, one on each side of the façade. Only one more was actually built, which explains why there is only one tower rather than two. The leaning tower became a symbol of Pisa and its culture of learning.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Italian: torre pendente di Pisa) or simply the Tower of Pisa (torre di Pisa ['torre di 'pi:za; 'pi:sa]) is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of Pisa, recognized worldwide for its almost four-degree lean caused by an unstable base. The tower was built between 1173 and 1230 as the main structure of a new cathedral. It was designed by Gherardo da Cremona and modeled after the Church of Saint Martin in Tours, France.
You may have seen photos of the leaning tower online, but did you know it's actually been leaning since it was constructed? The tower has been listed as "dangerous" by its owner because of the possibility that it might collapse at any time. Experts believe that if the foundation were able to support the weight of the tower, it would not be a problem. But because it can't support the weight, it is considered dangerous. The tower has been used as a meeting place and a location for photographs since it was built. People have used it for various reasons as a lookout, a shrine, even a prison.
In fact, the tower has been used for all kinds of things over the years, including a lighthouse, a military stronghold, and even a gas station!
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a structure located in Pisa, Italy. It's a bell tower... Fun facts about the Leaning Tower of Pisa for youngsters.
| Quick facts for kids Leaning Tower of Pisa | |
|---|---|
| Location | Italy |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Bonanno Pisano |
| Groundbreaking | 1173 |
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the name given to this unique architectural feature of a tower that leans at an angle of about 5 degrees.
Its name is derived from the fact that the base of the tower is not level with the ground; instead, it is slightly tilted. The cause of this condition is unknown but may have been due to soil erosion or building defects. The tower stands 63 m high and has 72 floors. It was built between 1173 and 1194 as the main temple of a Benedictine monastery. The architect and engineer who designed the tower are not known but they have been credited with creating one of the first buildings in Europe using reinforced concrete.
The tower has been called the "Tower of Babel" because it resembles many other towers when seen from a distance. However, when viewed up close, it becomes clear that the tower is not symmetrical. It has been estimated that the tower requires 21,600 libras (about 24,000 euros) of iron annually just to stay upright!
Photo credit: Yolanda/Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
John Burland, a British engineering specialist, headed the team. The leaning tower of Pisa is the cathedral's freestanding bell tower in the Italian city of Pisa. The 56-metre structure, famous for its unexpected tilt, took over 200 years to build. Work began in 1173, and five years later it began to tilt. The cause of this unusual phenomenon has never been determined with certainty but it may have been due to design flaws, bad construction practices, or natural causes such as an earthquake. What is certain is that the tower remained standing despite the lean because it was built to withstand such pressure.
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