View of the Piazza del Duomo
One of my fondest memories while in Italy was visiting the wonderful Leaning Tower of Pisa, built as a bell tower for the cathedral of the Italian city. I could not believe my eyes when I came upon this amazing tower and trust me, it’s absolutely leaning. Have you ever wondered why does the Leaning tower of Pisa leans?
Dating back to 1173 and even initially meant to stand perfectly vertical, the Tower of Pisa holds a significant place in world history due to its leaning tower at about 3.99 degrees.
It turns out that the foundation for the tower was poorly-laid, and the unstable soil prevented a vertical structure. Contrary to popular belief, the Tower did not begin leaning after construction was completed, it had already started to tilt during the early stages of construction. The soil under the tower was loose and was not correctly compacted before the construction began.
Prior to restoration work performed between 1990 and 2001, the tower leaned at an angle of 5.5 degrees, but the tower now leans at about 3.99 degrees. This means that the top of the tower is 3.9 metres (12 ft 10 in) from where it would stand if the tower was perfectly vertical. Nonetheless, the Leaning Tower has stood for hundreds of years, despite the fact that it looks as if it may be in danger of collapse any moment.
The Leaning Tower has been closed to tourists from time to time as architects and builders worked to shore up the base, fearful it would eventually collapse completely.
According to the architects, the leaning tower of Pisa has stopped sinking from 2008 after the removal of a great deal of earth and will be stable for at least 200 years more. And, yes, now you can go up again. It has been measured by accurate readings and modern system, so feel free to stand as close as you want to the leaning tower. Up close and looking to the sky, you feel its extraordinary grandness. The facts of Leaning Pisa are astounding and amazing, so go see it yourself for an experience you'll never forget.
First Commenter - Rainfield
Have you tried to push it back to its original position? A push a day may work.
ReplyDeleteinteresting! hope it doesn't collapse one day.
ReplyDeleteSuch an interesting post and wonderful shots from Italy. It is amazing how much the Leaning Tower of Pisa is leaning. There are lots of vertical details on the tower as well as the wide view of the Piazza del Duomo. Such beautiful architecture.
ReplyDeleteAwesome photos! Isn't Pisa amazing? I was blown away when I visited and saw the tower with my own eyes. Great post for this theme.
ReplyDeleteWow! The leaning tower looked so perfectly coated with fresh paint instead of the washed out color I saw some time back. Nice shots there this week. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://crizcats.blogspot.com/
The Leaning Tower of Pisa will continue to wow tourists - hopefully more than 200 years to come. :)
ReplyDeleteThat must have been one outstanding experience. I too would love to see this vertical structure some day.
ReplyDeleteGreat pic for the theme, and thank you for explaining a bit about the tower. As a kid I remember seeing photos of the leaning tower and wondering why it didn't fall over! lol :) Happy photo hunting!
ReplyDeleteWow that is very huge, tall and pretty. Happy hunting....
ReplyDeleteReally like your first photo. Don't think I've been treated to a view of the Leaning Tower of Pisa from that perspective before! :)
ReplyDeleteThere is still no solution as to how to stop it from leaning further eh?
ReplyDeletebeautiful shots! love your subjects and i enjoy reading your tour! :)
ReplyDeleteLove your photos, of the tower and the duomo. Nice choice for this weeks challenge. Happy weekend.
ReplyDeleteyou sure are enjoying your vacation! have fun and more pics soon :)
ReplyDeleteawesome captures!
ReplyDeleteNice view. The view not the Leaning Pisa is amazing. Good brief about LP.
ReplyDeleteTK. Have a nice weekend.
I love Pisa. They've really cleaned the tower up. Last time I was there, about 20 years ago, it was looking pretty gray and you could not go inside. Great shots. I like your “angle” on the vertical theme.
ReplyDeleteThat first photo is gorgeous! I day dream about traveling...
ReplyDeleteVery nice photos. I really like the 3rd one but they are all nice.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place to visit! The views are breathtaking.
ReplyDeletePisa! Perfect for the Vertical-Theme! Great shots!
ReplyDeleteI'm very late, but if you have the time, you can view my take on Vertical too.
Purrs,
Sara Cat
http://christina-smycken.blogspot.com/2010/04/photohunt-theme-208-vertical-fotojakt.html
Now that is truly vertical! I love those shots. Its one place I wish I could visit someday..
ReplyDeleteHere's my PhotoHunt entry..
Absolutely amazing! My husband has told me stories about this tower. But it's sad that it's gradually losing popularity. Still, this tower is worth to see.
ReplyDeleteThe leaning tower of Pisa is indeed breathtaking, It is my dream to take a picture of it one day, just like you! :)
ReplyDeleteI remember the story behind it but this is a good refresher, thanks sweetie! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday, back to cooking breakfast! ;)
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing this LR.. great pics, as always!
ReplyDeletehappy WW LR! ;)
ReplyDeleteconsidering it's a flaw with the construction, the leaning tower made its mark in the history books for that
ReplyDelete