The Leaning Tower of Pisa, or simply the Tower of Pisa, is the freestanding bell tower, or campanile, of Pisa Cathedral in Italy, known for its nearly four degree lean caused by an unstable foundation. It is one of three structures in Pisa's Cathedral Square, alongside the cathedral and the Pisa Baptistry, and it has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world and an architectural icon of Italy, receiving over five million visitors each year.
Facts
Year CreatedConstruction spanned 1173 to 1372 across three phases interrupted by war; 1372 marks completion Architectural Style Structural SystemCircular arcade design with engaged columns; the upper floors were built intentionally curved to compensate for the tilt 1 Primary Material Building Type Commissioned ByOpera della Primaziale Pisana (the cathedral works authority) 1 Construction Height (metres) Storey Count UNESCO Inscription YearInscribed as part of the Piazza del Duomo Current UseBell tower for Pisa Cathedral and a major tourist attraction 1 Visitor AccessReopened to the public on 15 December 2001; visitors climb 296 steps to the top 1 Connections
In Form
Freestanding Romanesque bell tower.
In Movement
A celebrated example of Pisan Romanesque architecture.
In the Other Atlases
- Also in Geography Atlas: Italy, located there.
Sources
1. Leaning Tower of Pisa (Wikipedia)
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Construction section
On 9 August 1173, the foundations of the tower were laid.
Technical information section
Height from the ground floor: 55.863 m (183 ft 3+5/16 in)
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Genre reference
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, or simply the Tower of Pisa, is the freestanding bell tower, or campanile, of Pisa Cathedral in Italy, known for its nearly four degree lean caused by an unstable foundation.
View the Source Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Leaning Tower of Pisa lean and did the builders try to correct it?
An unstable foundation caused the lean, and the upper floors were built curved to compensate.
The tower leans because it stands on an unstable foundation. Its foundations were laid on 9 August 1173, and the lean of nearly four degrees followed from the ground beneath it. The builders did respond while building: the upper floors were built intentionally curved to compensate for the tilt.
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