TOURISM: Leaning Tower of Pisa
August 18, 2008 – 3:36 pm
Travel to Italy
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located in the city Pisa, Italy. It is found at Piazza dei Miracoli, square of miracles. The original Italian name of the tower is “Torre pendente di Pisa”. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the bell tower of a cathedral.
After construction of cathedral, Leaning Tower of Pisa was built in 1173. Six columns form the tower. It is approximately 56 meters height and stairs lead you to the top, more than 290 stairs. The last level of the Pisa Tower is in the shape of cylinder. Here, bells are found.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa was built in a vertical style. However, the building began to lean after the construction. The main cause of leaning is the soft base. The tower continued to lean to the southwest for a long time. It is predicted that 100 years means 7 centimeters leaning. It looks like little, but for a huge building, it is a great change.
Famous Pisa Tower was closed between the years 1990-2001. The building was under the risk of collapse. The technical methods applied to the construction were successful. The leaning of the tower was stopped. Now, visitors are accepted to the tower again.
Architectural Features of Pisa Tower
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the masterpieces of Italian architecture. There is not an exact name about who built it. Speculations indicate the architect Bonanno Pisano.
Construction period took a long time. In 1173, construction began and it was finished in 177 years. Especially, wars brought halt to the construction. The tower was built floor by floor. For the first floor, mainly marble was used. The leaning began with the third floor. Building further floors were nonsense because the building had already began to lean. However, construction continued. The main reasons of leaning were soft base and soil. As the tower was leaning, architects tried a different method. They built floors in different sizes. This made the tower lean to the other side, but it was not a solution. The last floor was built in 14th century. Seven bells were replaced to this floor. Each of these bells has distinctive features. Different producers made them. Their tones and weights are also different from each other.
Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the symbol of Italy. Any tourist visiting the country has photo under the tower. The tower is not the only attraction spot in the area. In addition to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, there are some other charming places to visit.
If you go to the city Pisa, certainly visit the Piazza die Miracoli. Anyway, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is located at that square. The square is a common meeting point. It combines architecture, history and nature. Especially at nights, the square is crowded and more beautiful.
The Pisa Tower was built near a cathedral as a bell tower. Visiting this famous cathedral is an option for your vacation. The cathedral was built in Romanesque style. It is the symbol of wealth.
Another place that can be visited along with tower is the Baptistery. It is a huge building with magnificent architecture. In it there is statue of the Baptist, Italo Griselli. The walls were decorated with paintings. The churchyard is an attractive place for visitors. Coming out of the Baptistery, you see the churchyard. It is not only a yard; it is a well designed part of all these buildings.
Visit official website of Leaning Tower of Pisa.