The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most famous buildings in Italy, known worldwide for its distinctive tilt. Construction of the tower began in 1173 and was completed in 1372, taking nearly 200 years to finish. It is situated behind the Pisa Cathedral and the Pisa Baptistry in the city of Pisa, Italy.
The tower started to lean during the construction process due to the soft ground on one side, causing the foundation to sink unevenly. Despite attempts to straighten the tower during the construction, it continued to lean, leading to its characteristic tilt. The tower stands at about 56 meters tall on the low side and 58 meters on the high side, with a lean of approximately 4 degrees.
Over the centuries, various efforts were made to stabilize and prevent the tower from toppling over. In the late 20th century, the tower's lean had worsened to a point where safety concerns were raised. Extensive restoration work was undertaken between 1990 and 2001 to reduce the lean and ensure the tower's stability.
Today, the Leaning Tower of Pisa remains an iconic symbol of Italy and a popular tourist destination. Visitors from around the world come to marvel at the tower's unique tilt and learn about its fascinating history. The site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the other buildings in the Piazza dei Miracoli complex.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa serves as a reminder of both the architectural marvels of the past and the challenges faced by builders throughout history. Its unintended tilt has made it a beloved and enduring symbol of human ingenuity and perseverance.