Skjeve Tårnet i Pisa, also known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Italy. It is a bell tower located in the city of Pisa in Tuscany, Italy. The tower is famous for its lean, which is caused by the unstable ground on which it was built. Despite its lean, the tower has stood for over 800 years, and it continues to attract millions of visitors every year.

History of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

The construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa began in 1173, and it took over 200 years to complete. The tower was built as a bell tower for the nearby cathedral, and it was designed to stand upright. However, the unstable ground on which it was built caused the tower to lean during its construction. The builders tried to correct the lean by building the upper levels at an angle, but this only made the lean worse.

The tower was completed in 1372, and it has been leaning ever since. Over the years, many attempts have been made to stabilize the tower, but it was not until 1990 that the tower was finally stabilized. The tower was closed to the public for several years while the stabilization work was carried out, but it was reopened in 2001.

Architecture of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a cylindrical tower that is 55.86 meters tall. It has eight floors, and it is made of white marble. The tower has a diameter of 15.48 meters at the base, and it tapers to a diameter of 8.58 meters at the top. The tower has an incline of about 3.97 degrees, which is equivalent to about 3.9 meters from the vertical at the top.

The tower is divided into eight floors, and each floor has a unique design. The first floor has a blind arcade, while the second and third floors have open galleries with columns. The fourth and fifth floors have smaller arcades, and the sixth floor has a circular gallery. The seventh and eighth floors are bell chambers.

Visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, and it receives millions of visitors every year. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower, but tickets must be purchased in advance. There are a limited number of tickets available each day, and they often sell out quickly.

Visitors are allowed to climb the tower in groups of 30, and they are accompanied by a guide. The climb to the top of the tower is not easy, and it involves climbing 294 steps. However, the view from the top is breathtaking, and it is definitely worth the climb.

Conclusion

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a unique and fascinating monument that has captured the imagination of people all over the world. It is a symbol of Italy's rich history and culture, and it is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Italy. Despite its lean, the tower has stood for over 800 years, and it continues to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy.

Related video of Skjeve Tårnet i Pisa: The Leaning Tower of Italy