Okie Dokie Smokie
We all know this renowned monument, don’t we?
The construction of this bell tower, begun in 1173 as the third and final structure of the city’s cathedral complex, was designed to stand 185 feet (56 meters) high and was constructed of white marble.
Three of its eight stories had been completed when the uneven settling of the building’s foundations in the soft ground became noticeable but the construction work was halted for a century owing to the breakout of wars.
Thereafter, new stories were made slightly taller on the short side, but the extra masonry caused the structure to sink still further.
The foundations have been strengthened by the injection of cement grout and various types of bracing and reinforcement, but in the late 20th century the structure was still subsiding and was in danger of collapse, following which the tower was closed and engineering works were undertaken.
The work was completed in May 2001, and the structure was reopened to visitors. The tower continued to straighten without further excavation, until in May 2008 sensors showed that the motion had finally stopped, at a total improvement of 19 inches (48 cm).
Had it not got its lean, would it be called ‘The Leaning Tower of Pisa’ as we call it now?
Would it have as much tourist attraction as it has now, had it not leaned?
Of course not!
