A story on the Leaning Tower of Pisa 

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is well-known, attracting five million visitors each year. Tourists come to take pictures, climb the tower for stunning views of the city, and explore the surrounding Square of Miracles and its other structures. However, many may not know the reason behind its construction. The tower was built as a freestanding bell tower for the nearby cathedral and was intended to showcase the city’s prosperity and power during a period of wealth and military dominance in the 12th century.

When asked Why do you think people from all over the world visit the tower? Neria Altidor a 10^th grader responded with ‘Because its interesting since its a historical landmark’

The Leaning Tower is the third oldest building in the square, and its construction took 199 years. At about 11 meters tall (approximately three stories), work on the tower halted because the structure began to lean due to weak soil and a shallow foundation that was only about 3 meters deep. The tower leaned to the north, and construction was paused for about a century due to wars. However, this break allowed the soil beneath to settle under the weight, preventing a potential collapse when building resumed.

When construction restarted, the builders made one side of the tower taller than the other, creating its characteristic curve to counteract the tilt. Finally, they added the bell chamber, which houses seven bells, with the heaviest bell placed on the south side, further exacerbating the lean.

The tower was closed and reopened on December 15, 2001, after extensive stabilization efforts were implemented to prevent it from collapsing. By 1990, the famous tilt of the Tower of Pisa had reached an alarming 15 feet (about 4.5 meters), and engineers feared it was on the verge of collapse. Italian authorities closed the tower to the public that year to facilitate essential restoration and stabilization work over the next decade. A committee of 14 archaeologists, architects, and soil experts was tasked with devising a plan to save the landmark while preserving its signature lean, as removing the tilt entirely would diminish its cultural and tourist value. After ten years of complex corrective reconstruction and stabilization, engineers declared the tower stable for at least another 300 years. It was officially reopened to the public on December 15, 2001, allowing limited groups of visitors to climb its 284 steps.

Written by Oflande Desprez | Graphic Designed by Oflande Desprez 

Published March 9, 2026 | ePathfinder | Feature