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Despite being a reproduction the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a Wonder for its Romanesque style, size and miraculous tilt.
Image: Wikimedia
The name Pisa comes from a Greek word meaning "marshy land." Built on clay soil, its foundation is just 3 meters deep!
Image: Wikimedia
The Leaning Tower is part of a cathedral complex with a bell tower, baptistery, and cemetery, all linked to Santa Maria Assunta.
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The cathedral and baptistery are also sinking due to the soil, despite the cemetery being built on earth brought from Jerusalem.
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The builders halted work on the leaning tower for nearly 199 years due to battles and confusion over how to address its tilt.
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Engineer John Burland struggled with Pisa Tower's design but later changed careers saving the tower from complete collapse.
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In 1934, Mussolini tried fixing the tower with grout, calling it a disgrace. Ironically, this worsened the lean even further.
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In 2001, engineers anchored the tower, leveling the soil beneath. It’s now stable and expected to stand for 200 more years.
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The tower's seven bells were once rung by swinging ropes. Vibrations from this process are now forbidden to prevent further tilting.
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In 1987 the Leaning Tower and its complex were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving it for generations to come.
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Pisa's origins are possibly Greek or Ligurian. It was occupied by Etruscans in 5 BC, allied with Rome in 180 BCE, and a bishopric in 313 CE.
Image: Ai