Not to be confused with the structural marvel that is the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Garisenda tower, one of the twin towers of Bologna, has raised the city’s concerns that it might tip over and fall.
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Built around the 12th century, the Two Towers have been leaning ever since they were constructed. It comprises of the Asinelli, the taller of the two, and the Garisenda, the smaller one which leaned much further than its twin.
The Asinelli had been originally built at 70 meters high (230 feet) but was later increased to 97.2 meters (319 feet). Meanwhile, the Garisenda currently stands at 48 meters (157 feet), but it initially stood at a height of 60 meters (roughly 200 feet).
The reason for the decrease in the Garisenda’s height was because of concerns that it might fall due to a yielding of the ground in the 14th century which caused it to tilt to a dangerous degree. From that time onward, it has been a constant fear for the people of Bologna.
Recently, in October 2023, the local government closed off the Garisenda because of the threat of falling. On December 2, 2023, the city announced that they will be spending €4.3 million (~$4.7 million) to reinforce the structure.
Construction work will begin in January next year, and local officials expect that it will take at least 10 years to finish. -via Atlas Obscura
(Image credit: Vanni Lazzari/Wikimedia Commons)
Source: neatorama