The Leaning Tower of Pisa – one of Italy’s leading tourist attractions – is set to be straightened this summer.
Officials have confirmed that the Leaning Tower of Pisa is set to undergo a straightening process in the summer of 2023.
Explaining the decision, local authorities have cited safety concerns and tourist activity as the primary reasons for the straightening.
The tower has long been one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy. But experts are worried that the straightening will cause a drop in visitor numbers and will adversely affect the local economy.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa – a brief history
The Leaning Tower of Pisa (or Torre Pendente di Pisa in Italian) is one of Italy’s leading tourist attractions. It attracts over five million visitors annually.
Ground broke on construction in 1173, but the tower took 200 years to complete. Accounts from the time suggest that this was due to an ongoing argument about the tower’s straightness.
The identity of the tower’s architect is a source of contention. For many years, it was credited to Bonanno Pisano, a renowned 12th-century artist who lived and worked in the city of Pisa.
However, a 2001 study by Piero Pierotti argued that the tower was the work of architect Diotsalvi. Pierotti cites as evidence the time of construction and a likeness to Diotsalvi’s other works, including Pisa’s baptistery and the bell tower of the church of San Nicola.
The straightness of these latter constructions, however, renders Pierotti’s argument obsolete.
Safety concerns and tourist trends – why the tower is to be straightened
According to authorities, the principal reason for the tower’s straightening is due to safety concerns. The tower has withstood at least four strong earthquakes in the region since 1280. Furthermore, a 2005 assessment declared the building safe for the next 300 years.
Despite the structure’s apparent strength, authorities do not want to tempt fate. “We cannot afford to take risks,” a leading figure said.
Another official reason cited was to stop an increasing tourist trend in recent years. “Every time I visit the tower, there are all these people taking photos tens of meters from the statue, pretending to hold it up,” said a Pisa resident. “I can’t take it anymore.”
The future of the tower – what will become of this popular attraction?
Unsurprisingly, experts predict a drop in visitor numbers once the straightening takes place. This will no doubt affect the local economy.
Officials argue that this is a small price to pay to ensure the safety of the tower and the sanity of Pisa residents.
In an attempt to stymie the fall in tourist numbers, a local business owner has come up with a solution. An Irish bar will be installed on the ground floor of the tower with the idea that, after a few drinks, visitors will think the straight tower is still leaning.
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