History
Construction on the tower began in 1174 by Bonanno Pisano. However, the tower was not completed until 1350. Building was halted several times due to war.
Size
The tower is nearly 8 stories tall, measuring 186 feet from base to tip. The tower leans at almost 4 degrees and is 3 feet shorter on the leaning side. There are 294 spiraled steps leading to the top.
Function
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a bell tower that houses seven bells. It was built to demonstrate the wealth and power of Pisa.
Location
Torre Pendente Di Pisa is located in Pisa, Italy, in the Piazza dei Miracoli.
Misconceptions
The tower has leaned in different directions over the centuries. From 1173 to 1250, it leaned to the north, and from 1272 to 1997, it leaned to the south.
Expert Insight
The reason behind the tower's lean is that it is built on a poor foundation. The base was not anchored very deep, and it rests on a bed of dry stone. Vibrations through the surrounding earth cause the foundation to shift.
Article Written By Feletia Lee
Feletia Lee is a writer in Fort Worth, Texas. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in creative writing from the University of North Texas in 2008. While at university, she also studied history and anthropology. Currently, Lee is writing for Demand Studios and Examiner.com.
