Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa took nearly 200 years to build, from 1173 to 1372. It started tilting during construction when the soft ground on one side sank under the weight of the first three floors. The tower leans about 3.97 degrees from vertical — engineers stabilized it between 1990 and 2001 by removing soil from under the high side, reducing the lean from a dangerous 5.5 degrees. The tower stands 56 meters tall on the low side and has 296 steps to the top. It was originally designed as a freestanding bell tower for the cathedral next door. Coloring page of the Leaning Tower of Pisa showing its eight stories of arched colonnades.

Category: Buildings & landmarks (18)

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