The ‘leaning tower’ that has dominated the skyline of the Italian city of Bologna since the mediaeval period has been sealed off due to fears of its collapse. A 5-metre (16-ft) high barrier is being erected surrounding the Garisenda Tower, which was built in the 12th century, to contain potential debris in the event of a sudden and unexpected collapse. According to CNN, a civil protection plan was implemented following last month’s investigations. The tower, measuring 47 metres (154 ft) in height, leans at a four-degree angle, while the Tower of Pisa leans at 5 degrees.
Continuous monitoring has detected changes in the direction of this tilt over time. CNN reports that the barrier will be firmly fixed into the ground and will consist of specialised rockfall protection nets made of metal, providing added safety.
The city has two leaning towers—the Garisenda Tower and the Asinelli Tower. The Asinelli Tower, nearly twice as tall and also leaning though less dramatically, is open for tourists to climb.
A scientific committee responsible for monitoring the site since 2019 released a comprehensive 27-page report, issuing a warning about the potential collapse of the structure, as per CNN. The news outlet mentions acoustic sensors which encircle the Garisenda Tower to monitor any cracking or creaking noises, while pendulums have been installed in both towers to track movement and gauge whether regular "oscillation" surpasses a specified threshold.
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The site was initially closed in October when sensors detected changes in the Garisenda Tower's tilt. Further inspections revealed deterioration in the materials at its base, leading to the closure.
The construction of the barrier is scheduled to be completed early next year. However, both the tower and the plaza below will likely remain closed for several years during the restoration process. The city anticipates the barrier's cost to be around €4.3 million (£3.7 million) and has initiated a crowdfunding campaign to finance the restoration efforts.
The mayor of the Italian city, Matteo Lepore, stated that the closure of Piazza di Porta Ravegnana was necessary to “save” the Garisenda Tower. “We’re not intervening because we think it could collapse at any moment; we’re intervening to make it safe and restore it,” he said, as per The Guardian.
History Of The Towers:
The two structures were constructed between 1109 and 1119 when dozens of towers were built by local families striving to construct theirs higher than the last. However, due to the Garisenda Tower's leaning, its height was reduced during the 14th century. The slant is believed to be a result of ground subsidence during the 14th century.
Dante's poem "The Divine Comedy," completed in 1321, described the dizzying view of looking up at Garisenda's leaning side.
Another writer fascinated by the tower was Charles Dickens, who wrote about it in his "Pictures from Italy." The Garisenda was also mentioned in Goethe’s "Italian Journey."