Fears Rise That Iconic Leaning Italian Tower Will Collapse

News

 By The Associated Press  December 2, 2023 at 6:59am

Officials have secured the area around one of two 12th century towers that have become symbolic of the city of Bologna, Italy, fearing its leaning could lead to collapse.
The city on Friday announced 4.3 million euros ($4.7 million) in works to shore up the Garisenda tower, one of the so-called Two Towers that look out over central Bologna, providing inspiration over the centuries to painters and poets, and a lookout spot during conflicts. Work will proceed during January and February.
Italy’s civil protection agency has maintained a yellow alert on the site, denoting caution but not imminent danger.

The Garisenda, the shorter of two towers built between 1109 and 1119, currently stands 157 feet to the Asinelli’s 320 feet. Mayor Matteo Lepore noted in a debate earlier this month that the Garisenda tower has leaned since it was built “and has been a concern ever since.” It sustained additional damage in the medieval era when ironwork and bakery ovens were built inside.
“We inherited a situation that over the centuries has caused this illness,’’ he said. The mayor has asked the government to petition to make the towers UNESCO world heritage sites.

Trending:
Missing 17-Year-Old Girl …