The Fascinating Leaning Tower of Pisa

What caused the Leaning Tower of Pisa to lean?

Why is the Leaning Tower of Pisa leaning?

Answer:

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is leaning due to several factors over the years, including poor foundation design and soft soil.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most famous landmarks in Italy, attracting tourists from all over the world. Its iconic tilt has captivated visitors for centuries, but what exactly caused the tower to lean in the first place?

One of the main reasons for the leaning of the tower is the poor foundation design and the soft soil on which it was built. The foundation soil beneath the tower, composed of clay, fine sand, and shells, is not stable enough to support the weight of the tower.

Shortly after construction began in 1173, the soil started to settle unevenly, causing one side of the tower's foundation to sink deeper than the other. Engineers attempted to correct the lean by making adjustments to the columns, but these efforts only made the tower lean further.

Over time, the tower reached a tilt of 5.5 degrees, giving it the distinctive appearance that we see today. Despite its lean, the tower has undergone various restoration projects to stabilize its lean and ensure its longevity for future generations to enjoy.