LEANING TOWER OF PISA, (ITALY)

Positioned behind the Cathedral, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, often called Tower of Pisa is the beautiful campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian as well as the capital city of the Province of Pisa, Pisa. Followed by Cathedral and the Baptistry, this enchanting tower is the third oldest construction in Pisa's Cathedral Squarem. An interesting tourist activity performed by almost everyone is to pose for photographs pretending to hold the Leaning Tower of Pisa and saving it from coming down.
The fascinating tower stands with the height of 55.86 m, which is approximately 183.27 ft, from the ground level on the stumpy side. On the other hand, the higher side of tower is measured 56.70 m (186.02 ft). The width of the base of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is calculated 4.09 m (13.42 ft), where as the peak is measured 2.48 m (8.14 ft). The weight of this wonder is anticipated to be 14,500 metric tons, which is about 16,000 short tons. The tower comprises 296 or 294 steps; also, one gets to see two fewer steps on the seventh floor of the north-facing staircase.
Previous to reconstruction work, executed between 1990 and 2001, the Tower of Pisa is inclined at 5.5 degree angle, but it is currently measured to be inclined at the angle of 3.99 degrees. It means that the summit of the Leaning Tower has moved 3.9 meters, horizontally from where it would be if the construction were absolutely vertical. The construction of the Leaning Tower happened in three different stages throughout 177 years. The construction on the ground floor of the white marble belfry started on 8th August 1173, during a phase of military success and affluence. This ground floor is a blind arcade, a famous style that composes a series of arches, formulated by engaged columns with classical Corinthian capitals.
The tower started to lean after construction had moved to the second floor of the structure in the year 1178. The reason behind it is the merger of three-meter foundation, placed in weak, unbalanced subsoil, a design that was faulty from the initial stage. Later, the construction was stopped due to the Republic of Pisa, which held constantly for almost a century. In the year 1272, the construction started again under the supervision of Giovanni di Simone, an accomplished architect of the Camposanto. The construction was the held to correct the tilt, which actually curved the tower.
The construction was again stopped in 1284; at last, seventh floor of the Leaning Tower was built in 1319. Currently, the leaning design of the structure has become the highlight of Pisa. The belfry is explored by millions of visitors, every year.