Italy’s Historic ‘Leaning Tower’ in Bologna Faces Collapse Threat

 

ROME: The iconic Garisenda Tower, one of Italy’s most historic landmarks, is facing an imminent threat of collapse, prompting authorities to evacuate and seal off the surrounding area. 

The tower, which has stood for over a millennium in the city of Bologna, located 375 km from the capital, Rome, has been a subject of concern after showing excessive leaning.

The Garisenda Tower, along with its counterpart the Asinelli Tower, forms the famous “Due Torri” or Two Towers, which are considered one of Bologna’s most significant landmarks1. 

These towers date back to the 12th century and were constructed by the prominent families of Garisendi and Asinelli during a time when Bologna was dotted with over 100 towers, serving as symbols of wealth and power as well as defensive structures amid the city’s historical factional conflicts.

The Garisenda Tower, in particular, has been leaning at an angle of 4 degrees since the 14th century, surpassing even the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in its incline. 

This alarming tilt led to the tower being shortened by 12 meters in the 14th century to its current height of 48 meters, as a safety measure. Despite this, the tower has continued to lean, and recent observations have raised red flags about its stability.

A scientific committee that has been monitoring the tower since 2019 issued a high alert in October 2023, after sensors installed within the tower detected significant movements. 

The alert highlighted the presence of cracks in the stones at the foundation, which could potentially spread to the bricks above, compromising the entire structure.

In response to the crisis, the local administration has taken swift action to prevent any harm to the public. The area around the tower has been cordoned off, and roads leading to it have been closed.

Additionally, a 16-foot-high barrier is being constructed to contain any debris in the event of a collapse.

The Italian government has historically undertaken extensive efforts to preserve the Garisenda Tower, but the current situation suggests that these measures may no longer suffice to counteract the risks posed by the tower’s excessive leaning. 

It is a stark contrast to the Tower of Pisa, which, despite its own lean, remains open to tourists.

The Garisenda Tower’s plight serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between preserving historical structures and ensuring public safety. 

As the situation develops, the focus remains on safeguarding the heritage and well-being of the citizens and visitors of Bologna.

For more information on the Garisenda Tower and its historical significance, you can explore detailed articles and resources provided by Italy Magazine and the comprehensive entry on the Towers of Bologna on Wikipedia.

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