Two towers leaning more than Pisa to be closed

Mummy of climber who disappeared 22 years ago revealed

The medieval towers of Garisenda and Asinelli, two of the city's most important landmarks, are located in Piazza di Porta Ravegnana.

Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore said the square would have to be closed for several years to save the Garisenda tower.

"We are intervening because we want to make the tower safe and restore it," Lepore said.

BENT FROM THE FAMOUS PIAZZA

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, which was completed in 1372 and is 55 meters high, has a slope of 3.9 degrees. Garisenada also has a slope of 4 degrees.

The slope in Garisenda is thought to be caused by a ground collapse in the 14th century.

Scientists from the University of Bologna have installed sensors in the tower to look for cracks and monitor the sliding. The structure will also be reinforced with new materials to make it safer.

On the other hand, the Asinelli tower, where visitors were allowed to leave, was closed for safety reasons.

MENTIONED IN LITERARY WORKS

Garisenda and Asinelli, at the entrance to the city, are named after the rival families that built them.

Built at 60 meters, Garisenda was lowered to 48 meters in the 14th century after it began to lean.

On the other hand, the Garisenda Tower was also mentioned in the works of many writers. Italian writer Dante Alighieri mentioned it in several places in his "Divine Comedy" and "Rime", while British writer Charles Dickens wrote about the tower in his "Pictures from Italy".

German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe also mentioned the Garisenda in his book "Travels in Italy".