Title: Leaning Tower of Pisa

Location: Pisa, Tuscany, Italy

Construction Started: 1173

Completion Year: 1372

Status: Historical Monument, UNESCO World Heritage Site

Architectural Style: Romanesque, Gothic

Historical Significance: Famous architectural anomaly and symbol of Italy

Description: The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a world-famous architectural wonder located in the city of Pisa, Tuscany, Italy. Originally intended to be a bell tower for the nearby Pisa Cathedral, its construction began in 1173 and took nearly two centuries to complete.

The tower's distinctive feature is its noticeable lean, caused by an unstable foundation and soft ground on which it was built. The tilt started to become apparent during the construction process, leading to a halt in construction and efforts to stabilize the structure. Despite these efforts, the tower still leans today, giving it its unique and iconic appearance.

The tower stands at approximately 56 meters (185 feet) tall and consists of eight levels, each adorned with elegant columns, arches, and sculptural details in the Romanesque and Gothic styles. The top of the tower offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Over the centuries, the Leaning Tower of Pisa has become a symbol of Italy and one of the most recognized landmarks in the world. It has attracted millions of tourists, artists, and architects who have marveled at its unusual tilt and admired the skillful craftsmanship of its design.

The tower's lean has been a subject of scientific study and conservation efforts to prevent further tilting and ensure its preservation for future generations. Today, visitors from around the globe come to Pisa to experience the awe-inspiring sight of the Leaning Tower and capture memorable photographs of themselves seemingly holding it up.

In 1987, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, along with the Piazza del Duomo and the surrounding monuments, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and historical significance as a masterpiece of medieval architecture and engineering ingenuity