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Leaning Tower of Pisa architecture explained: Design, structure & restoration

Architecture

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is known for its distinctive tilt, which has made it an enduring symbol of Italy and a popular tourist attraction. The tower was initially designed to showcase Pisa’s maritime power and influence. Made from solid white Carrara marble in the Romanesque style, it also adopted some Tunisian and Byzantine architecture. This architectural style features thick walls, rounded arches and large towers, as is seen in the Leaning Tower.

Quick architectural overview of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Official name: Leaning Tower of Pisa

Attraction type: Historical landmark

Founded: Construction began in 1173 and was completed in 1399

Area: The tower stands on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Square of Miracles or the Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, Italy

Architectural style: Romanesque and Gothic architecture

Main architects: Bonanno Pisano, Gherado di Gherado, Tommaso Pisano

Architectural highlights of the Leaning Tower of Pisa

Entrance

The main doors of the Leaning Tower are cast in bronze by Bonnano Pisano. The door also tilts to one side owing to the building's overall lean.

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Structure of the Leaning Tower Of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a circular structure with a diameter of 15.5 meters at its base and eight floors in total.
The tower stands 56 meters tall and is made of white marble.
Each floor has a slightly different diameter, and the walls are over four meters thick at the base.
The tower's foundation consists of a circular platform made of white marble and limestone, which supports the tower's weight.
The tower's distinctive lean is caused by the instability of the ground on which it was built, which caused the foundation to sink on one side.
To counteract the lean, the upper floors of the tower were built with one side taller than the other. The tower's bell chamber houses seven bells, with the largest weighing over 3,600 kilograms.

Construction of the Leaning Tower

Foundation

The foundation of the Leaning Tower of Pisa was laid in 1173 and consisted of a circular platform made of white marble and limestone. The platform was built on soft soil, which caused it to sink on one side, leading to the tower's characteristic lean.

Base

The tower's base is made of white marble and has a diameter of 15.5 meters. The base's walls are over four meters thick and are reinforced with arches to support the tower's weight.

Tower body

The tower body consists of eight floors with each floor having a slightly different diameter. The tower is made of white marble and is decorated with blind arches, pilasters, and decorative friezes. Its upper floors were constructed with one side taller than the other to counteract the lean.

Bell Chamber

The bell chamber is located at the top of the tower and houses seven bells, each tuned to a musical scale. The largest bell, known as the "Pasquale" bell, weighs over 3,600 kilograms and is the heaviest of all the bells.

Levels of the Leaning Tower Of Pisa

Base: The base is decorated with a series of blind arcades, each of which has a double round arch, with an ornamental marble panel above each one.
Second Floor: The second floor has a series of blind arches that are decorated with sculptural elements, including lions, griffins, and human figures. These elements are sculpted in relief and are arranged in groups of three around each arch.
Third Floor: The third floor is similar in design to the second floor, with fewer decorative elements. It has a series of blind arcades, each of which has a single round arch.
Fourth Floor: The fourth floor is similar in design to the third floor, with even fewer decorative elements. It also has a series of blind arcades, each of which has a single round arch.
Fifth Floor: The fifth floor has a decorative frieze made up of a series of small arches that alternate with marble sculptures of animals and mythical creatures. These sculptures are arranged in pairs, with each pair flanking an arch.
Sixth Floor: The sixth floor has a series of round arches that open onto a balcony that encircles the tower. This balcony is supported by corbels, which are small stone brackets that project from the wall.
Seventh Floor: The seventh floor is the bell chamber, which contains the tower's seven bells. The chamber is surrounded by a series of small arches that alternate with columns.
Eighth Floor: The eighth floor consists of the bell chamber and a small dome that sits atop the tower. The dome is made of lead and is supported by a wooden framework.

Restoration of the Leaning Tower

Over the centuries, the Leaning Tower of Pisa began to lean more and more, causing concern about its stability. From trying cement grouting to using lead weights to counterbalance the lean, techniques old and new were employed to prevent collapse.

Finally, in 1990, scientists and architects discovered that soil siphoning from beneath the foundation could hold the monument steady. The tower was closed to the public for over a decade during this restoration, and it was finally reopened to the public in 2001.

Frequently asked questions about the architecture of the Leaning Tower Of Pisa

What is the architecture style of the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is an example of Romanesque architecture, which is characterized by rounded arches, barrel vaults, and thick walls. However, it progressively adopts a Gothic style towards the top, with pointed arches and sharp angles.

Why causes the tilt of the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

The tower's off-kilter appearance is owed to an unstable foundation. The tower was built on soft ground, and as the weight of the tower increased during construction, the ground began to shift and the tower began to tilt.

How tall is the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

The tower is approximately 56 meters (185 feet) tall on the high side and 55 meters (183 feet) on the low side.

Who designed the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

The architect who designed the tower is not definitively known, although it is believed to be either Bonanno Pisano or Gherado di Gherado in the initial stages. It was completed by Tommaso Pisano.

How was the Leaning Tower of Pisa built?

The tower was constructed in three phases over a period of about 200 years. The first phase involved building the first three levels of the tower, which were completed in 1178. The second phase involved a long hiatus due to wars and political unrest, and construction resumed in the late 13th century. The third phase involved the completion of the upper floors and the installation of the bell chamber.

How has the Leaning Tower of Pisa been restored over the years?

The tower has undergone several restoration efforts over the years to prevent it from collapsing. The most recent restoration took place from 1990 to 2001 and involved the removal of soil from under the tower and the installation of counterweights to help stabilize it.

Can you climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

Yes, visitors are allowed to climb the tower. There are 296 steps to the top, and the climb can be strenuous due to the tower's lean.

What materials were used to construct the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

The tower was constructed using white marble, limestone and sandstone.

What is the purpose of the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

The tower was originally built as a bell tower for the adjacent cathedral, but it has also served other purposes throughout history, such as acting as a watchtower and a symbol of the city of Pisa.

How many bells are in the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

There are seven bells in the Leaning Tower of Pisa, one for each note of the musical scale.

How much does the Leaning Tower of Pisa lean?

The tower leans at an angle of about 3.9 degrees, which is roughly equivalent to 3.9 meters (12.8 feet) off-center.