Concerns of potential collapse lead to closure of Bologna's tilted tower
A leaning tower in Bologna, an Italian city, that slants just as much as the universally known Pisa Tower, has been closed down due to concerns about its stability.
Officials have started building a 16-foot tall barrier around the Garisenda Tower from the 12th Century to prevent the spread of rubble in case it collapses.
The tower, which stands at 47m (154ft), leans at an angle of four degrees. Observations have detected changes in the direction of this lean.
The municipal assembly stated that the circumstances were "extremely crucial".
The Garisenda Tower is among the two towers that stand out in Bologna's horizon. Its counterpart, the Asinelli Tower, is approximately double in height and also has a tilt, albeit less pronounced. Typically, tourists are allowed to ascend the Asinelli Tower.
The constructions were erected between 1109 and 1119, and the Garisenda's height was decreased in the 14th Century due to its noticeable tilting. The tower is referenced in Dante's literary work, The Divine Comedy, which was finalized in 1321.
The location was initially shut down in October when detectors noted alterations in the Garisenda's lean and examinations uncovered damage in the substances constituting its foundation.
The council has initiated a program they refer to as a civil protection plan to safeguard the tower, stating that the work currently underway "signifies the initial stage of ensuring its safety."
The report stated that the barrier would not only contain debris but also safeguard nearby structures and individuals in case of a collapse. It also mentioned the installation of metal rockfall nets around the tower for added protection.
The barrier's construction is projected to finish by the start of next year. However, it's anticipated that the tower and the plaza underneath it will continue to be off-limits for several years due to ongoing restoration efforts.
The municipality predicts that just the barrier will amount to €4.3m (£3.7m) and has initiated a crowdfunding campaign to cover the restoration expenses.
The project was referred to as an "exceptional task" that would necessitate the dedication from the whole city and from global admirers of Bologna and its significant emblem.
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