Leaning Tower of Pisa Now Stands More Upright, Its Latest Checkup Shows

Even historic buildings need to undergo annual checkups, and according to results from the Leaning Tower of Pisa’s most recent assessment, the landmark has reduced its lean even further this year. 

Most of the monument’s dangerous lean was corrected in a stabilization project undertaken in 1990, when it was straightened by a full 15 inches. This year’s survey showed that since 2001, the tower had gotten 1.6 inches straighter all on its own. 

Italian heritage protection agency Opera Primaziale Pisana told the National Associated Press Agency that, considering the tower is over 850 years old, its state of health is “excellent,” despite it oscillating an estimated 0.02 inches each year. 

For those unfamiliar with the landmark’s backstory, its tilt was initially caused by a flimsy foundation. Builders constructed the tower just three feet into the ground, not accounting for the uneven soft soil at its base. 

When the monument was first unveiled in 1350, its slant was only half of what it is today. Though, interestingly, as per Artnet News, this flaw could have been its saving grace several times throughout history. 

This is because the soft soil, which was to blame for the tilt, has allowed the tower to absorb shocks from four major earthquakes that have struck the region since its construction began in 1174. 

It looks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa will stand strong for a long time, with a 2005 assessment after the rescue project deeming the historic site safe for at least the next 300 years. Plus, with it self-correcting each year, some even believe the tower could be fully vertical one day. 

[via Artnet News and National Associated Press Agency, cover image via Zwawol | Dreamstime.com]