In Bologna, Italy, access to the medieval Garisenda Tower and the streets around it has been blocked due to an increasing risk of the famous structure’s collapse.
Sensors placed within the building detected a growing number of “alarming” movements. However, the city administration assures that the tower will not fall; it has always swayed and leaned. Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, the city has decided to take immediate actions, such as reinforcing the tower’s foundation and considering a complete ban on traffic near the site.
Garisenda Tower, constructed at the beginning of the 12th century, currently stands at a height of 48 meters, although it was originally even taller at 60 meters. The tower gradually tilted, and in the 14th century, it was shortened due to the potential risk of collapse.
Garisenda leans at an angle of approximately 4 degrees from its central axis, similar to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. This is because it was built on unstable ground without a proper foundation.
