We found that we knew very little about the Tower. After seeing pictures of the Leaning Tower for years, it was amazing that the real thing was even more impressive than we imagined.

This shows all three structures: the Baptistry (round building), the Cathedral (in the middle), and the Bell Tower (that's the one that leans…)

It was clear to see just how great the lean was when comparing the tower to the roof of the cathedral.

Steel cables have been attached to the north side of the tower to provide added stability. Drilling rigs have been set up to extract soil from under the high side of the tower. Experts hope that this effort will be more successful than previous attempts which actually worsened the tilt. Computer models suggest the Tower would topple at a lean of 5.44 degrees - the Tower is at 5.5 degrees today. The bell was removed from the Tower years ago and the Tower closed to tourists a decade ago. Lead counter-weights were stacked against the north side to help arrest the lean. Improvements are measured in fiftieth of inches.

The Baptistry

Details of the roof

The Cathedral

Detail over the door

Cuter than a gargoyle!

The altar

The Jewish cemetery was located behind the Baptistry

Back to Home Page