Bologna's Leaning Tower Tackle Costs Millions and Decades
The Garisenda Tower, a unique lean symbol of Bologna, is on a time-consuming and costly rescue mission. The city council aims to secure this leaning giant, with Mayor Matteo Lepore estimating at least €20 million and a decade-long operation.
Experts warn of the tower's collapse risk. The 48-meter-high medieval building now tilts 3.2 meters or 4 degrees. While its neighbor, the Asinelli Tower, remains upright, it outshines the Garisenda in height. Lepore draws parallels to the Pisa Tower's 10-year restoration time.
Popularly known as the leaning twin towers, the Garisenda and Asinelli towers have shaped Bologna's identity since the Middle Ages. These skyscraper-like structures dominate Bologna's narrow city center and captivate people's attention, even drawing Dante Alighieri to mention it in his Divine Comedy.
The wealthy family ordered the Garisenda Tower’s construction in 1109, wanting to surpass their neighbors' towers. It originally stood 60 meters tall. However, its foundations and lowered groundwater levels caused its inclination to worsen. A team of experts has monitored the building since 2018, addressing structural issues and cracks.
Soaring renovation costs and a lengthy period of tower closure put Bologna's cultural heritage on hold. Despite the challenges, the city council's commitment to preserving cultural heritage resonates on the international stage.
[1] While sources suggest the need for rescue efforts, they do not provide detailed information on the cost or timeline for the restoration of Bologna's Garisenda Tower. To find the most current and detailed information, consult official sources or local authorities responsible for the tower's maintenance and restoration.
