Bologna's Leaning Tower Closed for Safety as Collapse Concerns Rise

A medieval tower in Bologna, Italy, which leans just as much as the famous leaning tower of Pisa, has been closed off due to concerns about its stability. The Garisenda Tower, built in the 12th century, is tilting at a four-degree angle and recent monitoring has detected shifts in its tilt direction. To prevent any potential collapse, authorities have started constructing a 5m high barrier around the tower to contain any debris. The tower is part of a pair of towers that dominate the city's skyline, with the other tower, Asinelli, also leaning but not to the same extent. Both towers were built in the late 11th century, with the Garisenda's height reduced in the 14th century due to its inclination. The project to make the tower safe is estimated to cost €4.3m and the city has started a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds. The restoration work is expected to take several years, during which time the tower and the plaza below will be closed to the public. The city council has emphasized the importance of preserving the tower, which is mentioned in Dante's poem The Divine Comedy and is considered a significant symbol of Bologna.