Miracle OR Mistake?
THE LEANING TOWER OF PISA Built in the 12th century , this freestanding belltower is the pinnacle of mystery in construction and architecture. Its construction took place in 3 phases. The first phase began with the fabrication of the ground floor, articulated with a blind arcade format. BLIND ARCADE The peculiar sinking of the tower began with the construction of the second floor, and only worsened with the completion of the project. The tilt reached 5.5 degrees , as the three-meter (weak) foundation was set on unstable subsoil - which could not support the structure's weight. Consequently, the construction was halted for almost a whole century, as the Republic of Pisa was constantly engaged in battles . Fortunately, this halt enabled the underlying soil to settle and strengthen; otherwise the tower was destined to collapse immediately. Construction was completed in 1319 with the 7th floor having seven bells , o...