Sejarah Menara Miring Pisa - National Geographic Indonesia

Summary

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, initiated in 1173, was unintentionally tilted due to soft soil beneath its foundation. Despite efforts to correct the tilt, it has remained a symbol of the city for over 800 years. Various architects, including Bonanno Pisano, are believed to have contributed to its construction. Attempts to stabilize the tower included under excavation and the addition of counterweights. Today, it stands as a renowned tourist attraction, drawing millions annually.

Takeaways

• 🗼 The Leaning Tower of Pisa was not intentionally designed to be slanted; it leaned due to unstable, soft soil at its foundation.
• 🏰 The construction of the tower began in 1173 as the third structure in the Cathedral Complex of Pisa and took approximately 200 years to complete.
• 👷‍♂️ For centuries, architects Gerardo and Giovanni di Simone were believed to have built the tower, but archaeological findings suggest a man named Bonanno Pisano might have been involved.
• 🏗️ The tower started to lean after the third floor was completed in 1178, which led to construction halts and adjustments to correct the lean.
• 🌍 The soft, clayey soil mixture was not strong enough to support the tower's weight, causing it to tilt.
• 🔍 In 1838, the foundation was excavated to reveal the complex base construction and the possible identity of the original architect.
• 🏗️ In the late 20th century, engineers attempted to stabilize the tower by adding 900 tons of lead weights to its foundation.
• 🔄 The tower's lean was temporarily counteracted by adding more weight to the north side, but this did not stop its tilt.
• 🏰 Despite the lean, the tower has withstood earthquakes, wars, and time, standing for over 800 years.
• 🌏 The Leaning Tower of Pisa has become a symbol of the city and a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors annually.

Q & A

What caused the Leaning Tower of Pisa to lean?

The leaning was caused by the soft and unstable subsoil that could not support the tower's weight, causing it to sink on one side.

Was the Leaning Tower of Pisa intentionally designed to be slanted?

No, the leaning was not intentional. It was a result of the unstable foundation due to the soft soil.

When was the construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa started?

The construction began in 1173.

How long did it take to complete the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

The construction took approximately 200 years and was completed in 1372.

Who are the architects believed to have designed the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

The architects Bonanno Pisano, Gerardo, and Giovanni di Simone are believed to be involved in the construction, but the exact architect is still a mystery.

What was discovered during the archaeological excavation in 1838 that provided a clue about the architect?

An inscribed stone with the name 'Bonano' in Latin was found, suggesting that Bonanno Pisano might have been the architect.

Why did the construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa stop after the third floor was built?

The construction was halted due to the tower starting to lean and the ongoing wars at the time.

What measures were taken to stabilize the Leaning Tower of Pisa in the 14th century?

They attempted an under excavation by using tubes and drills to remove soil beneath the northern side of the tower's foundation to correct the lean.

How did the engineers try to prevent the Leaning Tower of Pisa from collapsing in the 1990s?

Engineers and architects installed lead counterweights weighing 900 tons to balance the tilt and stabilize the tower.

What was the outcome of the counterweight installation on the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

The counterweights did not stop the leaning, and additional measures were needed to stabilize the tower.

How has the Leaning Tower of Pisa withstood various natural disasters and wars over the centuries?

Despite earthquakes, wars, and its lean, the tower has remained standing, attracting millions of tourists each year.