Leaning Tower of Pisa

Tier upon tier of arches and columns, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or Torre pendente, is one of the world's most recognizable landmarks. Located in Pisa's magnificent Piazza del Duomo, the Tower is a campanile that belongs to the cathedral nearby, complete with seven bells, one for each note of the musical scale. Shortly after construction began, the structure began to lean to one side due to an inadequate foundation. Over time, the angle of the tilt grew more extreme until conservation efforts in the early 2000s stabilized the foundation to prevent collapse. Today, the Tower leans at an angle of 3.99-degrees, a minor tilt yet unmistakable and obvious given the monument's magnanimous size. Having survived centuries without correction, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is deemed by many to be a miracle; an icon that attracts thousands to its base. The view from the top is reputed to be one of spectacular beauty and well worth the climb up its 296 steps.