One of Bologna’s famous ‘twin towers,’ remnants of the 11th century when the rich and noble topped each other with taller and taller fortified towers, is in possible danger of collapse, according to experts at the University of Bologna. Roads close to the towers, in the city’s historic center, have been closes as a precaution while studies continue.
The university experts are trying to verify data from sensors which appeared to show “anomalous oscillations” in the Garisenda tower. Built between between 1109 and 1119, the Garisenda tower, along with the 97-metre Asinelli, is one of the northern Italian city’s most recognisable symbols. Together they’re often referred to as the ‘twin towers’, despite their differences.
It’s not always noticeable to observers, but today the 48-metre Garisenda tower is increasingly leaning as its foundations weaken. Garisenda is the the tallest leaning brick tower in the world; Pisa’s famous tower is taller, but not built of brick.
Garisenda has been under close observation for months after ever more frequent movement was detected, which experts say is because of its age and notoriously weak foundations from the 1100s. It’s not the first time it’s been a worry, though: in 1300, the tower was shortened to improve its stability.
