Rome - It’s perilous incline has defied gravity since the 12th century. But now the Leaning Tower of Pisa has lost some of its famous tilt.
The Italian monument has straightened by around an inch since 2001, tests show. The change is the long-term effect of a £25-million restoration project completed in 2001.
Previously the 183ft bell tower’s tilt was increasing fractionally every year, and there were fears it could collapse. In 1993 it was leaning by 17 feet.
The tower was shut for a decade while the foundations were reinforced, water was drained from beneath and steel support cables placed around the structure. After the project was completed the tower straightened itself almost immediately by 14 inches.
But the prospect of the tower straightening up will not please locals, who benefit from the six million tourists who visit Pisa every year. - Daily Mail