on February 27, 1964, the government of Italy requested aid in preventing the tower from toppling. it was, however, considered important to retain the current tilt, due to the role that this element played in promoting the tourism industry of Pisa. Italians aren't stupid. how could Pisa visitors take classy cheesy photos holding up the tower if it didn't lean? it actually used to lean the other way! I am starting to think this tower has a problem with grappa! at the present time the barriers are gone from around the bottom of the tower and visitors are once again climbing to the top. we tourists have a fascination with going "to the top" of anything; this tower, the Duomo in Florence, the revolving restaurant at the Marriott Hotel in Manhattan - whatever, we just want to be able to be at the top and usually at a price; can't climb all those steps for free!
gothic Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, patron saint of Barcelona http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barcelona_Cathedral |