Crowdsourcing To Prevent The Collapse Of Bologna’s Swaying Tower

The medieval Garisenda Tower, like its more well-known sibling at Pisa, is a prominent landmark of the Italian city.

In a bid to safeguard its iconic leaning tower, Bologna, a city known for more than just its culinary delights, is rallying support through crowdfunding. The lesser-known yet equally tilting Garisenda Tower, comparable to Pisa's famed architectural wonder, is facing a precarious future.

Authorities have cordoned off the 12th-century tower due to the looming threat of collapse. Construction of a 16-foot barrier around the medieval structure has commenced, aimed at containing potential debris in the event of a fall. Despite its lean of four degrees, recent assessments indicate shifts in its angle, escalating concerns.

This tower, mentioned in Dante's masterpiece, The Divine Comedy, has a historical significance beyond Italy. The looming danger prompted closure of the site in October after sensors detected concerning alterations in its tilt, further exacerbated by base deterioration upon subsequent inspections.

Bologna's council emphasizes the criticality of the situation, highlighting the protective barrier's dual purpose: safeguarding against potential debris and shielding adjacent structures and individuals from harm.

Described as the initial step toward ensuring safety, the completion of the barrier is slated for early next year, though access to the tower and its vicinity might remain restricted for the years to come during essential restoration efforts.

The estimated cost for the protective barrier alone stands at €4.3 million, prompting the launch of a crowdfunding campaign to aid the municipality works. The council acknowledged this as an extraordinary challenge, calling for support not just from locals but also from admirers of Bologna among people worldwide, recognizing the tower's significance as a cherished symbol of the city.

 

Source: euronews.com