Two Towers, Bologna
Two Towers | |
---|---|
Due Torri | |
General information | |
Status | Restored, but in critical danger of collapse |
Location | Bologna, Italy |
Year(s) built | 1109–1119 |
The Two Towers (Italian: Le due torri), both leaning, are symbols of Bologna, Italy,[1] and the most prominent of the Towers of Bologna. They are located at the intersection of the roads that lead to the five gates of the old ring wall (mura dei torresotti). The taller one is called the Asinelli. The smaller tower with a greater lean is called the Garisenda. Their names derive from the families which are traditionally credited with having constructed the towers between 1109 and 1119.[2]
Their construction may have been a competition between the two families to show which was the more powerful family.[3][4] The scarcity of documents from this early period makes this uncertain. The name of the Asinelli family, for example, is documented for the first time in 1185, almost 70 years after the presumed construction of the tower which is attributed to them.
Asinelli Tower
It is believed that the Asinelli Tower initially had a height of ca. 70 metres (230 feet) and was raised later to the current 97.2 metres (319 ft), with an overhanging battlement of 2.2 m (6.6 ft). In the 14th century the city became its owner and used it as a prison and small stronghold.
During this period a wooden construction was added around the tower at a height of roughly 30 metres, about 100 feet, above ground, which was connected with an aerial footbridge to the Garisenda Tower. The footbridge was destroyed in a 1398 fire. Its addition is attributed to
Severe damage was caused by lightning that often resulted in small fires and collapses. In 1824 a lightning rod was installed. The tower has survived at least two documented large fires: the first in 1185 was due to arson and a second one in 1398.
The Asinelli Tower was used by the scientists
Garisenda Tower
The Garisenda Tower today has a height of 48 metres (157 feet), with an overhang of 3.2 metres (10 ft). Initially, it was approximately 60 metres (about 200 feet) high, but had to be lowered in the 14th century due to a yielding of the ground which left it slanting and dangerous.[5] In the early 15th century, the tower was bought by the Arte dei Drappieri, which remained the sole owner until the Garisenda became municipal property at the end of the 19th century.
It was cited several times by
In October 2023, the tower was sealed off by the city of Bologna after fears the structure was tilting too far.[8] Bologna officials noted that the tower has leaned since it was built; it had sustained additional damage in the medieval era when ironwork and bakery ovens were built inside.[9] On 2 December 2023, the city announced that the tower was in danger of collapsing, and it began constructing a barrier to contain debris in the event of a fall.[10] According to the city officials, work to prevent the collapse of the tower is expected to take at least 10 years and cost €20 million.[11]
References
- ^ ISBN 978-0-8204-0885-9.
- ^ Atkinson's Casket. Sam. C. Atkinson. 1832. pp. 409–.
- ^ Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society. The Society. 1918.
- ISBN 978-1-61234-046-3.
- ISBN 978-1-351-88861-5.
- ISBN 978-0-7426-9686-0.
- ISBN 9781782270539.
- ^ "Bologna seals off 'leaning tower' over fears it is tilting too far". The Guardian. 29 October 2023.
- ^ "Italian officials secure 12th Century leaning tower in Bologna to prevent collapse". wtop.com.
- ^ "Bologna's leaning tower sealed off over fears it could collapse". BBC News. 2 December 2023.
- ^ "Fixing leaning tower of Bologna will take at least 10 years and €20m, says mayor". The Guardian. 7 December 2023.