Leaning Tower of Pisa architecture explained: Design, structure & restoration

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is known for its distinctive tilt, which has made it an enduring symbol of Italy and a popular tourist attraction. The tower was initially designed to showcase Pisa’s maritime power and influence. Made from solid white Carrara marble in the Romanesque style, it also adopted some Tunisian and Byzantine architecture. This architectural style features thick walls, rounded arches and large towers, as is seen in the Leaning Tower.

Structure of the Leaning Tower Of Pisa

• The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a circular structure with a diameter of 15.5 meters at its base and eight floors in total.
• The tower stands 56 meters tall and is made of white marble.
• Each floor has a slightly different diameter, and the walls are over four meters thick at the base.
• The tower's foundation consists of a circular platform made of white marble and limestone, which supports the tower's weight.
• The tower's distinctive lean is caused by the instability of the ground on which it was built, which caused the foundation to sink on one side.
• To counteract the lean, the upper floors of the tower were built with one side taller than the other. The tower's bell chamber houses seven bells, with the largest weighing over 3,600 kilograms.
  
  

Levels of the Leaning Tower Of Pisa

• Base: The base is decorated with a series of blind arcades, each of which has a double round arch, with an ornamental marble panel above each one.
• Second Floor: The second floor has a series of blind arches that are decorated with sculptural elements, including lions, griffins, and human figures. These elements are sculpted in relief and are arranged in groups of three around each arch.
• Third Floor: The third floor is similar in design to the second floor, with fewer decorative elements. It has a series of blind arcades, each of which has a single round arch.
• Fourth Floor: The fourth floor is similar in design to the third floor, with even fewer decorative elements. It also has a series of blind arcades, each of which has a single round arch.
• Fifth Floor: The fifth floor has a decorative frieze made up of a series of small arches that alternate with marble sculptures of animals and mythical creatures. These sculptures are arranged in pairs, with each pair flanking an arch.
• Sixth Floor: The sixth floor has a series of round arches that open onto a balcony that encircles the tower. This balcony is supported by corbels, which are small stone brackets that project from the wall.
• Seventh Floor: The seventh floor is the bell chamber, which contains the tower's seven bells. The chamber is surrounded by a series of small arches that alternate with columns.
• Eighth Floor: The eighth floor consists of the bell chamber and a small dome that sits atop the tower. The dome is made of lead and is supported by a wooden framework.