#17: The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, built between 1173 and 1372, stands among Italy’s renowned sites. Rising to 183.3 feet, this marble and stone bell tower unknowingly adopted its famous tilt due to an inadequate foundation, making its slant accidental rather than by design.
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Though a popular photo opportunity, the tower’s iconic lean is dangerous to people and its surroundings. Should the tower lean further, it risks damaging its base and possibly causing more catastrophic outcomes, reminding us of its fragile state. In 1993, a mission to reduce the Tower of Pisa’s tilt began, spanning two decades. Engineers impressively reduced the lean by 17 inches using lead counterweights, showcasing monumental success in architectural intervention.