The Leaning Tower of Pisa isn't the only one of its kind. Here are 10 other towers that fit the description, too.
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF An AI-made illustrative image of leaning towers.(photo credit: Dall-E)
Big Ben Clock Tower (Elizabeth Tower), London, England
The iconic Big Ben Clock Tower, officially known as Elizabeth Tower, leans slightly due to underground developments and shifting soil. This subtle tilt, though not immediately noticeable to the casual observer, adds an interesting historical quirk to one of London's most famous landmarks. The tower, completed in 1859, houses the Great Bell, commonly referred to as Big Ben. Despite the slight lean, Elizabeth Tower remains a symbol of British resilience and engineering prowess. This fascinating aspect of the tower's structure is often overshadowed by its historical and cultural significance.
The Two Towers of Bologna (Asinelli and Garisenda Towers), Bologna, Italy
Bologna is home to the Asinelli and Garisenda Towers, both of which lean at noticeable angles. These medieval structures, built in the 12th century, are among the city's most recognized symbols. The Asinelli Tower, the taller of the two, is open to visitors who can climb its 498 steps for a panoramic view of Bologna. Meanwhile, the Garisenda Tower's significant tilt, caused by unstable foundations, adds to its unique appearance and historical intrigue. According to historical accounts, Dante Alighieri even referenced the Garisenda Tower in his Divine Comedy, highlighting its enduring impact on Italian culture.
The Capital Gate Building, also known as the Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi, is a modern architectural marvel. This 165-meter tall skyscraper leans 18 degrees westward, making it one of the most tilted buildings in the world. The building was intentionally designed this way to create a unique and eye-catching structure in Abu Dhabi's skyline. The tower's construction involved advanced engineering techniques to ensure its stability despite the dramatic tilt. It houses a hotel and office spaces, making it a functional as well as an architectural wonder.
The Suurhusen Church Tower once held the Guinness World Record for the most tilted tower in the world, even more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Built in the Middle Ages, this church tower leans at an angle of 5.19 degrees due to the soft, marshy soil beneath it. Its significant tilt occurred after the marshland surrounding it was drained in the 19th century, leading to subsidence. The church itself dates back to the 13th century, making it a site of both architectural curiosity and historical importance.
Suurhusen Church Tower (credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Oldehove Tower, Leeuwarden, Netherlands
The Oldehove Tower in Leeuwarden began to lean during its construction in the 16th century, causing the builders to abandon the project. Despite its incomplete status, the tower has become a beloved landmark in the Netherlands, symbolizing the city's rich history and architectural challenges. Visitors to Leeuwarden can explore the Oldehove Tower, which offers a unique glimpse into the region's medieval construction techniques and the challenges faced by builders of the era. The tilt of the tower, though unintended, adds to its charm and historical significance.
A half-sized replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Leaning Tower of Niles was constructed in 1934. This quirky landmark in Illinois tilts at a similar angle to its famous counterpart and serves as a water tower. Built by businessman Robert Ilg as part of a recreational park for employees of his air purification company, the tower has become a beloved local landmark. The Leaning Tower of Niles symbolizes the blending of European architectural styles with American ingenuity and has been a point of interest for both locals and tourists.
The Neviansk Tower, built in the early 18th century, leans due to subsidence of its foundation. This Russian landmark is shrouded in mystery and legends, with some believing it was used for secret alchemical experiments. The tower's unique tilt, combined with its role in local folklore, makes it an intriguing destination for visitors. The Neviansk Tower is also notable for its complex construction, including a lightning rod and a secret room. Its leaning structure adds to the tower’s mystique and historical allure.
The Torun Leaning Tower is part of the medieval city walls of Torun, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This brick tower leans at an angle of about 5 degrees, and its tilt is attributed to the unstable ground beneath. Built in the 14th century, the tower served as a defense structure and has become a popular tourist attraction, highlighting the city's medieval charm and historical significance. The Torun Leaning Tower also offers a unique perspective on the architectural practices of the time and the natural challenges that builders faced.
Source: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/835/
Tiger Hill Pagoda, Suzhou, China
The Tiger Hill Pagoda, also known as the Yunyan Pagoda, has stood on Tiger Hill for over a thousand years. Due to its age and the soft soil, the pagoda has developed a noticeable tilt. This ancient structure, built during the Song Dynasty, offers visitors a glimpse into China's rich cultural heritage and the natural processes that affect historical buildings over time. The Tiger Hill Pagoda is an important cultural landmark, reflecting the architectural style and spiritual significance of its era.
The Leaning Temple of Huma, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located on the banks of the Mahanadi River in Odisha. This temple leans at a significant angle, a phenomenon that has puzzled engineers and historians. Built in the 17th century, the temple's unique tilt is believed to be due to the shifting sands and the unstable foundation. The Leaning Temple of Huma is a site of religious importance and attracts devotees and tourists alike, intrigued by its architectural anomaly and spiritual significance.
