Bologna city authorities are preparing for the collapse of the iconic Garisenda Tower, according to CBS News on December 1. Garisenda, along with the adjacent Asinelli Tower, collectively known as the Twin Towers, are one of the city's iconic structures.
Garisenda Tower (left) and Asinelli Tower in Bologna, Italy
Built in the 12th century, the Garisenda Tower began to lean in the 14th century and its nearly 10-meter top was removed to help balance it. The 48-meter tower now leans at an angle of 4 degrees, compared to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, which leans 5 degrees. Over the years, local authorities have made efforts to ensure the tower's integrity.
In October, authorities decided to cordon off the area around Garisenda for public safety and built a metal wall to protect other surrounding buildings in case the tower collapsed.
A city spokesman told The Times that experts had issued a new report warning that the towers were at high risk of collapse and that preparations should be made for any eventuality. In October, sensors measuring the movement of the old towers triggered an alarm and forced authorities to close the area around Garisenda, with all surrounding roads temporarily blocked.
The government will build protective structures around the tower.
CNN SCREENSHOT
"We are planning for the worst, but no one knows when the tower will collapse. It could be three months, 10 years, 20 years. If there is a risk of collapse, we will evacuate people," a city council spokesman told CNN. He said the monitoring equipment provides data every 15 minutes, giving time to evacuate in an emergency.
The spokesman said the protective barrier would be completed by February 2024. After that, the government would consider stabilizing the leaning tower before considering a long-term solution.
The blockade of the tower is estimated to have cost 4.4 million euros, and stabilizing it will cost many millions more. The city council has set up an online fundraising page to raise 3 million euros. In a week, 800,000 euros have been raised.
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