Authorities have secured the area around one of the two 12th-century towers that have become a symbol of the northern city of Bologna, fearing their tilt could cause a collapse.
The city announced on Friday $4.7 million in works to shore up the Garisenda tower, one of the so-called Two Towers that dominate the center of Bologna, which has served as inspiration over the centuries for painters and poets and a viewing point during conflicts.
Work will continue during January and February.
Italy’s civil protection agency has maintained a yellow alert at the site, indicating caution but not imminent danger.
The Garisenda, the shorter of the two towers built between 1109 and 1119, currently measures 157 feet compared to Asinelli’s 320 feet.
Mayor Matteo Lepore noted in a debate earlier this month that the Garisenda tower has been leaning since it was built “and has been a concern ever since.” It suffered additional damage in medieval times when ironworks and bakery ovens were built inside.
“We inherited a situation that over the centuries has caused this disease,” he said. The mayor has asked the government to apply for the towers to be declared a UNESCO world heritage site.
The Garisenda, the shorter of the two towers built between 1109 and 1119, currently measures 157 feet compared to Asinelli’s 320 feet. ZUMAPRESS.com Mayor Matteo Lepore noted in a debate earlier this month that the Garisenda tower has been leaning since it was built “and it has been a concern ever since.” It suffered additional damage in medieval times when ironworks and bakery ovens were built inside. AP The so-called Two Towers that dominate the center of Bologna have inspired painters and poets over the centuries and have been used as a viewing point during conflicts. ZUMAPRESS.com
Work has been underway to reinforce both towers since the 1990s.
Preliminary work on the Garisenda tower will include creating a containment area to prevent damage to nearby structures or passersby due to a “possible collapse,” the city said in a statement.
Video cameras will maintain surveillance of the site.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn