Italy's 'leaning tower' to collapse, Bologna on 'High Alert'

The iconic Garisenda tower in Bologna, Italy, known as the 'leaning tower', nearly 1,000 years old, faces an uncertain future. Recent reports suggest that the tallest tower in the town is now at risk of collapsing due to excessive leaning.

Due to the alarming movements detected by sensors on the ancient tower in October 2023, a scientific committee, monitoring the site since 2019, issued a warning. The 'high alert' warning signals an "unexpected and accelerated trend" of "crushing compression" at the tower's base, raising concerns that cracks in the base stones might extend to the bricks above. Civil officials promptly in response closed the area around the tower and blocked all access roads.

The square around Bologna's medieval "leaning tower" is set to be closed for "a few years" amid heightened worries about its tilt. Mayor Matteo Lepore clarified that the closure is focused on securing the safety and facilitating the restoration of the Garisenda tower, alleviating concerns of an imminent collapse.

As per reports, however, a spokesperson of the city council assured that the tower is not on the verge of an immediate collapse as the timeline can range from three months to 20 years and it is not guaranteed. Current precautions are under a "yellow" alert, indicating potential risks rather than a sudden and immediate collapse, which would be marked by a "red" alert.

Reports indicate a risk of a "sudden and unexpected collapse." The city of Bologna is implementing a civil protection plan to enhance safety around the medieval Garisenda Tower. They plan to install a protective metal barrier to minimise debris, safeguard nearby structures, and restrict access to the affected area. This ground-fixed cordon will feature custom metal rockfall protection nets securely anchored to the ground for added security.

Construction is currently in progress for a 5-metre high barrier encircling the tower, addressing the critical situation caused by the tower's four-degree tilt and observed shifts in its tilt direction, as identified in recent studies. The city council considers the situation ‘highly critical’. During restoration, the tower and the plaza beneath are expected to be closed for several years.

Bologna plans to spend €4.3 million on the barrier and has started a crowdfunding effort for the restoration. The city council sees this as an "extraordinary challenge" and calls for support from both locals and admirers worldwide.

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