| In concluding our observations on leaning towers, there only remains for us to notice the celebrated tower at Pisa, in Italy. Its height is about 187 feet, it is ascended by 355 steps, and contains seven bells. It stands alone, unconnected with the neighbouring buildings, and was probably lntended as an ornamental belfry. It is inclined from the perpendicular rather more than fourteen feet. It is built of marble and granite, and hasl eight stories, formed of arches supported by 207 pillars, and divided by cornices. Its form and proportions are graceful, and its whole appearance, from a short distance, is remarkably beautiful. |
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Whilst apprroaching the city (which is situated on an extensive plain) at the distance of a few miles, the effect, when the tower is seen over the tops of the trees, belween two others which are perpendicular, is so striking, that the spectator feels almost inclined to doubt the evidence of his senses. It was erected about A. D. 1174, by Wilhelmus, or William, a German architect, assisted by two Pisans. From the inclination of the stairs, it seems to a person going up or down hastily to roll like a ship. This beautiful structure, notwithstanding its inclination, seems to have withstood the ravages of time with more than usual success, as it has now stood for more than 600 years, without any fissure, or the slightest perceptible sign of decay. Travellers, antiquaries, and the learned in general have been perplexed and divided in opinion with respect to the cause of the inclination: some have argued in favour of its being accidental; others have merely stated the different opinions on the subject, without giving their own; whilst Dr. Arnott, in his popular work "on the Elements of Physics," distinctly says that it was built intentionally inclined, to frighten or surprise.
It has remained for the accurate observation of an English lady, who travelled in Italy a few years ago,to set the question at rest, by discovering what had escaped tbe notice of so many learned gentlemen. "In that part of the Campo Santo," says Mrs. Starke, "in which the life of St. Ranieri is painted, we see the new leaning tower upright." These paintings are supposed to have been done about A. D. 1300, more than one hundred years after the tower was erected: so that it may now be considered as certain, that tbe inclination was caused by the gradual sinking of the earth, as in all the other instances in Italy. This opinion is confirmed by the circumstances of the lowest row of pillars being sunk deep in the earth, the mouldings not running parallel with the horizon, and the inclination of the stairs. Very accurate models of this tower are frequently beautifully made, in alabaster and marble; a shop in the Strand, near Somerset-house, is seldom without one of these elegant ornaments in the window. With these observations, we conclude the subject of Leaning Tower -- Saturday Magazine. Article copied from The Family Magazine from Saturday, October 12, 1833, Vol.1, No.26, Collection of the webmaster. |
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