A nine-hundred-year-old tower in the Italian city of Bologna known for its significant lean will be shored up using the same equipment that stabilised the Tower of Pisa as concerns mount that it might be on the verge of collapse.
The 48m tall Garisenda tower was built in the 12th century, but just two centuries later it began to tilt. Today, it leans at an angle of four degrees, slightly more than the Pisa tower's famous 3.9 degree slant.
Late last year, the streets surrounding the tower were temporarily sealed off as scientists monitored the structure.
After analysing the tower for evidence of movement and cracking, they determined it was at "high risk" of collapse.
Bologna mayor Matteo Lepore said pylons and cables used to save the tower in Pisa would be deployed alongside adapted steel scaffolding to prevent the tower from breaking apart.
He said it could also allow the taller adjacent Asinelli Tower to reopen to the public.
"In 2025 and 2026 there will be further consideration and restoration work, which still needs to be planned," he said.
The mayor said it should take around six months to adapt the equipment in an operation priced at around $19m euros ($34.3m NZD).
Once this happens, lime-based mortar mix compatible with the original masonry would be injected.
Cables connecting to the pylons to scaffolding attached to the tower would then be tightened to decrease stress levels at the tower's base.
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