20-04-2010
Pisa has ancient origins in history, which are thought to have begun around the 8th century BC as a small Etruscan settlement. From around 30 BC, the settlement grew into a Roman colony known as Pisae. As a Roman city, it enjoyed much success, mainly because of its strategic location and the area’s abundant natural resources. The Romans built Porto Pisano, which served to strengthen its links with maritime trade.
Pisa took advantage of being the only port along the western coast between Genoa (then a small village) Pisa served as a base for Roman naval expeditions against their enemies. In 180 BC, it became a Roman colony under Roman law, as Portus Pisanus.
From the decline of the Roman Empire through to the 9th century AD, Pisa came under repeated attack. Later, its attackers were Byzantines and Saracens. The city survived, however, retaining control of its territory through a succession of trade agreements and land deals.
The real identity of Tower of Pisa’s Architects is a mystery. However, the most accredited architects of this first phase of work are Bonanno Pisano and Gherardo din Gherardo. The send phase of contruction started in 1275, and the work is attributed to Giovani di Simone.
Tommaso Pisano 1350-1372 was the architect who finished the work. Due to the soft ground, the Bell Tower begun to lean by the time it got to the third story in 1178. Over the next 800 years, it became clear the 55 meter tower wasn’t just leaning but was actually falling at a rate of one to two millimeters per year. By now already 5 Meters off perpendicular.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa and Square of Miracles, which is also known as the Piazza dei Miracoli, is one of the most popular tourist attractions -The UNESCO proclaimed it as one of the World Heritage Sites 25 years ago.
