Italian city on high alert as ‘leaning tower’ is on the verge of collapse

The iconic medieval tower in the Italian city of Bologna is on the verge of collapse. The Garisenda Tower, one of the ‘two towers’ that dominate the skyline of Bologna, is at a "highly critical" stage. The city of Bologna is under high alert as the tower is close to fall.

Due to the fear of collapse, the tower has been sealed off. The authorities began to construct a 5m high barrier around the tower to contain debris in case it falls.

The 47m (154ft) tower tilts at a four-degree angle, and monitoring has found shifts in the direction of the tilt.

The other one, Asinelli Tower, is around twice the height and also leans but is not under any threat. It is open for tourists as well.

Reportedly both the structures were built between 1109 and 1119, though the height of the Garisenda was reduced in the 14th Century because it had already begun to lean. The tower is mentioned in Dante's poem The Divine Comedy, which was completed in 1321, reported BBC.

After sensors picked up the changes in the tilt, Garisenda was closed in October. The inspections carried out revealed that the deterioration in the materials make up its base.

Due to the current state, the council has made up a civil protection plan to preserve the tower.

It said that as well as containing debris, the barrier would protect surrounding buildings and people in the event of a collapse. It said metal rockfall nets would also be installed around the tower.

Construction of the barrier will be completed early next year, while the tower and the plaza beneath it are expected to remain closed for a number of years while restoration work is carried out.