Leaning Tower of Pisa celebrates 850 years with year-long program
On August 9, 2023, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, located in the Piazza dei Miracoli, marks its 850th anniversary. The construction commenced on this date in 1173, led by Bonanno Pisano. Celebrations will continue until August 9, 2024, featuring a noon bell ringing, complimentary access to the monuments in Piazza del Duomo (excluding the Tower), a special anniversary logo projection, and a piano performance by Maestro Ramin Bahrami at 21:45. The year-long festivities include meetings, literary readings, exhibitions, symphonic concerts, film screenings, and school competitions. Standing at 58 meters, the Tower was finished in the mid-14th century and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. Recently, a 19-year-old French tourist was charged for carving a heart into the structure.
Key facts
- Construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa began on August 9, 1173.
- The Tower is part of the Piazza dei Miracoli complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987.
- A committee of experts has organized events from August 9, 2023 to August 9, 2024.
- On August 9, 2023, the seven bells will ring at noon, and a piano concert by Ramin Bahrami will be held.
- The year-long program includes exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, and school competitions.
- The Tower leaned after the third floor due to unstable subsoil; later floors curve opposite the lean.
- The Tower is 58 meters tall.
- A French tourist was reported for carving a heart into the Tower.
- Bonanno Pisano started the construction; Giovanni di Simone and Giovanni Pisano continued.
- The belfry was completed in the mid-14th century.
Entities
Artists
- Bonanno Pisano
- Giovanni di Simone
- Giovanni Pisano
- Ramin Bahrami
- Alberto Tosi
Institutions
- Opera della Primaziale Pisana
- Museo dell’Opera
- Museo della Grafica
- Università di Pisa
- Cinema Arsenale
- UNESCO
Locations
- Pisa
- Italy
- Piazza dei Miracoli
- Piazza del Duomo
- Cattedrale di Pisa
- Torre di Pisa