The Leaning Tower of Pisa: why doesn’t it fall over?

This children’s article, The Leaning Tower of Pisa: why doesn’t it fall over?, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and explore one of the world’s most famous landmarks. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, a teacher and writer.

A very unusual tower

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the most famous buildings in the world. It is in the city of Pisa, Italy, and is known for one strange feature – it leans to the side! 

The tower is part of a group of beautiful buildings, including a cathedral and a baptistery, all made from white marble.

Why does it lean?

The tower started to lean soon after construction began in 1173. The ground under one side was too soft and could not hold the tower’s heavy weight. As the builders added more floors, the tower began to tilt. Over the years, it leaned more and more, making people worry it might fall down.

Can it fall over?

Experts worked hard to make sure the tower would not collapse. In the 1990s, engineers used clever techniques to straighten it slightly and keep it safe. Today, the Leaning Tower leans at about 4 degrees. That may not sound like much, but when you stand in front of it, the tilt looks dramatic!

What is the Leaning Tower of Pisa used for?

The tower is actually a bell tower for the cathedral next to it. Inside, a spiral staircase of nearly 300 steps leads to the top. From there, visitors can enjoy an amazing view of Pisa. Millions of tourists come every year to take the famous “holding up the tower” photo.

Fun facts about the tower

• The Leaning Tower is about 56 metres tall, or nearly the height of a 20-storey building. 
• Galileo, the Italian scientist, is said to have dropped objects from the top to study how things fall. 
• The tower has survived wars, earthquakes, and centuries of weather, and it is still standing strong – if a little sideways!

For more about the Leaning Tower of Pisa and its history, you can visit TowerofPisa.org.

Article vocabulary list

• Marble – a type of smooth stone often used in buildings and statues
  
• Tilt – when something is not straight and leans to one side
  
• Collapse – when a building or structure falls down
  
• Engineer – a person who designs and builds structures or machines
  
• Spiral – a shape that winds around in a circle, like a staircase or a shell
  
• Cathedral – a very large and important church
  
• Tourist – a person who travels to visit new places
  
• Earthquake – a sudden shaking of the ground caused by movements under the Earth

Comprehension questions

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