Leaning Tower of Pisa cultural definition

A dramatically leaning tower in the city of Pisa in Italy, built as a bell tower for the cathedral (see also cathedral) of the city; the tower dates from the twelfth century. Soon after its construction, the foundation sank, causing the tower to lean.

• Closed to the public in 1990, the tower was reopened in the early twenty-first century after engineers reduced the rate of inclination by about sixteen inches.