When we think of leaning towers, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the Leaning Tower of Pisa. But this famous landmark isn't actually the tallest or the only leaning tower. Visually, the leaning tower of Pisa is striking because the ground around it is bare. However, there are other leaning towers around the world that are less noticeable and also the result of human error. They stand with a barely noticeable tilt to this day, but without stabilization, they could tip over and fall. On the other hand, there are also unusual towers that are actually designed to lean. Here are the most beautiful leaning towers in the world that are definitely worth seeing 👇
1. Nevyansk Tower – Nevyansk, Russia
Little is known about this tower, except that it was built by the Demidov family in the 18th century. Of course, locals have several theories about the tower's purpose. Some say it was a prison. Others believe it was a watchtower or bell tower, while still others claim it was a secret laboratory where the Soviets conducted experiments. Whatever the purpose of the Nevyansk Tower, one thing is certain: its base is tilted at an angle of 3 degrees to the middle.
2. Tower of the Church of Suurhusen – Suurhusen, Germany
The church tower in Suurhusen holds the world record for the most unintentionally leaning tower. The tower, part of a Gothic church, leans at a whopping 5.19 degrees. The Leaning Tower of Pisa leans at only 1.22 degrees, making it incomparable. The church was built in the Middle Ages on sturdy oak logs, but in the 18th century, the swamp on which it stands dried up, causing it to tilt.
3. Big Ben - London, England
It's hard to believe this iconic structure is leaning, but it's true! The Elizabeth Tower, or Big Ben as it's commonly known, is leaning at a rate of 0.9 mm per year. This is likely due to the expansion of the London Underground and parking in the area. However, engineers aren't overly concerned about the tower's rate of tilt, estimating it would take about 4,000 years for it to lean as much as the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
4. Tiger Hill Pagoda – Suzhou, China
The pagoda gets its name from the hill on which it stands. The pagoda itself was built a long time ago, in 960 AD, and since then it has tilted by approximately 3 degrees. This tilt was caused by cracks in two of the tower's supporting columns, as the tower rests half on rock and half on the ground. Fortunately, the tower has been stabilized. Because the soil on which it stands is reinforced with concrete, it no longer leans. However, the difference between the tower's body and its foundation is approximately 2.3 meters.
5. Oudekerk - Delft, Netherlands
The building to which this tower adjoins was originally a Catholic church, but became a Protestant church during the Reformation. The Leaning Tower is a tourist attraction thanks to its large central spire, flanked by four turrets at the four corners. In reality, when the tower was first built, it was leaning. Although builders made several attempts to correct the situation, the tower still noticeably leans.
6. Torun Leaning Tower – Torun, Poland
This leaning tower was built in the Middle Ages. Its tilt is due to the fact that it was built on soil that could not support its weight. The tower's red brick upper part leans approximately 1.5 meters from its base. Over the course of its history, the tower has served many purposes, from a garrison to a women's prison and even a café.
7. Bruges Belfry – Bruges, Belgium
The Bruges Belfry is one of the city's cornerstones. The tower itself has been restored three times since its construction. It leans approximately 87 cm to the east. The tower has also been struck by lightning, causing it to catch fire not once, but twice. Fortunately, the Belgians restored the tower to its original appearance each time.
8. Temple of Falling Huma – Odisha, India
This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the two leading temples in the world. The body of the temple tower leans, but its top is actually perpendicular to the ground. The tower's tilt is likely due to the floods that occurred in the area, as the temple was built on a riverbank. Furthermore, the temple's location has witnessed several earthquakes, so the tilt could have been caused by natural disasters.
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9. Millennium Tower – San Francisco, USA
This magnificent skyscraper is leaning and collapsing every year. The building itself is a residential complex, not a business center. However, due to the speed at which the tower is leaning, many people have been forced to sell their homes at prices well below market value. Although engineers have done some work to correct the tilt, the building continues to lean.
10. Two Towers – Bologna, Italy
The Leaning Tower of Pisa isn't the only leaning tower in Italy. Bologna's two towers, the "Due Torri," are a symbol of the Italian city. This tower, like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, continues to lean, albeit slightly, every day.
11. Church Tower of Bad Frankenhausen – Frankenhausen, Germany
We've reached the end of our list of the most famous leaning towers. The reason this church's bell tower leans at a 4.8-degree angle is due to an underground spring that flows beneath the city. Despite attempts to restore the tower and realign it, all solutions to stabilize the structure have so far been unsuccessful. The bell tower will most likely collapse or fall.