A nearly 1,000-year-old leaning tower is at risk of collapse in Italy

One of the “Twin Towers” in Bologna, built almost 1,000 years ago, is in danger of collapsing.

The city is currently developing a “civil protection plan in the event of a sudden and unexpected collapse of the tower,” according to CNN.

A metal bar was installed on the structure in an attempt to reinforce it and “contain debris resulting from a potential collapse.”

Nets have also been put in place to intercept any debris before it reaches the ground.

The committee that has been monitoring the deterioration of the tower since 2019 issued a 27-page report.

The 48-metre-high Garicinda, one of Bologna’s “Twin Towers”, was built in the 12th century and was already leaning by the 14th century.

Despite the many precautions taken by the city, the Bologna municipal administration confirms that it is not in danger of collapsing “from one moment to the next.”

A company spokesperson told CNN: “We act as if the worst-case scenario is happening, but that does not mean that is what will happen.” We pretend it will collapse soon, but no one knows when that might happen. It may take three months, 10 years, or 20 years.

We confirm that a device has been installed that evaluates the tower’s solidity every 15 minutes, and will allow rapid evacuation around the memorial if necessary.