Exercise

What is the main cause of the Leaning Tower of Pisa's tilt?

• A deliberate architectural design

• Strong winds from the south

• Softened ground under the foundation

• An earthquake during construction

When did the construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa begin?

• In 1073

• In 1173

• In 1273

• In 1373

What was the original purpose of the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

• A noble residence

• A watchtower

• A cathedral bell tower

• A historical museum

What caused the construction of the tower to take so long?

• Bad weather

• Ongoing wars

• Lack of workers

• Complex structure

Who is believed to be the architect of the tower based on an inscribed stone?

• Giovanni di Simun

• Alessandro de la Gerardesca

• Herardo di Gerardo

• Bonanno Pisano

Answer explanation

His the architect of the tower.

What effort was made to reduce the tilt of the tower?

• Adding a second tower

• Building a new foundation

• Removing soil under the north side (under-excavation)

• Replacing the entire structure

What happened after the third floor of the tower was completed?

• The tower collapsed

• The tower began to tilt

• Construction was finished

• The bell was installed

What was the tower’s tilt after repairs were made?

• 2 degrees

• 3 degrees

• 5 degrees

• 10 degrees

What did Alessandro de la Gerardesca do in 1838?

• Destroyed the base of the tower

• Added an eighth floor

• Dug a walkway around the base

• Reinstalled the bell

Why was the tower left tilted?

• Because fixing it would be too expensive

• Because it became a city symbol and tourist attraction

• Because it was impossible to repair

• Because the structure couldn’t be altered