Leaning Tower of Pisa to reopen

Pisa comeback: Expected to last 300 years

More than a decade after it was closed to visitors, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is to reopen in November, though with its tilt slightly reduced.

The tower, one of Italy's most famous landmarks was closed for restoration 11 years ago, after the authorities decided it was leaning too far for tourists to climb safely.

Tower of Pisa reopens

June 2001: Inauguration ceremony

Nov 2001: Opens to the public

Admission: $12

Groups of 30 at a time, with a guide

Access to belfry and circular balconies on second level

About $25m has been spent on engineering work to reduce the eight storey building's tilt to what it was in the 18th century.

Experts say that by the time the tower opens to visitors, its inclination will have been reduced by almost 40cm - imperceptible to the eye but essential for its stability.

"Eleven years of work are not that much when you consider it took 200 to build the monument in the first place," Italy's Public Works Minister, Nerio Nesi, said announcing the November reopening.

Before it closed, the Tower of Pisa was visited by more than a million people a year.

Now, visitors will be able to climb the monument in groups of 30 with a guide, after paying about $12 admission each.

A steel corset was placed around the tower

Engineers, led by Michele Jamiolkowski, pulled the tower back using huge lead counterweights.

Its new inclination should keep the tower safe for another 300 years, says Professor Jamiolkowski.

When the building reopens in November, visitors will be allowed to walk up to the top and step out onto the circular balconies on the second level.

The soil underneath its foundations began sinking soon after construction began in 1173.

The builders forged ahead, however, completing it in 1360.