Pisa's steps to recovery

After being closed for the past 11 years, a few chosen VIPs and journalists are allowed to climb the tower ahead of its official re-opening to the public in the autumn. It was closed because experts feared it had tilted too far. BBC News Online takes a look at why it has taken so long to make the tower safe again.

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15 June 2001: Leaning less

Tourists admiring the tower

The BBC's Matt McGrath was lucky enough to be invited to climb the tower. He spoke to the chief engineer in charge of the repairs.

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1998: Please stand up - another attempt to reduce the tilt

More repair work begins on the Leaning Tower

Another attempt to reduce the tilt involves removing soil gradually from underneath the foundations on the tower's stable side. Steel cords are attached to the tower to steady it as soil is removed, a bucket full at a time. The re-opening of the tower can at last be seen on the horizon

: Click here to watch

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1996: Clouds on the horizon - Mafia plans to blow up tower

Mafia bosses are arrested by Italian police

In 1993 a number of Italy's cultural treasures are attacked. The Mafia is blamed and some of their members are arrested. Officials fear retaliatory attacks and believe the Leaning Tower of Pisa is in danger. Explosives found early in 1996 were thought to be for a bomb attack on the tower.

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1995: Restoration work begins in earnest

The Leaning Tower began to move again

Engineering work resumes three months after the first disastrous attempt fails. Liquid nitrogen is pumped into the ground to freeze the earth, while a new concrete base is built, linked to the tower with steel rods. Scientists are optimistic as the tower remains stable.

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1995: The Leaning Tower leans even further

Work begins to straighten the tower

Attempts to straighten the tower make it tilt even further. Alarmed scientists record a movement of 2mm in one night: twice its expected annual tilt. Restoration comes to an immediate halt and it looks like it will be many years before tourists can once again climb the steps of the Leaning Tower.

: Click here to watch