BBC News Online: World: Europe

Pisa's steps to recovery

15 June 2001: Leaning less

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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