The tower's closure is therefore bound to have a significant impact on the city's tourism industry. The 13th century monument, which took more than 200 years to build, attracts in excess of one million visitors each year, many of whom climb to the top to enjoy the panoramic view of Pisa.
So, the Italian government has set aside 100bn lire (£47m) and appointed an international team of experts to come up with a detailed plan within three months to save the building from collapse. The tilt is currently 16ft (4.9m) off the perpendicular and increases by about one-twelfth of an inch (2mm) every year because the layer of clay and sand on which it is built is softer on the south side than on the north. Over the past 100 years the belfry at the top of the mediaeval tower has moved 9.6 inches (nearly a quarter of a metre). The Leaning Tower of Pisa has been closed to the public for the first time in 800 years amid speculation the structure is on the verge of toppling over. 1990: Leaning Tower of Pisa closed to public
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