Which tower is taller?
The Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa are two of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. While the Eiffel Tower is known for its impressive height and modern design, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is famous for its unique tilt. However, when it comes to comparing the two towers, one question arises: Which tower is taller?
The Eiffel Tower’s height and background
The Eiffel Tower is located in Paris, France, and was completed in 1889. It was designed by Gustave Eiffel, who was also involved in the construction of the Statue of Liberty. The tower has a height of 324 meters, or 1,063 feet, which includes its antenna. Without the antenna, the tower’s height is 300 meters, or 984 feet. The Eiffel Tower was the world’s tallest man-made structure for over 40 years until the Chrysler Building was completed in New York City in 1930. Today, it remains one of the most visited landmarks in the world, attracting millions of tourists each year.
The construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is located in Pisa, Italy, and was constructed over a period of almost 200 years, from 1173 to 1372. The tower was built as the campanile, or bell tower, for the nearby cathedral. It was designed by Bonanno Pisano and began to lean during construction due to the unstable soil. However, construction continued, and the tower was completed with a height of 56 meters, or 183.3 feet. The tower has eight floors and is made of white marble. It has a diameter of almost 15 meters, or 49 feet, at the base.
The height of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
While the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a well-known landmark, its height is often debated. The tower’s height is measured from the ground to the top of the tower, but it can be difficult to determine exactly where the ground level is due to the tower’s lean. The most commonly accepted height of the tower is 56 meters, or 183.3 feet, but some sources give slightly different measurements.
Measuring the height of the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower’s height was officially measured in 1959 using a laser beam. However, the tower’s height can also be measured using other methods, such as GPS or trigonometry. The tower’s height can vary slightly depending on the temperature and atmospheric conditions.
Measuring the height of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Measuring the height of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is more difficult than measuring the Eiffel Tower, as the tower’s lean can affect the measurement. The height of the tower has been measured using various methods, including laser beams and tape measures. However, the most commonly accepted height is 56 meters, or 183.3 feet.
Comparing the heights of the two towers
When comparing the heights of the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it is clear that the Eiffel Tower is taller. The Eiffel Tower has a height of 324 meters, or 1,063 feet, while the Leaning Tower of Pisa has a height of 56 meters, or 183.3 feet. The Eiffel Tower is almost six times taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The impact of the Leaning Tower’s lean on its height
The Leaning Tower of Pisa’s lean has affected its height, as the tower is shorter on one side than the other. The tower is leaning at an angle of approximately 4 degrees, which means that the top of the tower is displaced by almost 4 meters, or 13 feet, from the center of the base. This has caused the tower to lean more on one side than the other, affecting its overall height.
The impact of the Eiffel Tower’s antenna on its height
The Eiffel Tower’s antenna was added in 1957 and increased the tower’s height by 24 meters, or 79 feet. The antenna was originally intended for use as a radio antenna and is still used for broadcasting today. However, the addition of the antenna has caused some controversy, as it means that the tower’s height is not entirely made up of its structural height.
Other tall towers around the world
While the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa are both well-known landmarks, there are many other tall towers around the world. The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is currently the world’s tallest tower, with a height of 828 meters, or 2,716 feet. Other notable towers include the Tokyo Skytree in Japan, the Shanghai Tower in China, and the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia.
Conclusion: Which tower is taller?
In conclusion, the Eiffel Tower is taller than the Leaning Tower of Pisa, with a height of 324 meters, or 1,063 feet, compared to the Leaning Tower’s height of 56 meters, or 183.3 feet. While the Leaning Tower of Pisa is known for its unique tilt, the Eiffel Tower remains one of the world’s most impressive landmarks.
