Another Italian leaning tower is in danger of collapsing

When people think about a famous leaning tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy often comes to mind. But another leaning tower in Italy -- known as Bologna's Garisenda tower -- is now all over the news as it is in great danger of collapse.

The Garisenda is one of Two Towers, built between 1109 and 1119, located in the heart of Bologna in Italy. At 157 feet high, it dwarfs its smaller twin, the Asinelli tower, which stands at 230 feet. While both are leaning, the Garisenda has a greater tilt, pitching at a four-degree angle.

Now, the area has been secured by officials, who fear that the structure is on the verge of collapsing. Back in October, the site of the two towers was closed when sensors indicated changes in the angle of the Garisenda tower and a weakening of its base, according to the BBC.

Then, in November, the city of Bologna announced a $5 million project to shore up the Garisenda, as part of “the first phase of making it safe.” Preservation and restoration works will include installing a “protective belt” to catch debris and shield surrounding buildings and people, should the tower collapse.

The city has also launched a crowdfunding campaign to finance the conservation efforts, while its mayor, Matteo Lepore, is petitioning for UNESCO to appoint the towers world heritage sites.