History
Leaning Tower of Suurhusen
Katie from EF | November 28, 2007
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The Leaning Tower of Pisa has been toppled! At least according to Guinness World Records.
A comparatively obscure church steeple in the tiny German village of Suurhusen actually outleans the famous Pisa tower. As we first saw in Gadling, the Leaning Tower of Suurhusen now holds the record as the world’s most lopsided building. Its lean of 5.19 degrees is even more severe than the Leaning Tower of Pisa’s 3.97-degree lean.
According to Ananova.com, the Leaning Tower of Suurhusen was built in the mid-1200s, but the tower wasn’t added until 1450.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa has been tilting since its construction began in 1173, and tourists (present company included) seemingly have been posing for that silly picture of themselves holding up the tower ever since. A lengthy restoration project was completed in 2001 to keep it from leaning even more. Apparently, preserving the tower was more important than the world record.
Despite its stunning defeat, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is still worth visiting in person. But it’s not the only worthwhile site in Pisa. The entire Il Campo dei Miracoli, or Field of Miracles—which includes the Duomo and Baptistry—is quite remarkable. The Baptistry is renowned for its acoustics, so make sure to tip the attendants, who often show off the amazing echoes by singing.
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