ITALY - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 374

discovered under the north side of the Leaning Tower. This explains why the north
side has remained relatively stable, while the south side has sunk almost three-
quarters of a meter. Various plans have been proposed to stabilize the tower. One
plan is to use sonic waves to break up the ancient foundation under the north side
so that it will sink at the same rate as the south. Another proposal requires a ring of
steel to be inserted into the base of the landmark. Perhaps the Italian Public Works
Ministry should expedite its plans. Studies reveal that the tower is nearly 17 feet off
plumb.
For the best restaurants in Pisa, in the countryside, or by the sea, call the Tour-
istic Consortium at [phone] or inquire at the tourist offices.
When at last you can turn your attention away from the tower, you will realize that
Piazza dei Miracoli holds some other fantastic sights that warrant your inspection.
Among them is the cathedral, on which construction was initiated in 1063. The first
work of art to catch your eye is the splendid bronze doors of its entrance. Inside
the cathedral and opposite the pulpit, Lorenzi (according to legend) hung a bronze
lamp on a chain so long that Galileo figured that it must be the first pendulum and
proceeded to work out the theory of isochronism—one of the better “isms” existing
today.
The astronomer and physicist Galileo (1564-1642) lived in Pisa and used the
buildings of the PiazzadelDuomo to conduct studies concerning the laws of grav-
ity, the acceleration of falling bodies, and the movement of the pendulum. He used
the Leaning Tower to work out his theories on gravity and acceleration and the
cathedral for the accurate measurement of time.
Last of the edifices within the confines of the Piazza dei Miracoli is the building
known as the Camposanto (Monumental Cemetery). It began when 53 shiploads
of earth were transported from Calvary in the Holy Lands to the site and then sur-
rounded by the building, which, after completion in 1283 by Giovanni Pisano, was
frescoed by local Tuscan artists. The structure suffered damage during World War
II bombings, but repairs have all but removed those scars.
During its days of prominence, Pisa was in close touch with the Orient. As a res-
ult, you'll note an Eastern flavor in its architecture. In the ninth century, the city was
a naval power of considerable proportion. Pisa and its ally, Genoa, drove the Sara-
cens out of Sardinia and Corsica in the 11th century. Pisa's powers, however, then
went on the wane. No longer allied with Genoa, the city was taken by Florence in
1406, proving that, as is so often the case, your allies are not there when you really
need them.