The historic Leaning Tower of Pisa is soon to be accompanied by a large ferris wheel in an attempt by city authorities to attract more tourists.
The plan was announced on Sunday by Pisa’s culture commissioner, Andrea Ferrante, according to Associated Press reports.
The new city centre attraction will reach more than 165 feet, somewhat shy of the tower’s 183 feet. The two will be separated by a five-minute walk.
Ferrante said he hoped this would show people "there's more than just the tower - the whole city is beautiful." Visitors riding the ferris wheel will be able to view the tower from a unique perspective and also get a glimpse of the Mediterranean coast.
The wheel will have a three-month trial run this summer in a temporary location. If sufficiently popular, it will be relocated to a permanent position.
The concept has sparked controversy, with some arguing that the attraction is not in keeping with the city’s medieval treasures.
But Pisa's cultural heritage authority has approved the project.
"We can't keep getting by with the Leaning Tower alone," heritage councillor Salvatore Sanzo is reported to have said. "A giant wheel could make the difference."
The Leaning Tower is a self-standing bell tower which forms part of the Cathedral Square complex. The tower had already begun to lean before it was even completed in 1372, the tilt having been caused by a lack of proper foundation setting in the soft ground.
Work to stabilise the tower was completed in 2001 and the tilt lessened from 5.5 to 3.99 degrees
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