Though the journey still seems a long way to go, the progress is very much visible.

Engineers have reduced the Leaning Tower of Pisa’s inclination by 4 cm after more than two decades of efforts to straighten ‘this architecture marvel’. And the result?

It’s in better structural health than predicted, said engineers!

Nuziante Squeglai, a consultant with the international committee monitoring reconstruction works confirmed that while the tilt’s recovery is good news, the structure’s overall health is also equally important.

The 12^th century tower was reopened to public in 2001 after a decade-long effort of workers to reduce its slant. During that period, the engineers reduced the slant by 17 in using hundreds of tons of lead counterweights at the structure’s base and extracting soil from under its foundations.

Leaning Tower of Pisa – History

Pisa’s Leaning Tower was built to mark the power and importance of Pisa city and its residents after its victory over Palermo city.

It was built along with other historical structures including a cathedral & baptistery and was to serve as the church’s belltower. While the tower’s construction began in 1173, it started to lean by the time builders started construction on the third story in 1178, owing to soft soil.

However, the construction was interrupted several times due to several factors such as war, debt and engineers attempts to correct the tilt. In the following 800 years, it became evident that the 55 m tower wasn’t just tilted but was falling at a speed of one-two millimeters per year!

The structure was finally completed by Tommaso Pisano during the mid-13^th century after construction works resumed in full-swing in 1275.

Today, the tower stands 5-m slant from a 90-degree angle!

Leaning Tower of Pisa Images

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In its latest announcement, the world’s leading tourism guide featured Kathmandu in the list of its top five cities, globally.

Kathmandu grabbed the 5^th position in the Lonely Planet’s list of top ‘ten cities primed to capture travelers’ imagination’ in 2019.

While Copenhagen and Denmark topped the list at first and second positions, Shēnzhèn of China, Novi Sad of Serbia and Miami of Florida stood next followed by Kathmandu.

Surprisingly, Kathmandu stood above renowned cities such as Mexico City, Dakar of Senegal, Seattle of Washington, Zadar of Croatia and Meknès of Morocco.

Commending Kathmandu’s efforts post the 2015 earthquake, Lonely Planet lauded the pace of ongoing earthquake reconstruction activity towards rejuvenating the quake-hit structures.

What Lonely Planet Said About the ‘City of Glory’?

In the aftermath of the 2015 earthquake, news reports from Kathmandu showed a city broken and in mourning, but today the narrative is all about reconstruction and rejuvenation. Sure, there’s work to do restoring the magnificent monuments that crumbled during the disaster, but historic sites are being returned to their former glory, and moves to calm the city’s infamous traffic, smog and noise have made Kathmandu more liveable than it has been in decades. There’s even reliable electricity and wi-fi as bonus creature comforts in the atmospheric and maze-like alleyways of the old city  – Lonely Planet

Kathmandu is home to some of the oldest architectures that speak Nepali culture and also has UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which make it the ‘City of Glory’.

Also Read: 

• Lumbini Among ‘Best in Asia 2018’ Tourism Destinations

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Also called as Living Cultural Museum of the World, Kathmandu Valley was once a huge lake full of floating lotuses as scientifically proved by geologists.

Kathmandu’s significance is because of its geographically strategic location in the middle of the historic trade route between India and Tibet.

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The best way to get around in Bhaktapur is by walk, as taxis and rickshaws are not allowed to ply inside the city. It takes less than an hour to commute from one end of the city to the other.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley. The erstwhile royal palace with 55 windows, which now houses the National Art Gallery, is one of the prominent structures in the Durbar Square. The Golden Gate, the Taleju Temple complex and the Big Bell are the other attractions here.

Taumadhi and Dattatreya Squares

Taumadhi Square and Dattatreya Square are the other two well-acclaimed Squares in Bhaktapur. The Nyataponla Temple in Taumadhi is dedicated to Goddess Siddhi Laxmi and is the country’s tallest pagoda temple exquisitely created by Newar craftsmen. The Bhairavnath Temple, housing the gilded bust of Bhairav or Lord Shiva’s most ferocious manifestation, stands next to the Nyataponla Temple. The 14^th century temple of Jeth Ganesh is another highlight of this Square.

The main attraction of the Dattatreya Square is the Dattatreya Temple, a giant three storied temple believed to have been built with the stem of a single tree. At the nearby Pottery Square visitors can take a look at potters working on making earthenware of different shapes and sizes.

Buddhist Heritage

Bhaktapur has a large number of Buddhist monasteries and religious sites in close proximity to the Hindu shrines reaffirming the Nepalese tradition of religious tolerance and social harmony. Lokeswor Mahavihar, Prasannasheel Mahavihar, Chatu Brahma Mahavihar, Jaya Kirti Mahavihar, Sukra-varna Mahavihar, Dipanker Mahavihar and other Buddhist shrines are revered by people of other faiths as well.

Bhaktapur is very famous for its variety of yogurt Juju-dhau, which literally means the “King of all yogurt”.

Bhaktapur was close to the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake and experienced a significant damage to a lot of structures. Restoration work is in progress. Despite the earthquake, the flow of tourists to the city has not reduced.

Visitors to Bhaktapur are assured of an enriching cultural and spiritual experience.

Also Read:

• Kathmandu: Nepal’s City of Glory!
• Nepal, The Perfect Tourism Destination
• Sarangkot- The Adventure Lover’s Paradise
• Beautiful Places In Ilam to Visit

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