A new 鈥榓ttraction鈥 will soon be opening in Pisa, the Tuscan city famous for its Leaning Tower.
The attraction in question is a large ferris wheel, to be roughly the same height as the tower (56 meters). The ferris wheel will be installed in a parking lot five minutes from Piazza dei Miracoli, where the Tower, along with the Cathedral and the Baptistry, Pisa鈥檚 major attractions, stand. The plan is to install it for three months this summer to see what the response from visitors will be.
The view from the ferris wheel is said to be spectacular, taking in the tower, the Baptistry, the Duomo, and beyond, toward the city鈥檚 medieval buildings facing the Arno river, and all the way to the sea.
Pisa's culture commissioner, Andrea Ferrante, has said that the ferris wheel will show tourists that there鈥檚 more to Pisa than the Leaning Tower, and therefore will inspire them to visit the rest of the city and spend more time there. Approximately 2.5 million tourists visit Piazza dei Miracoli every year, but few venture beyond that area. 鈥淭here鈥檚 more than just the tower,鈥 Ferrante said. 鈥淭he whole city is beautiful.鈥
Not everyone is supportive of the plan. The non-profit group , dedicated to preserving 天美传媒鈥檚 heritage, says the amusement park-type attraction would not blend in with the city's medieval architecture. 鈥淚n the city of the Leaning Tower, a 50-meter-diameter wheel a few steps from Piazza dei Miracoli doesn鈥檛 make any sense,鈥 said regional president Mariarita Signorini.
Pisa鈥檚 iconic Leaning Tower is a white-marble bell tower built for the Romanesque Cathedral that stands next to it. It was already tilting when it was completed in 1372.
What do you think of the plan to install a giant ferris wheel near the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
