Did you know that the Leaning Tower of Pisa isn't the only tilted building in the world?
You’re obviously familiar with the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It’s only one of the most fascinating and unique structures in the world! Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll find this one-of-a-kind bell tower in the Italian city of Pisa. It’s perhaps the most popular tilted monument in the world and possesses a nearly four-degree lean as a result of its unsteady foundation.
But did you know that the Leaning Tower of Pisa isn’t the only tilted building in the world? There are several more structures across the world that aren’t straight either, be it because of accident or due to the intent. Regardless, they exist!
Here’s a closer look at some of the not so popular lopsided buildings.
Kiipsaare Lighthouse, Estonia
Situated off the coast of the island Saaremaa in Estonia, the Kiipsaare Lighthouse was built in 1933 and rises to an impressive height of 26 metres. It was originally built to resemble a typical lighthouse. However, it was struck by strong storms and winds over the years, which have given it a tilt. But this tilt may not be permanent. Recently, locals have observed that winds, coupled with less severe waves, are gradually pushing the lighthouse back to its former upright position. Isn’t that fascinating!?
The Leaning Tower of Suurhusen, Germany
The bell tower of the Protestant Church at Suurhusen in Germany is popularly known as the Leaning Tower of Suurhusen. Possessing a tilt of 5.19 degrees, the Guinness Book of World Records recognised it as the farthest leaning structure in the world. However, in 2010, Abu Dhabi’s Capital Gate Tower dethroned it for this distinction. Why does the Tower of Suurhusen lean? For starters, it was built on a marshy land that housed oak trees which were preserved by groundwater. In the 19th century, when the land was drained, the wood rotted and weakened the foundation. Since then, the Suurhusen Tower has had a tilt.
The Crooked House of Windsor, England
Hot on the heels of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Crooked House of Tea Rooms in Windsor, England, is considered the second-most photographed tilted structure in the world. Officially known as the Market Cross House, it was originally built in 1687. However, a land dispute erupted shortly after, which caused the dismantling and reconstruction of the house in 1718.
Locals believe that its tilt is due to the use of seasoned and unseasoned oak that was used during reconstruction. Despite its tilt, the Crooked House of Windsor is a flourishing marketplace. It houses several small businesses, such as jewellery, breweries, florists and butcher shops.
The Capital Gate Tower, UAE
The Capital Gate Tower in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) single-handedly dominates the Abu Dhabi skyline. This prominent structure visibly leans 18 degrees to the west, and unlike most other tilted structures, is deliberately designed to appear leaning. In fact, it was built with a pre-cambered core, meaning, the core of the building is in the complete opposite direction to its incline. Thanks to this brilliant design feature, the Guinness Book of World Records recognises the Capital Gate Tower as the farthest leaning structure in the world. It rises to an astonishing height of 160 metres and is home to the one of the most luxurious hotels in the UAE—the Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi.
Huma Temple, India
Have you heard of the Huma Temple? Located in the village of Huma in Odisha, this temple is India’s very own tilted structure! Sources indicate that this Shiva Temple was constructed during the 16th century. A series of smaller temples are located in its premises that are also tilted. Strangely, they tilt in the opposite direction to the main temple. What is the reason for these tilts? Historians believe that the tilts were strategically made during construction to ensure that the temples wouldn’t get submerged by the heavy currents of the Mahanadi River during monsoon.