La Torre di Pisa

Then [the people] said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise we shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth." The Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which mortals had built. And the Lord said, "Look, they are one people, and they have all one language; and this is only the beginning of what they will do; nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down, and confuse their language there, so that they will not understand one another's speech." So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they left off building the city. - Genesis 11:4-8

There's something about the Leaning Tower of Pisa (or, as the locals simply call it, la torre) that has always drawn me. Somewhere in my mind, it has always made me think of the Tower of Babel, perhaps because of the way it mirrors that sense of human folly. It's also a major tourist destination, drawing people from all over, demonstrating how one tower can be surrounded by all the languages of the world

Construction started on the tower in 1173 and over the next nearly 200 years it started and stopped. It was supposed to be another jewel in the crown of Pisa, a powerful and artistic city of its time. However, before the tower was even finished it had already started to lean, due to an unstable foundation on one side. There have been many attempts to secure the tower and threats to balance it out, but the most recent effort simple stabilized it. After all, the tower's lean is what draws tourists. Today, it is assumed that the tower is safe for about another 300 years; to make sure, tourists are only allowed up the tower in controlled numbers at limited times.

The climb to the top of the tower isn't easy. While the angle isn't much, it's enough to make climbing a series of circular stairs difficult. Also, since the tower is almost 900 years old, the stairs have well-worn dents in them, making the slippery surface even more treacherous. The view from the top, however, is well worth it. Looking down on the piazza below, you almost feel like you're on top of the world - that is, until you see snow-capped mountains in the distance, and realize you've barely risen above the surface.

It seems ironic that a major engineering mistake has become a huge destination. I'd like to believe it's because people feel better when reminded that even the most amazing of human endeavors cannot be perfect. However, I think the place has simply become a destination in itself. Saying you've climbed the leaning tower gives a sense of worldly accomplishment - exactly the opposite of what this failed attempt at glory for the city actually symbolizes.

God of all creation, we know that perfection can be found only in you. You have made us very well, and in spite of our best attempts, we are not You. Draw us together under your name in spite of our differences, remind us each of our humble nature, and call us always to service and not selfishness. We pray these things in your name, Amen.