Roman Colosseum In Need of Restoration Due to Lean

The Tower of Pisa isn't the only notable landmark in that's leaning in Italy. Experts noticed that the ancient Colosseum of Rome is also leaning.

The tilt of the Colosseum was first noticed a year ago and authorities have been monitoring the potential problem for several months. The south side of the 2,000 year old building is 15 inches lower than the north side.

The building is believed to be suffering from an internal stress fracture posibly caused by the vibrations of the heavy traffic in Rome.

"The slab of concrete on which the Colosseum rests, which is like a (42-foot)-thick oval doughnut, may have a fracture inside it," Professor Giorgio Monti told the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, according to Reuters.

Experts from Rome's Sapienza University and the Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (IGAG) are conducting a study to determine what actually caused the dip. They will have to find out if there is a break in the base of the ampitheater which was created from A.D. 70 to 80.

Rossella Rea, the director of the Colosseum and an archaeologist with nearly 30 years' experience, says that the Colosseum may need to undergo restoration like the Leaning Tower of Pisa had over a decade ago. The 12th century tower, which purposely leans, was closed for 10 years due to concerns about its stability. After successful reconstruction used to straighten and strengthen the building, it reopened in 2001.

"Like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, we need to evaluate the best approach but any discussion now is premature," Rea told the Telegraph.

Falling pieces of the Colosseum may also indicate that it's time for restoration.

Wealthy handbag and shoe maker Diego Della Valle, offered to pay $33 million to restore the building in exchange for rights to use the building's image in advertising. The two-year restoration project was set to begin in March, however some are concerned that his team could cause more damage. The idea will be proposed again this week to Italy's culture ministry.

The ancient Colosseum is a huge tourist spot for Rome as two million people visit the building every year. It used to be used to host bloody gladiator fights.