Why were Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s bell towers for St. Peter’s Basilica removed?

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Lorenzo Bernini: Apollo and Daphne — Gian Lorenzo Bernini *Apollo and Daphne*, marble sculpture by Lorenzo Bernini, 1622–25; in the Borghese Gallery, Rome.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s bell towers for St. Peter’s Basilica were removed because their excessive weight began to cause structural damage to the building.1

Bernini began erecting these campaniles over the facade of the basilica in 1637. However, technical deficiencies became apparent after one tower was completed, and by 1641, construction was halted. In 1646, a commission determined that the weight of the structures was causing the facade to crack, leading to their demolition. This failure resulted in a period of temporary disgrace for Bernini and provided his rival, Francesco Borromini, the opportunity to act as a vocal critic of his work.12