The leaning tower of Pisa has officially lost its distinction as the world's most lopsided building after a German church steeple that tilts at a 5.19 degree angle secured the honor in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The church tower in the village of Suurhusen applied for official recognition in June, and has just received verification. In confirming the award, Guinness said the Suurhusen church easily beats the tower of Pisa, which leans at only 3.97 degrees.

"It is a world record," said Olaf Kuchenbecker of the Guinness World Records office in Hamburg.

Built in middle of the 13th century, the church added a 90-ft tower in 1450. According to church officials, several attempts had been made since 1982 to stop the tower which was built on wooden foundations, with the combination of the oak wood foundations and wet soil causing the tower to slowly lean to one side over the years.

In 1996, it eventually stabilized.

To date, the church is still in use and offers guided tours.