The charming city of Pisa is known chiefly for the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but there’s so much to see and do here beyond the tower. This is a seaside town set just a few miles inland and alongside the Arno River. Many people enjoy strolling alongside the Arno River and some feel it’s even more beautiful here than in Florence. The town has a university that influences its lifestyle, and there are many Pisa historical and cultural sites to see here.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is just one of four lovely buildings that make up the area known as Campo dei Miracoli, or Field of Miracles. The Duomo, or Cathedral, Battistero, or Baptistery, Campo Santo and the Leaning Tower are all from a period in Pisa’s history known as its Golden Age that went from the 11th Century to the 13th Century. It was then still a leading port and one of the leading maritime powers in the Mediterranean region.
Many parts of Pisa are still quite unspoiled, and the University of Pisa adds quite a bit of flair to the city.
Within the cathedral complex you can see the black and white striped cathedral, which started construction in 1064. It has a Pisan-Romaneseqe style. Once you are inside there’s primarily Renaissance interior.
The Leaning Tower, or Torre Pendente, started to be built in 1173. The reason it leans to one side is due to unstable soil below that is spongy. It caused it to lean over before it was done. Throughout the ages the tilt became worse and worse. In the late 1980s, it was about 16 feet from upright and near the limits it could hold. The tower was given new stabilizers in the 1990s and is once again open to visitors.
The Baptistery, including the dome and arcades of Romanesque times, was created in the 12th Century and 13th Century. It remains Italy’s largest. There also used ornate frescos that were on a perimeter wall of the nearby cemetery, called Campo Santo. However, they were sadly destroyed in World War II, along with many other delights.
Pisa also has many other great things to enjoy beyond this area. Take time to go south near the Arno River. There are really cute streets here and squares to stroll and enjoy. There’s also a really lovely food market that takes place daily. The main shopping area is centered near the Corso Italia, which is between the train station and the Ponte di Mezzo, which is the central bridge.
Additionally, you can go along the bank of the Arno River and see many fine palaces.
Here’s a look at some of the top spots in Pisa, Italy to see:
Torre Pendente (Leaning Tower)
Piazza Duomo, 56126 Pisa, Italy (39 050 835011)
Duomo di Pisa (Cathedral of Pisa)
Piazza del Duomo, 56126, Pisa, Italy (39 050 835011)
Battistero (Baptistery)
Piazza del Duomo, 56126, Pisa, Italy (39 050 835011)
Campo Santo Monumentale (Cemetery)
Piazza del Duomo, 17, 56126, Pisa, Italy (39 050 8350 1112)
Museo del Opera del Duomo
Piazza Arcivescovado, 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy (39 050 560547)
Museo delle Sinopie
Piazza Arcivescovado, 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy (39 050 560547)
Festivals
Luminara Festival – This takes place annually on June 16. It’s held in honor of a saint – San Ranieri. Over 10,000 candles are lit once it’s dusk – making for a beautiful sight. The festival concludes with a show of fireworks.
Gioco del Ponte (Game of Bridge) – Held the last Sunday in June, this is basically a tug of war between the two sides of the city. The teams try to push the opposing team off of a bridge.
Spas
Terme di Casciana
Piazza Garibaldi, 9, 56034 Casciana Terme, 56126, Pisa, Italy (39 0587 646294)
This includes thermal baths and center for well being with massage and more.
