You can’t go to Pisa without visiting its famed Leaning Tower.
This world-famous lean is arguably the pride and joy of Pisa; The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a freestanding bell tower (campanile) that has not always been so upright.
How It All started
It began life as a standalone bell tower for Pisa Cathedral in 1173.
But fragile subsoil and construction delays from war led to the tower leaning noticeably even before it was completed. By the late 20th century, the lean had grown to a tilt of 5.5 degrees. That put the tower in danger of collapsing from the weight of itself.
Time for some reinforcement!
From 1993 through 2001, engineers quelled the lean to 3.97 degrees by digging out and stabilizing dirt. Now the tower leans about 15 feet from perpendicular and is deemed stable. For now safe – but watch that tilt!
Well, let’s crunch some numbers on this not-so-straight shooter:
- 183′ high on lowest side 186′ on highest side
- Tip the scales at about 14,500 metric tons
- 294 steps in a winding staircase (mind your step!)
- more than 55 meters high from the earth
Try channeling Galileo and dropping a coin from the top – rumor has it the tower’s lean means the coins spiral as they fall!
Things to Do In Pisa Heritage Area
Visit Piazza dei Miracoli
But the tower isn’t the only star here – it’s simply part of the larger Piazza dei Miracoli. This expansive square achieved UNESCO World Heritage status for its accumulation of intricate religious structures. Let’s go walk through this open-air museum of Pisan Romanesque architecture:
- Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa): An impressive cathedral complex that dates back to 1064 and boasts ornate bronze doors, pulpits, and elaborately decorated columns. Look up in wonder at its curved outside.
- Baptistery of St. John: According to legend, the best acoustics in Europe can be found in this domed baptistery, which attracts visitors and performers with its flawless sound. Be sure to catch Nicola Pisano’s ornate pulpit, too!
- Camposanto Monumentale: A tranquil cloistered burial ground, its walls were said to have been returned from a Crusade to the Holy Land. Crown its 14th-century frescoes and Roman sarcophagi.
- Piazza dei Miracoli (”Square of Miracles”) seems an appropriate descriptor for this sacred shrine at Pisa’s spiritual center. Take in the divine details in each structure and meditate on centuries of history as you move through them.
Cruising Along the River Arno
After exploring the monuments, you can stretch your legs along Pisa’s main waterway – the River Arno. cross over its bridging arches and admire how the red-roofed buildings like to be reflected in its waters.
Breathe in the fresh air as you stroll along the riverside promenade while taking in the historic palazzos and churches lining the curving shores of the river.
Pause for a cappuccino and some people watching at one of the rustic cafes perched along the river.
Look out for the fading yellow facade of the 15th-century Santa Maria della Spina church – another of Pisa’s iconic waterside landmarks. Just remember to wave back at the tourists taking that obligatory Leaning Tower photo in the background!
Knights’ Square
A short walk northwest from the river is the Piazza dei Cavalieri, or Knights’ Square. All this gives the square its name: this medieval square was once the seat of the noble Order of Knights of St. Stephen.
Today, it takes visitors back to Pisa’s heyday when it was a powerful maritime republic.
In the piazza stands the Palazzo della Carovana, with its graceful arches and a section of the city walls. Gothic and Renaissance buildings sit next to each other, a glimpse of the diverse city of Pisa. At the top lies the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa – an esteemed Italian university with medieval origins.
Take in the scholar vibes and pinch yourself – those aren’t Jedi masters dotting the campus; they’re just students in traditional black robes!
Food Tour in Pisa
And, we all know, no Italian city tour is ever complete without (at least) a taste of some delicious local cuisine. Pisa has its own specialties, regional dishes from thick veggie soups to sweet and spicy desserts. Use your nose to sniff out these savory prizes:
- Zuppa Pisana: A hearty vegetable broth, flavored with Parmesan cheese and tomatoes. For the full experience, dip your bread in!
- Torta coi Bischeri: A spice-laden tart of chocolate, rice and candied fruit, it lends a sweet punch.
- Cecina: This thin, savory pancake made with chickpeas is flavored with copious amounts of olive oil and black pepper.
Finish off your Pisan food adventure with a glass of fruity red Vespolina wine while watching the sunset behind the Leaning Tower.
Bonus Advice for Exploring Alluring Pisa
Want to book an Italian holiday to Pisa yourself? Here are some tricks for making your travel plans smooth:
- Travel during shoulder seasons, such as spring and fall, to avoid the crowds.
- Stay in the walkable downtown to be steps from the best sites.
- Fly to nearby Galileo Galilei Airport or take the train from Florence or Rome.
- Reserve Leaning Tower tickets in advance online to avoid long lines.
- Buy a combo ticket to visit the cathedral complex sights.
- Learn some Italian phrases to order and navigate.
- Bring cash – a lot of vendors don’t take credit cards.
Allow the charm of this Tuscan gem to work its magic on you. Just don’t forget to mail a postcard home before losing yourself in all of its fanciful splendor. Now to Pisa – let the Italian escapade commence!
