Exploring Pisa: Top 10 things to do in this charming city (more than just The Leaning Tower of Pisa!)

Welcome to Pisa, a city located in the Tuscany region of Italy, is a destination steeped in history and beauty. Its most famous landmark is the Leaning Tower, but there is so much more to see and do in this charming city. In this article, we'll explore the top 10 things to do in Pisa.

1. The Leaning Tower of Pisa The 56-meter tall white-marble cylinder is the bell tower of the Romanesque, striped-marble cathedral that rises next to it in the Piazza dei Miracoli. This very famous landmark was constructed in the 12th century, but soon after the cathedral was built, it was discovered that the foundations were unstable and the building began to lean. Today, the tower still leans, and measures have been taken to ensure it doesn’t collapse. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for a surreal tilted view of the surrounding city.

2. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta or Pisa Cathedral The Cathedral is dedicated to St. Mary of the Assumption and was founded in 1064. Its architectural style is a mix of Romanesque and Arabic, with elements of Byzantine and Mediterranean. The front façade of the cathedral is very ornate with a series of beautiful stone and marble arches and three opulent bronze doors. The structure is a masterpiece of religious construction and is a fantastic site to visit.

3. The Baptistery Although located within the Piazza dei Miracoli, the Pisa Baptistery is a worthy attraction in its own right. This immense structure stands at 54m high and has a gorgeous exterior design with many different statues, arches, and adornments. Inside the baptistery, the rich decoration continues, and you can find a pulpit and a font that are both highly decorated.

4. Take a walk along the River Arno The River Arno is one of the main rivers in Italy, and Pisa was built around this waterway. The section of the Arno that runs through Pisa provides a truly beautiful landscape and is an amazing place to simply walk along and admire the views.

5. The University of Pisa Botanical Gardens Located in the heart of the historic old town, this beautiful Botanical Gardens is maintained by Pisa University and is a wonderful place to visit. Visitors can get inside one of the world's oldest academic botanical gardens, founded in 1544, and walk between an arboretum, conifers, aquatic plants, medicinal plants, and into a herbarium containing thousands of species.

6. The Palazzo dei Cavalieri Piazza dei Cavalieri, the Knight’s Square, is one of the most important squares in Pisa. Throughout history, it was a center of political power, today it is the symbol of academic excellence because of the marvelous Palazzo della Carovana. This beautiful Palace was constructed in the 16th century and was originally the HQ of the Knights of St. Stephen. As one of the premier palaces in Pisa, the Knights Square is a must-see.

7. The Sinopie Museum The Sinopie Museum is home to fascinating frescoes and several preliminary sketches and fresco preparatory drawings. These were drawn by artists in red earth pigment on the walls of the Camposanto in the 14th and 15th centuries, before frescoes were painted.

8. Museo dell'Opera del Duomo The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo is a museum that showcases the art and history of Pisa's cathedral, baptistery, and bell tower. It contains many beautiful works of art, including sculptures, paintings, and relics.

9. Visit the Pisa Charterhouse The Pisa Charterhouse, also known as Certosa di Pisa, is a former Carthusian monastery located just outside of Pisa. It is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and features beautiful cloisters, chapels, and frescoes.

10. Church of Santa Maria della Spina Nestled on the left bank of the River Arno, right across from the National Museum of Pisa, is the captivating Church of Santa Maria della Spina. This architectural masterpiece was first built in the 13th century in Gothic style, featuring stunning pointed pediments and multiple rose windows. Despite its small size, the church remains one of the most beautiful in all of Pisa, thanks to its elaborate and intricate design. Its charming location, overlooking the tranquil river, adds to its charm and allure, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city.

    Also don't forget to stop and enjoy a Tuscan Meal! No trip to Italy is complete without trying the local cuisine, and Pisa is no exception. The city offers a wide range of dining options, from casual cafes to high-end restaurants. Make sure to try some of the local specialties, such as pasta with ragù, Tuscan-style steak, and, of course, gelato.

    Hungry? Take a look at our top Pisa eats!

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