Visiting Pisa
A visit to Pisa is usually on everyone’s Italy bucket list for one reason and one reason only- the Leaning Tower. The crowds of tourists usually have their palms in the air (high-five, anyone?) all aiming for their perfect selfie moment to catch the ‘leaning’ tower. It’s a comical sight if you take a step back and watch it all unfold.
But apart from visiting the Leaning Tower, what else is there to see in the city? Truth be told, it is quite small and while it does only take one day to explore the town centre and its attractions, don’t leave just yet!
I’ve got a list of attractions for you to see first.
I also want to take this time to say that you shouldn’t overlook Pisa as a base to explore the Tuscan region. It’s less than an hour away from it’s older sister Florence and is a lot cheaper to fly into.
So without further a due, let’s delve into the historic charm of Pisa.
ATTRACTIONS
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The main attraction of Pisa which visitors flock to every day, the leaning tower of Pisa is actually a bell tower that was built for the nearby cathedral. The tower is one of four structures in the complex of the Campo Dei Miracoli.
A fun fact is that there are actually a few leaning structures in the city of Pisa due to the soft soil beneath!
The Baptistery
One of the grandest medieval structures in all of Italy at the time of its construction, the Baptistery would be the main point of entry for those who had been baptised and heading into the church.
Like it’s sister structure, the Baptistery also slightly leans off-centre and should be visited with just as much excitement as it’s really a beautiful building.
Monumental Cemetery/ Camposanto
This stunning display of Gothic architecture holds important political and social figures of Pisa, along with members of the powerful Medici family. The cemetery was once home to brilliant frescoes from stories from the Old Testament but when a bomb hit the cemetery during World War II, much of these frescoes were destroyed.
Il Duomo
During the time that St. Michael’s Cathedral in Venice was being built, the people of Pisa were busy constructing their own to match their maritime rivals. Pisa was so unfearful of an imminent attack that they built their church outside the city walls in a show of their strength. The Duomo is of Romanesque style but has elements of Islamic architecture to it as a result of the political and social atmosphere of that time.
TRAVEL TIPS AND HACKS
-Don’t rush the trip! While it’s true that generally you only need one day to explore the city, try not to get swept up in the crowds and enjoy the gorgeous monuments.
– Try not to go in the summer months as this is when Pisa is at its most congested. The weather is a sweltering summer heat so you’re better off to go in the springtime where the crowds are not as intense.
– Prices are also cheaper during the off-season!
– If you’re wanting to visit the Tuscan region it’s true that most people fly into Florence and use this as a home base. Alternatively, why not fly into Pisa as it’s a cheaper flight in as in the accommodation. It’s also only an hour away from Florence!
To explore the city of Pisa, Sightseeing Tours Italy have a range of options for your day tour of the medieval city for you to check out.
Recommended Pisa Tours: Half Day Pisa Tour from Florence
Price: €49
Tour Company: Sightseeing Tours Italy
This post was originally posted on https://sightseeingtoursitaly.wordpress.com/2019/11/12/a-day-trip-to-pisa/
