The name of Pisa has always been linked to the famous Leaning Tower, but the architectural beauty does not end there.
Discover the best attractions of the city and the things to see at all costs during a short and magnificent tour!
1. Piazza dei Miracoli
Your tour should absolutely start from Piazza dei Miracoli, a wonderful sqaure that owes its name to a novel by Gabriele D'Annunzio where the square is called "Prato dei Miracoli". Its surface is partly paved, while the rest is covered by a green lawn that also surrounds some of the greatest architectural masterpieces of all time.
The most important monument is the Leaning Tower, the symbol of the city of Pisa in the world. It was built in 1163 on a sandy bottom that did not hold the weight of the structure, so it immediately began to tilt. Likely, its designer was Diotisalvi, who also built another building in the Piazza. This is the gigantic Baptistery, which contains some splendid statues and an invaluable pulpit made by Nicola Pisano. Even this building had a difficult history: due to lack of money, the dome was made with different materials than the rest of the complex! The other great monument of Piazza dei Miracoli is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, a Pisan Romanesque church dating back to the end of the 11th century. The facade has four orders of loggias, while the interior is divided into five naves. Among the most beautiful works located inside, it is necessary to mention the mosaic by Cimabue, the pulpit by Giovanni Pisano and the reproduction of the chandelier that inspired Galileo Galilei's theory of isochronism. Finally, you have to visit the last wonder of the square, called Camposanto Monumentale. In this sacred place, the Crusaders brought the land of Golgotha in ancient times. Nowadays, it hosts the burials of some illustrious Pisan personnalities and important works of art dating back to the Etruscan, Medieval or Roman periods.
If you have little time available and you can't get into all these buildings, don't worry: a simple walk around the Piazza is enough to admire its beauty and to take some amazing photos in front of the Tower!
2. Piazza dei Cavalieri
The name of this elegant square is given by the headquarters of the Knights of Santo Stefano located inside it. All the palaces overlooking the square conserve a unique charm, and these are the Rectory, the "Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici", the Church of Santo Stefano (built by Vasari) and that of San Rocco. The most famous palaces are certainly Palazzo Carovana, a splendid Renaissance building housing the exclusive "Scuola Normale Superiore", and Torre della Fame inside Palazzo dell'Orologio, which is the place where Count Ugolino della Gherardesca and his children died in 1289 according to Dante's story in the "Divine Comedy". The beauty of the square is enhanced by one last detail, namely the statue of Cosimo I de 'Medici in the role of Grand Master of the order of the Knights.
By day, Piazza dei Cavalieri is certainly the perfect place to take some photos and appreciate the beauty of the buildings, but at night it becomes one of the main places of Pisa's nightlife: don't miss it!
3. The historic center
The old town centre is not very large, so a few hours will be enough to see everything! Borgo Stretto is the best-known street, distinguished by the lovely arcades and Renaissance palaces. It also features Casino dei Nobili, a place where 18th century nobles went to have fun organizing parties, conversations and gambling. Instead, passing through Via delle Colonne you can reach Piazza delle Vettovaglie, an ancient food market that transforms into a lively location on Friday and Saturday nights. Admire the beauty of the center, taste some Pisan specialties in one of the restaurants and enjoy some shopping in the countless shops: you'll surely enjoy the best of this wonderful town!
4. Lungarno
One of the most beautiful areas of the city is definitely the Lungarno, the perfect place to take a walk or admire the view from a bridge. The so-called "Lungarno Mediceo" houses some important palaces such as Palazzo Toscanelli, Palazzo dei Medici or the Church of San Matteo in Soarta, while "Lungarno Gambacorti" presents the beautiful Church of Santa Maria della Spina, an architectural jewel of Gothic art that owes its name to the relic of a thorn from the crown of Christ.
5. Museum of Ancient Ships / Murals "Tuttomondo"
Do you love art and want to visit a nice museum? If you are interested in archeology, you cannot miss the "Museum of Ancient Ships" inside Medici Arsenals! These beautiful ancient ships were discovered in 1998 during some railway works, which brought to light about thirty Roman ships, their commercial loads and a series of priceless testimonies. If you prefer modern art, instead, don't forget to go to the Convent of the Servant Friars of Mary inside the Church of Sant'Antonio: you will be fascinated by the "Tuttomondo" mural created by Keith Haring!
Are you ready to start your amazing tour of Pisa?
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© Alice Pilastri
