There’s a city that, although not so large, is always included on all classic Italian itineraries, and its tower is recognized by all as the country’s postcard. Travel companions, welcome to Pisa!
You can come from Rome, Milan, or Florence, and in fact, most people come for a day trip, but we chose to stay overnight and enjoy this city after the mass tourism has left.
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Where to start the tour?
We’ll start at Piazza del Miracoli, where all tourists go to visit the Leaning Tower.
The Piazza dei Miracoli, also known as the Piazza del Duomo, is one of Italy’s most iconic architectural complexes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This square is home to some of the world’s most visited monuments, and the beauty of its medieval architecture is simply breathtaking.
Taking a free tour of Pisa is a very good plan to start with.
First, you can’t miss the Leaning Tower of Pisa, famous for its leaning angle. This bell tower, built between the 12th and 14th centuries, is one of Italy’s most iconic symbols. In addition to enjoying the view from the outside, we recommend climbing the tower for an incredible panoramic view of the city and the square.
Right next door is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, a prime example of Pisan Romanesque art. Its interior is equally impressive, with gilded mosaics and a wealth of artistic details that will transport you back to Pisa’s medieval past.
In front of the cathedral, you’ll see the Baptistery of St. John, a circular building notable for its size and exceptional acoustics. If you have the opportunity to hear a chant inside, you’ll be amazed at how the acoustics highlight each sound in a unique way.
Also in the square, you can enjoy the Camposanto Monumentale, an ancient monumental cemetery surrounded by walls. Here, in addition to learning about Pisa’s history through its tombs, you can see medieval and Renaissance frescoes adorning its walls, depicting scenes from the Bible and city life.
How to get tickets to go up the Leaning Tower
Admission to the cathedral is free, but you do need an entrance ticket. You have two options: if you’re planning to climb the Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, or the Cemetery, you also get a ticket to the cathedral with your visit to any of these. Otherwise, if you’re only visiting the cathedral, you’ll need to purchase the free ticket at the box office, not online.
You can purchase the full ticket on the official website (link is external), which includes access to the tower, the cathedral, the baptistery, the cemetery, and the Opera del Duomo museum. Official ticket website. If you purchase it through booking websites, the cost is slightly higher, but you have free cancellation. Tickets to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Pisa Cathedral
When you purchase your ticket, you must schedule a time to climb the tower. You can visit the rest of the monuments in the square without a reservation. To climb the tower, please note that you cannot bring any type of bag or backpack. Before joining the queue at the designated time, go to the bag drop-off area and leave your bag there. This is included in your ticket.
Aside from the monuments, Piazza dei Miracoli is a perfect place to stroll and enjoy the unique atmosphere. You can take some time to relax in the gardens, admire the view, or simply get lost in the nearby streets, where you’ll find small souvenir shops and charming cafes.
As I mentioned earlier, we stayed one night in Pisa at B&B Antica Piazza dei Miracoli. The accommodation was very simple, an old house with on-site parking and a simple breakfast.
But I’ve told you several times that once in Pisa, you shouldn’t just go to the Piazza del Miracoli, but also explore the city a bit. We continue our tour in the heart of Pisa’s historic center. If you move away from the Piazza del Miracoli, you’ll enter a network of narrow streets full of history and charm. Pisa can be seen not only from its famous tower, but also from its vibrant streets, full of life, with cafés where you can enjoy a good espresso, or local shops offering typical artisan products.
Our steps lead us to the nearby Piazza dei Cavalieri, a beautiful square with the Clock Palace, the Carovana Palace, and the Church of St. Stephen. Pisa is also a university city; its ancient university is one of the most prestigious in Italy.
Pisa is also a city bathed by the Arno River, and the best thing to do is walk across its bridges to admire the views. One of the most picturesque is the Ponte di Mezzo, which crosses the river in the city center, connecting the two sides of Pisa. From here, you can see beautiful reflections of the historic buildings in the water, a perfect view for photos.
How to get to Pisa
Visiting it from Florence is perhaps the most popular option. Just 90 kilometers away, you can take the train, which takes about an hour to travel from Santa Maria Novella station to Pisa Centrale.
If you want to go more comfortably without worries, you can also offer guided tours with a Spanish-speaking guide and a climb to the tower.
Excursion to Pisa from Florence.
Excursion to Pisa from Florence.
Pisa and Florence excursion from Milan.
Map and video of Pisa
NOTE: The information in this article is based on our own experience and is completely objective. This article contains affiliate links.
