Where is Pisa? Main attractions. What to see. How to navigate the city
Pisa is usually considered a day trip destination. Independent travelers come here both from Florence and from numerous resorts for which the Tuscan Riviera is so famous. At the same time, Pisa can also be considered as a base point for trips around the area. Of course, from this point of view, Pisa is in many ways inferior to Florence (travel routes from Florence are discussed in detail in the corresponding article), but there are strong arguments in favor of settling in Pisa.
Firstly, Pisa has its own international airport, which is often much more convenient and cheaper to fly to than to Florence airport (suitable air tickets can be found on sites such as www.skyscanner.ru, www.momondo.ru, www.aviasales.ru and so on.). Secondly, hotels in Pisa are, on average, noticeably cheaper than hotels (and apartments) located in Florence (read more about where it is more convenient for tourists to live in Pisa). Thirdly, from Pisa it is more convenient to get to the cities of western Tuscany (including not only seaside resorts, but also Lucca in particular), as well as to the famous Cinque Terre National Park, located in neighboring Liguria. As a matter of fact, we will further consider these and other areas in detail. In this case, we will focus primarily on the possibilities of railway transport (see www.trenitalia.com).
So, where can you go for one day from Pisa.
Florence(Firenze)- the most obvious direction. It would be strange to come to Tuscany and not see Florence. Fortunately, it doesn’t take long to travel from Pisa to Florence – about an hour by train. However, we should immediately make a reservation that it is worth going to the capital of Tuscany not for a day, but for at least two or three days (the question of where is the best place to stay in Florence has been discussed in detail). In one day, you will only have time to run through the historical center of Florence, briefly examine the main attractions and admire the panorama of the city from the height of Piazzale Michelangelo.
Five Lands National Park, or Cinque Terre(Cinque Terre)– another very obvious destination for a day trip from Pisa. The place is beautiful and no less popular than Florence. There are a lot of tourists here (especially during the summer holiday season), and you need to be prepared for this. Perhaps the best thing you can come up with is, again, to come here not for one, but for several days (you can stay, for example, in Monterosso al Mare - more details). But if you don’t have time, you can go to Cinque Terre from Pisa in one day, since you can get to Monterosso in just over an hour. You can travel with a transfer in La Spezia, but there are also direct trains, which are much more convenient.
Luke(Lucka)– the city is pleasant in all respects: there is something to see, it’s clean, cozy, quiet and, moreover, very close to Pisa (between Pisa and Lucca it’s about 30 minutes by train). It’s definitely worth coming to Lucca for at least half a day, and if you want to take a closer look at the interiors of the local churches, not limiting yourself to visiting the Cathedral of St. Martin, then you can safely budget a whole day for the trip.
Volterra(Volterra), even in comparison with Lucca, not to mention the Cinque Terre and Florence, the place is not so popular among tourists. However, in our opinion, a trip to Volterra can be no less interesting. Volterra is a small city, but here you can find traces of Etruscan civilization, evidence of the ancient Roman era, and, of course, numerous echoes of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance that replaced them. Half a day is more than enough. But getting to Volterra by public transport is not very convenient. From Pisa you can take the train to Pontedera (Pontedera-Casciana Terme station, about 15 minutes), and then take bus number 500 to Volterra (about 1 hour 20 minutes; timetable see www.pisa.cttnord.it) .
It is clear that in this case it is much more convenient to travel by car, especially since in this way, along with Volterra, you can also visit nearby San Gimignano, famous for its medieval skyscraper towers. Siena is located in the same direction.
For road travelers in Tuscany, in general, almost limitless spaces open up, since it is advisable to get to many attractions by car. In particular, let us mention such places as Cave of the Winds (Grotta del Vento), Barga, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Isola Santa, Carrara. All of them are located in the Apennines north of Pisa (this part of the Apennines is often called the Apuan Alps), and within one trip you can easily combine a visit to two or three places from among the above-mentioned or similar ones. East of Pisa are Vinci, San Miniato, Castelfranco di Sotto and other interesting towns. In short, the choice is extremely wide. Fortunately, renting a car in Italy in general and in Pisa in particular is not a problem (see www.rentalcars.com, www.economybookings.com, etc.).
If you turn your attention to the south of Pisa, you will find another interesting place, which for some reason often escapes the sight of travelers. We are talking about the island of Elba.
It can't be said that Elba Island(Isola d'Elba) located near Pisa. The distance between these places is, in general, quite decent (about 170 km). However, from the point of view of traveling around Italy, the most convenient way to get to Elba is through Pisa. Moreover, you can go to this island for at least a week, at least two, since Elba is notable not only as the place of Napoleon’s first exile, but also as an excellent seaside resort. (By the way, you can read more about the sea and beaches near Pisa.) You can get here with a change in Piombino: to Piombino by train (from Pisa about an hour and a half), and from Piombino to Elba by ferry or “meteor” ( see www.toremar.it and www.blunavytraghetti.com). It takes from 40 minutes to an hour to sail to the main town of Elba, Portoferraio, and 15-20 minutes to the town of Cavo. Alternatively, you can reach Elba via San Vincenzo, which also has boat connections to this and other nearby islands (though there are few sailings; see www.aquavision.it). Thus, if we talk about trips to Elba from Pisa, it’s quite possible to go back and forth in a day, and if you like it, then next time you can stay on Elba longer.
Pisa is a city in Italy, the sights of which we will introduce you to today. Those who believe that, apart from the famous tower, there is nothing to visit here, are very wrong. This city has beautiful streets and churches, vibrant nightlife and amazing cuisine. Pisa can teach you how to enjoy a slow life, enjoy the arts and appreciate simple pleasures. At least its residents do this very well.
There are many attractions in Pisa. And it's not just the "leaning tower", which is actually the bell tower of the cathedral. If you want to really get to know this city, spend at least a couple of days there to soak up its atmosphere.
How to get to Pisa
Although it is a small city, with only 100 thousand inhabitants, there is an international airport named after Galileo Galilei. You can get to the city center from the hub by train or bus. There are direct flights from Moscow to Pisa, and from St. Petersburg you can fly here with a transfer in Berlin. You can also fly here via Florence. After all, the airport of this city is only an hour’s drive from Pisa. Tourists come to see its sights from other parts of Italy. In this case, it is convenient to come here by rail. Trains come here from Rome, Milan, Livorno, Lucca. The station itself is located two kilometers from the center.
Sights of Pisa: what to see in 1 day
This city is quite small, and even on foot you can get around it in a couple of hours. If you really need to use public transport, then maybe take bus number 10, which goes to the beach. Some people recommend renting a bike. But experienced tourists claim that it is best to explore the city on foot.
If you come to Pisa from Rome or Florence, that is, by train, go directly from the station to Piazza del Miraco. The streets along which your route will run are very beautiful. There are many authentic restaurants and original souvenir shops. The journey will take you no more than half an hour.
In Piazza dei Miracoli there is a famous tower, which is actually a bell tower. Other iconic landmarks of Pisa are nearby. It won’t be difficult to see them in one day, because they are all located just a stone’s throw away. This is the Duomo Cathedral, the largest baptistery in Italy and the cemetery of Santo Campo.
In the neighboring streets, as well as in another of Pisa’s most beautiful squares, Piazza dei Cavalieri, you can see patrician palaces. Two palazzos are especially luxurious - Orologio and Carovana. And if you have time, visit the Gothic church of Santa Maria della Spina, on the left bank of the Arno River.
Tower
This bell tower began to be built in the 12th century. It was an integral part of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Ascension. But it is interesting that the bell tower itself began to be erected at some distance from the temple itself, which is rare. Perhaps the reason for this was the layout of the square where the cathedral stood. But be that as it may, it was this bell tower, and not the church, that became one of the most visited attractions in Italy.
Pisa stands on clay soils, and when the bell tower was built, it turned out that the soil underneath was subsiding. She began to slowly bend over. Therefore, protective and restoration work on it began in the Renaissance, and continues to this day. The fact is that the bell tower does not just fall, it swings, sometimes returning to a vertical position. This white seven-story tower has an ornate architecture, and its snow-white silhouette looks great against the blue Italian sky. Inside it there are covered arched galleries with ornaments with images of sea inhabitants. The bells on the belfry are real - one of them weighs 3.5 tons.
Cathedral
Most tourists who come to see the sights of Pisa focus on the tower. But the Duomo Cathedral is the main building of the Square of Miracles. It is very ancient and built in a specific Romanesque style with Pisan characteristics. It was clearly influenced by Orthodox Byzantine basilicas. The cathedral was built of gray stone and white marble. The façade is decorated with mosaics. It consists of inclusions of colored marble. There are many ancient statues on the facade and exterior of the cathedral. But its interior decoration can be inspected endlessly.
Although the church suffered from fires, frescoes are still preserved on its dome, as well as a mosaic image of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The cathedral houses a priceless 14th-century carved pulpit made by Giovanni Pisano. And the granite columns supporting the vault were moved here after the conquest of Sicily from the Saracens. They used to stand in a mosque in Palermo.
Cemetery and baptistery
To the north of the Duomo, literally in the same square, is the “Holy Field”. This historical cemetery is one of the interesting attractions of Pisa. Legend says that the local archbishop, after returning from the Crusade, threw a handful of earth from Jerusalem at this place. And at first they began to build a church here. But then plans changed, and instead of the temple, a covered cemetery with a Gothic cloister was erected. It consists of two gates and 43 arched galleries. Inside there is a courtyard with chapels. Numerous relics are kept there - fragments of the Cross on which Jesus was crucified, the remains of the Mother of God's clothing, a thorn from the Crown of Thorns.
In the center of the courtyard are collected many sarcophagi from the ancient Roman era. On the territory of the cemetery there is an archaeological museum where you can see Etruscan urns and ancient sculptures. And the covered chapels are painted with frescoes. The Baptistery of San Giovanni is another additional structure that is part of the Duomo, as is the Leaning Tower of Pisa. And it follows approximately the same architectural canons. The Baptistery is overwhelming in its size. At the bottom it is still Romanesque, and at the top it is already Gothic, with characteristic arches in the form of arrows. But since it is made of white marble, it gives the impression of lightness.
Knights Square
But the Cathedral, the leaning tower and the cemetery are not all the attractions of Pisa. What to see here from secular architecture? Of course, Knights Square is the center of the medieval political life of the city. Why is it called that? The fact is that here was the building of the Order of the Knights of St. Stephen. Now one of the university buildings is located here. This square was the center of the city commune. Many of the buildings here belonged to the magistrate, courts, or “people's captains,” as local rulers were called.
The most luxurious mansion on this square is the Palazzo della Carovana. It is also called the Clock Palace. This building combined several older towers in one building. During the Renaissance, the square was redesigned by the Renaissance architect and art historian Giorgio Vasari. The facade of the Karovana Palace was also modernized. Now in its niches there are busts of Tuscan dukes.
In front of the palace there is a statue of Cosimo de' Medici. And opposite the Clock Mansion is the Palazzo del Orologio, which belonged to Duke Ugolino. Dante talks about his unfortunate fate in The Divine Comedy. He was accused of high treason and, together with his entire family, was doomed to starvation in the tower of his own house.
Santa Maria della Spina
This small Gothic church is located on the other side of the Arno. If you find yourself at the Square of the Knights halfway between the river and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, then Santa Maria della Spina is located just across the bridge. It is named after the thorn from the Crown of Thorns of Christ. The church is small, but unusually decorated, even for Italy. Wherever you look, there are sculptures, Gothic rosettes and other openwork decorative elements. The temple was painted by famous masters of the 14th century, among whom were Lupo di Francesco and Andrea Pisano. Although tourists believe that its interior looks rather poor compared to the external luxury.
Festivals and holidays
The colorful events that take place in this city can easily be classified as the attractions of Pisa. The two most famous festivals take place in the summer, a season when many tourists usually come. This is a holiday in honor of Saint Ranieri - "Lanterna". When the sun sets, all the artificial lights in the city go out, but the residents, and all the participants in the holiday, light thousands of candles. And then the real fun begins - concerts, fireworks, shows...
The best way to watch all this is from the bridge over the Arno - Ponte di Mezzo. And on the last Sunday of June you can get into real medieval Italy. Residents of two neighborhoods of Pisa, which are located on opposite banks of the Arno, organize costumed processions. They approach the bridge from both sides, where competitions are held. This has been going on for hundreds of years.
Many travelers, especially those who come to the city for a couple of hours, first of all rush to the tower. But experienced tourists do not recommend doing this. It is best to end the tour with an acquaintance with the Pisa Bell Tower. The fact is that after five in the evening entry becomes free. And there will be significantly fewer tourists. Then you will be able to feel the indescribable atmosphere reigning around this building.
Tourists are often surprised that the leaning tower actually looks smaller than it appears on advertising brochures, but the Baptistery of San Giovanni is, on the contrary, very impressive. According to tourists, the best photos of the sights of Pisa can be taken in May and June. Then the city is fragrant with flowering trees, and photographs against this background turn out so colorful, as if you had been in paradise. But in the fall it can rain endlessly here, and you will have to walk under umbrellas all the time. In the summer you can go to the sea, which is located not far from the city.
The city of the Leaning Tower is famous all over the world. It would be wrong to think that the tower alone attracts tens of thousands of tourists here every year. Of course, the times when the glory of Pisa, a formidable maritime power, thundered throughout Europe are long gone. Unique buildings remain from those times: churches, towers, city walls. Today Pisa is a small city with a population of about 100 thousand people, more than half of whom are students of the famous University of Pisa. So, in addition to visiting historical sights, there is something to entertain yourself in the city.
Tourists usually leave Pisa, as they say, “for dessert”. In fact, the city is not big; a day is enough to explore it. Just believe me, this day should be full. In this article I will tell you what you need in Pisa see,where to go And what to try.
In Pisa, despite its small size, there is plenty to choose from when it comes to accommodation. Of course, the most expensive hotels are located in the center: on the Arno embankment and in the Centro Storico. The price is determined by proximity to attractions and views from the room window. The closer your hotel is to the Leaning Tower, the higher the price. Often these hotels occupy ancient buildings that are not equipped with elevators, have no parking, and the size of the rooms is simply tiny.
I must say that area around the train station not as noisy as other Italian cities. There are many hotels, hostels, B&Bs. Although the views from the window are not the most picturesque, modern hotels will offer you spacious rooms with all amenities, there is also free parking, and some hotels offer shuttle buses to the airport. And all this at quite affordable prices. In addition, the walk to the same Piazza dei Miracoli from here is only 20-25 minutes.
Here is a selection of discounts from booking.com:
What and where to eat in Pisa
Although Pisa is a Tuscan city, and therefore its cuisine is Tuscan, it still has its own characteristics and nuances. Italian cuisine, as a rule, does not abound in soups. In Pisa you have the opportunity to try San Michele bean soup, frog soup and the famous Pisan tagliatelle pasta soup, olives and tomatoes.
There are many restaurants and cafes in the city. The establishments located next to Piazza dei Miracoli often do not differ in the quality of food and affordable prices. So follow the rule: eat where the locals eat.
Trattoria San Omobono
Excellent Tuscan cuisine, cozy design, lunch within 20-25 euros. Please note that the trattoria is popular, it is better to reserve seats.
The trattoria is open daily from 12:30 to 14:30 and from 19:30 to 22:00, on Sundays only from 12:30 to 14:30.
Address: Piazza Sant'Omobono, 6.
Pizzeria-trattoria La Buca
Pizza and Tuscan cuisine are in close proximity to the main attraction of Pisa, but there are no abundance of tourists here. Lunch - around 30 euros. It is located right behind Piazza dei Miracoli.
The pizzeria is open every day except Sunday from 12:15 to 14:30 and from 19:15 to 22:30.
Address: Via Galli Tassi, 4 −6b/ Via Santa Maria, 171.
Osteria In Domo
It is located very close to the Square of Miracles, but amazingly, tourists don’t know about it, but local residents really appreciate it. Excellent food, Tuscan cuisine, leisurely and friendly service. The average bill is about 30 euros. The portions are impressive.
Opening hours: daily from 11:30 to 23:00, on Monday from 9:00 to 15:30.
Address: via Santa Maria, 129.
What to see in Pisa
Pisa, unlike Florence, is not so rich in architectural monuments. There are far fewer of them here. But with what this city has, Pisa can outshine many of its competitors in the tourism business. I offer you a route through the main attractions of Pisa from the train station to the Square of Miracles.
I'll tell you what to see in Pisa besides the tower.
Map of Pisa
Fetching directions......
Church of San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno
No document indicates when this church was built. The first mentions of it date back to the 10th century. One of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in Tuscany, it has been rebuilt several times. In the 12th century it was given a similarity to a cathedral. The Pisans called and call this church “Duomo Vecchio” - the Old Duomo. Construction of the existing façade of the church began in the 12th century and was completed in the 14th. Stored inside the church 13th century crucifix, frescoes by Buonamico Buffalmacco, "Madonna and Child" by Turino Vanni,Ancient Roman sarcophagus from the 2nd century. Behind the church is the 11th century chapel of St Agatha with amazing wall paintings. Due to restoration work, the church is closed to visitors, but it is worth visiting the building itself - it is very beautiful.
Church of Santa Maria della Spina
A small Gothic church on the banks of the Arno dates back to the 13th century.
This elegant architectural box was originally called Santa Maria Pontenovo because it was located near a bridge that was later destroyed. Since the 14th century, a relic has been kept in the church - thorn from Christ's crown of thorns. Therefore the church changed its name to Spina, which means "thorn". In the 19th century, due to the threat of a river flood, the church was dismantled and reassembled on a higher place. The building is richly decorated with statues of famous Pisan masters; marble of different colors is used to decorate the facades of the temple.
The inside of the church is surprisingly modestly decorated. Its main value today can be called the sculptural works of Andrea and Nino Pisano, created in the 14th century.
Church website on the Internet: ilturista.info.
The church is open to visitors:
- from Tuesday to Sunday - from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00,
- on Saturday and Sunday - from 10:00 to 19:00 (April-September), from 10:00 to 14:00 (October-March).
Entrance - 2 euros.
National Museum of San Matteo
On the Arno embankment stands the building of the former medieval monastery of San Matteo, which now houses an art museum. The collection contains a unique collection of paintings by Pisan and Tuscan masters of the 12th-17th centuries. It houses a priceless collection of archaeological artifacts and items from the Middle Ages. Painted crosses, wooden sculptures, bas-reliefs, ceramics, medieval manuscripts - you will find all this in the halls of San Matteo.
The museum is open every day except Monday from 8:30 to 19:00, on weekends until 13:30.
The ticket costs 5 euros.
Museum website on the Internet: sbappsae-pi.beniculturali.it.
Botanical Garden
The Orto Botanical Garden in Pisa is one of the oldest in the world
The Pisa Botanical Garden was founded in 1544 and is considered the oldest in the world. However, the famous Botanical Garden of Padua disputes this fact. It itself was founded a year later, but the Pisa Garden changed its location several times.
In the Botanical Garden of Pisa today you will see more than 550 different plants. There is a Botanical Museum on the territory of the garden.
Schedule:
- winter - daily from 9:00 to 17:00,
- summer - daily from 8:30 to 20:00.
The box office stops selling tickets one hour before the garden closes.
There is a single ticket to the museum and the garden, it’s worth it 4 euros.
Piazza dei Cavalieri - Square of the Knights
One of the main squares of Pisa lies on the site of the ancient forum Portus Pisanus - the Pisa harbor.
Both in Roman times and during the era of the Pisan Republic, political life was in full swing here. The square was surrounded by churches and palaces; victories were celebrated on the square and city problems were solved. It was here that in 1406 the Florentine envoy declared that the independent Pisan Republic no longer existed. The city was annexed to the Florentine Republic.
In 1558, the Piazza was rebuilt by Giorgio Vasari in the Renaissance style.
The square is crowned by the Palazzo della Carovana, the main building of the University of Pisa. The facade of the palace is decorated with sgraffito - a special technique of wall paintings. The façade is also decorated with 6 busts of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany.
On the other side of the square is the Palazzo dell'Orologio. The building, built in the 14th century, has undergone many reconstructions. In the 16th century, the palace received its current appearance; Vasari worked on its design. At the beginning of the 17th century, the walls of the palace were painted by artists Marucelli and Palladini. The clock was installed in 1696.
Several more palazzos and the Church of St. Stephen overlook Piazza dei Cavalieri. In the center of the square is a statue of Cosimo I de' Medici.
Piazza dei Miracoli - Square of Miracles
This square is a pearl from the collection of attractions of Pisa. This is where all the tourist people flock
The first of the buildings is the Duomo. Construction of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta began in 1064; the cathedral was consecrated in 1118, but work continued. The architecture of the cathedral includes several styles: Byzantine, Lombard, you can even find Islamic motifs, which symbolized the military strength and scope of trade of the Pisan Republic. As a result, the style in which the Duomo was built was called the Pisan Romanesque style.
The interior of the cathedral was seriously changed after a severe fire in 1595. Black and white marble walls, gilded ceiling, frescoed dome. Mosaic of the apse, in which he was involved Cimabue, survived the fire, as did the marble pulpit of the work Giovanni Pisano. These masterpieces must be seen. There is a chandelier in the cathedral called "Galileo's lamp". According to legend, observing the swinging of this chandelier, Galileo discovered the isochronism of pendulum oscillations.
Baptistery of San Giovanni built in 1152-1363. It is considered the largest baptistery in the world. The building began to be erected in the Romanesque style and was finished in the Gothic style.
The first tier is decorated with Romanesque arches with narrow windows, the second and third tiers are decorated with double arches and Gothic finials. In contrast to the strict first tier, the upper tiers are richly decorated with stone carvings. The decoration of the baptistery includes many sculptures and busts. The interior decoration of the baptistery is very strict and restrained, which makes a strong impression on visitors.
The baptistery contains a 13th-century font in which Galelio Galilei was baptized in 1564.
Inside you can see a beautifully crafted pulpit made Niccolo Pisano. It is this pulpit that is considered the first major work of the Italian Proto-Renaissance.
Behind the Duomo stands the same famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, aka the Bell Tower of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. The tower was founded in 1173, construction was completed in 1360.
The project initially had a mistake: a small tower foundation in soft clay-sandy soil.
“When the Leaning Tower of Pisa falls, there will be one less hope in this world...” - it is unknown which great author of this immortal phrase is
The tower began to tilt after the third tier was built. Throughout the history of the tower, Pisan builders repeatedly tried to stop its tilt. At times this was successful. One day they even seriously thought about leveling it completely, but stopped in time: it was the leaning tower that attracted a lot of guests to the city and brought profit. Today, the openwork structure made of white marble attracts crowds of tourists who not only climb its tiers, but also diligently “support” the tower, posing for the photo lens.
Behind the Duomo and the Baptistery is located Campo Santo (Holy Field)- monumental cemetery. It was built in the period from 1278 to 1464.
"Holy" cemetery of Campo Santo
This cemetery is called holy because, according to legend, the cloister building was erected on land from Golgotha, which was brought by the Bishop of Pisa after the IV Crusade.
This building is the last of the buildings that were erected in Piazza dei Miracoli. You can see three chapels, ancient frescoes, Roman and Etruscan tombs and urns.
Opposite the Duomo, the baptistery and the tower is located Sinopia Museum.
Sinopia is a preparatory drawing for a fresco, made on the wall before applying the top layer of plaster, on which the fresco itself was painted.
The uniqueness of the sinopias is that they were applied by the master, and the students then painted the fresco along his contour. Such synopias are collected in the museum.
Working hours:
- Duomo - from 10:00 to 18:00 in winter, from 10:00 to 20:00 in summer;
- Baptistery - from 9:00 to 18:00 in winter, from 8:00 to 20:00 in summer;
- Tower - from 9:00 to 18:00 in winter, from 8:00 to 20:00 in summer;
- Camposanto - from 9:00 to 18:00 in winter, from 8:00 to 20:00 in summer;
- Sinopia Museum - from 9:00 to 18:00 in winter, from 8:00 to 20:00 in summer.
Ticket prices:
- Tower - 18 euros,
- Duomo - Free admission.
Entry to the rest of Piazza dei Miracoli is of your choice:
- one object - 5 euros,
- two objects - 7 euros,
- three objects - 8 euros.
The ticket office is located in the Sinopian Museum and in the building located behind the tower and Duomo.
Tickets can be purchased on the website: opapisa.it.
There are many more beautiful and amazing places in Pisa: museums, churches, medieval towers, remains of the harbor, city walls and gates, palaces. If you wish, you can stay here for another day to calmly explore everything, enjoy a stroll along the Arno embankment, enjoy the peace of a cozy Tuscan city, and in the evening merge with young people in a nightclub or bar.
Nightlife in Pisa
The main bars, nightclubs and discos in Pisa are located along the Arno River. It is always crowded and noisy here, the music never stops.
The Wall Lunch & American Bar.
It is perfect for a holiday with a large group. They have their own signature cocktails.
The bar is open from Wednesday to Sunday, opening hours: from 19:00 to 02:00.
Address: via Cardinale Pietro Maffi, 26.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, also known as the Leaning Tower, is a huge mistake by the builders, which, contrary to logic, became one of the symbols of Italy and became famous throughout the world. It was built in two stages, over almost two centuries. Already during the construction process, it became clear that the tower was acquiring an unnatural slope, but, nevertheless, by 1360 it was completely completed. Since then, and to this day, work has been constantly underway to strengthen the tower. But all efforts remain in vain - the tower continues to deviate from the vertical at a speed of 1.2 mm per year.
One day the Leaning Tower of Pisa will fall, but until then tourists will make pilgrimages to this Wonder of the World, whose floors are bordered by graceful decorative arcades, and a ringing bell can be heard from the top.
Pisa Cathedral
Construction of the Pisa Cathedral began in 1063, and the main concept of the construction was
an organic combination of elements of a wide variety of architectural styles, including even Islamic ones. Such eclecticism was supposed to emphasize the scope of Pisan trade, which at that time was experiencing a significant rise.
The architect Busqueto di Giovanni Giudice took up the matter, striving to surpass his competitors from Venice, who were building St. Mark's Cathedral.
The year of completion of construction is considered to be 1118, when the Cathedral was consecrated by Pope Gelasius II.
The appearance of the cathedral has undergone a number of changes over time due to the need for restoration of the structure. The interior of the Pisa Cathedral amazes the imagination not only with its volume, but also with the beauty of its decorations. The decoration is dominated by black and white marble, and the ceiling is decorated with frescoes from the Middle Ages. Despite the fact that most tourists come here thanks to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, their attention soon turns to the unique beauty of the cathedral.
What attractions of Pisa did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.
Church of Santa Maria della Spina
The Church of Santa Maria della Spina is one of the main attractions of Pisa. The Gothic church, erected in the Middle Ages on the banks of the Arno River, has become a monument of European Gothic, demonstrating the most striking signs of this architectural style.
The Church of Santa Maria della Spina was built on the sandy bank of the river in 1230.
The facade of the building is made of multi-colored marble, and the niches are decorated with sculptural images of Christ, the Virgin Mary and angels. The right side of the temple is literally carved with floral patterns, numerous niches and turrets. The statues for the temple were made by several generations of Pisan masters, including the forerunners of the Italian Renaissance Giovanni di Balduccio and Nicolo Pisano - perhaps the most prominent representative of Pisan art.
The name of the church comes from the word “spina”, translated meaning “thorn”. Since the 14th century, this small church has housed one of the main shrines of Italy - the thorn from the crown of thorns of Christ.
The monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi was erected in Pisa in a small square adjacent to the Arno River embankment.
Bronze Garibaldi, cast at the end of the 19th century according to the design of the Pisa sculptor Ettore Ferrari, looks thoughtfully at the city and its inhabitants.
The monument was erected on the tenth anniversary of the death of the national hero of Italy, in 1892. At this time, monuments dedicated to the leader of the popular resistance were erected in various cities of Italy.
A small bronze monument was erected in Pisa. The sculptural image of the hero is laconic - Garibaldi, dressed in a simple militia costume, peers into the distance.
The figure of Giuseppe Garibaldi is mounted on a stone pedestal, decorated with bas-reliefs of soldiers and laurel wreaths. The inscription on the pedestal is terse: “Pisa - Garibaldi.”
The monument completes the architectural ensemble of the square, named after Garibaldi, and is a successful example of combining 19th-century sculpture and medieval urban architecture.
Pisa's Arno Promenade
Pisa's Arno Promenade is the heart of the ancient city.
The Arno River, notorious for its turbulent nature and having repeatedly flooded both Pisa and neighboring Florence, was tamed and encased in a sandstone and red brick embankment. Their combination creates an amazing medieval atmosphere, so typical of Pisa.
Along the river, which was the center of life of the city, which gained its wealth through maritime trade, numerous palaces and temples were built in the Middle Ages. Palazzo Gambacorti, located on the northern bank of the Arno, has today become the center of the administrative life of the city - the prefecture is located here. Nearby are the buildings of the University of Pisa and its library.
Pisa is a city in Italy with many interesting and fascinating attractions. People from almost all over the world flock to Pisa for these attractions. The city is very friendly and loves guests; tourists here feel cozy and comfortable like nowhere else.
Pisa has both luxurious expensive hotels and simple hostels, so Pisa is suitable for both rich and budget tourists. Finding accommodation will not be difficult.
In May 2017, I visited Pisa and I will be publishing interesting videos about this city on the Aviamania channel! At the time of publication of the article, they are not yet ready, so the article will be supplemented with video content and my useful comments)))
The city is relatively small: the population is about 100 thousand people.
By the way, it was in Pisa in 1564 that the well-known Galileo Galilei was born. Therefore, despite its small size, the city gave us a big man.
The climate of Pisa is quite suitable for any Russian: the temperature here in winter rarely drops below zero. The average temperature in winter is 7 degrees Celsius, and in summer – 21. It is best, of course, to visit Pisa in the summer months, then walking will be much more enjoyable, and you can enjoy all the delights of the city to the fullest.
The most remarkable places in the city are two squares: Piazza dei Cavalieri and Cathedral. The latter is more visited and crowded, although we also recommend visiting the first.
Traveling through the streets of the city is a lot of fun, so in addition to exploring the local attractions during the day, evening walks around Pisa are a great addition.
The town is not that big, but in order to really feel the atmosphere of the city, enjoy it, and understand it, we recommend exploring Pisa for at least 3 days.
The city of Pisa, attractions photos and descriptions of which we will consider in this article, has always been a favorite tourist city. But what if you come to Pisa for just one day? Read below.
Pisa what to see in 1 day
If your plans do not include staying in the city for a long time, and you will only stay in Pisa for a day, then you need to see at least the most striking sights.
To do this, we suggest heading to Cathedral Square, where the main attractions of the city are located. These include: the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Duomo, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, Campo Santo, as well as some museums. After the tour, you will learn more about the skill of Vasari, as well as other outstanding architects and sculptors who took an active part in the formation of the city's historical buildings.
But it should be noted that these are not all interesting places in the city. Pisa is a wonderful city where walking brings a lot of pleasure and allows you to enjoy the unusually beautiful views of the area.
Therefore, if you managed to run through the main noteworthy places, do not rush to leave the city, spend more time exploring other areas. After spending time in the city, you will have unforgettable memories and indelible impressions.
We offer you a one-day itinerary for those who cannot stay in Pisa for a long time.
Below we will describe each of the attractions indicated on the map.
Pisa Cathedral
(Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta )
Once in Pisa, you simply must visit this wonderful place, which is the main attraction of the city. Construction work on the cathedral began in 1064. Thanks to the brilliant architect Busqueto, the building became an example for all buildings in the Pisan-Romanesque style.
Sensitive connoisseurs of history can also discern some presence of the Byzantine style in the cathedral - the mosaic interior.
The appearance on one side is simple - gray stone, white marble, decorated in some places with colored marble. But in general, when the picture is completely revealed before your eyes, you can appreciate this incredible beauty.
From a distance, the Duomo looks very rich and harmonious, the building glows with elegance and superiority. It is no less interesting to see it up close, carefully examining every component detail.
As we know from history, the main doors of the cathedral were destroyed by fire in 1595, but skilled craftsmen were able to make new powerful bronze gates that were in no way inferior to the original. However, they were still rarely used, entering through the Porta di San Ranieri, created by Boganno Pisano.
Here you can also see a copy of the famous statue of the Madonna and Child, as well as the Pisa Griffin, the original of which can be seen in the cathedral museum. The metal griffin is the most voluminous Muslim sculpture.
Once you go inside, you can continue to admire this great building. Particularly striking are the black and white marble patterns and the dome with unique frescoes made in it.
One interesting legend is associated with this cathedral, according to which Galileo created a theory about the movement of celestial bodies while observing the huge lamp of the cathedral. Unfortunately, it can no longer be observed on the territory of the cathedral, but if you wish, visit Campo Santo to get to know this marvel.
The son of the famous Nicola Pisano, Giovanni, who, in fact, is no less famous than his father, contributed to the decoration of the Duomo. Giovanni created a superb carved pulpit, which to this day is included in the list of priceless sculptures of the medieval period.
And this is only a small part of what you can see in the Duomo; you need to study this architectural masterpiece in more detail in person.
Monastery of Campo Santo
If you believe the legends, the place for the construction of the monastery was not chosen by chance, since it was here that Archbishop Ubaldo left a handful of holy soil from Golgotha.
The monastery is designed in a style typical of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Construction took about 2 hundred years, started by the architect Giovanni di Simone. And, as you know, his plans were to build not a memorial cemetery, but a church, but after Giovanni’s death the plans were changed.
Campo Santo is a rather massive structure, which has 43 blind arches and several gates. Most of the tombs are located under arcades. Also, several priceless relics were moved beyond the walls of the monastery: a fragment of the Virgin Mary’s clothing and a thorn from the Crown of Thorns. In addition to them, there are many other interesting and inquisitive historical values.
On the territory of Campo Santo there are three delightful chapels: Ammannati, Aulla, Dal Pozzo, the last two were created with a difference of 76 years (1518-1594), but the oldest is the Ammannati Chapel, which was built in 1360.
It is also interesting to look at the painted sarcophagi and extraordinary frescoes. Their appearance has been preserved thanks to restoration by experienced craftsmen. One interesting event is connected with the restoration work. When the frescoes were carefully removed from the walls, they noticed drawings on the bare surface that were depicted even before the creation of the frescoes.
Some restoration work continues to this day, since during the Second World War Campo Santo was badly damaged, especially the roof and some sculptures. However, this does not stop tourists from admiring the cathedral to their heart's content.
Pisa attractions, photos and descriptions of which we describe in this article, are famous throughout the world thanks to one very famous attraction. You probably already guessed that we are talking about the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Leaning Tower of Pisa Pisa)
People have known about this tower since school age; a special charm and popularity was given to it by its tilted state, in which the Leaning Tower of Pisa has been for many years.
Initially, when construction work began, the architects were aware of the unstable clay soil, but the construction of the world-famous structure was not stopped. In order to ensure maximum safety, it was decided to increase the period of laying the foundation, thereby allowing the soil to subside even before the construction of the tower.
Construction took about 2 centuries, and during this time people constantly fight to maintain the integrity of the structure, which in turn tilts even more, then reduces the angle of inclination. This is also due to the flow of groundwater that passes under the foundation.
At the moment, the difference between the opposite ends of the tower’s foundation is 2 meters, which would seem to be a critical mark, but thanks to the special structure, where the center of gravity is located above the foundation, the tower pleases everyone with its appearance to this day.
The seven-story building attracts tourists not only because of the sensational problem of falling, but also due to its elegant appearance, beautiful decorations and unique architectural design. Also inside the tower there are opening galleries, the halls of which are decorated with bas-reliefs and ornaments.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is undoubtedly one of the city's most important attractions. And as scientists assure, there is no need to worry about its fall for another 3 hundred years.
Pisa Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni)
The Baptistery is located on the same “Field of Miracles” next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. And how did attentive readers react now, but why then does this building not suffer from unstable soil? In fact, the Pisa Baptistery has a certain angle of inclination, but very small, less than 1 degree. So visually it’s not even noticeable, although what will happen in hundreds of years is still unknown.
Some travel lovers make their plans and routes in advance, basing them on photographs of the most striking sights of cities. So, judging by the photographic materials, this baptistery may not make any special impression, but the opinion changes radically when you see it “eye to eye.”
Construction work began in the middle of the 12th century and continued for several hundred years. The main goal was to replace the old baptistery. The competent architect Diotisalvi took on this work; in his mind, the form of the structure should have been different - he only managed to build the walls of San Giovanni, but due to his death, Nicola Pisano completed the work.
The new architect saw the continuation differently, and the result was a baptistery with pyramidal walls and a semicircular roof in a more modern Gothic style. The end result was a rather original building.
It is also necessary to note the excellent sculptures of the pulpit made by Pisano; it took him about 5 years to create them.
Pisa Italy attractions except the Field of Miracles
Piazza Palazzo della Carovanna
(Piazza dei Carovana)
The building is located on Piazza dei Cavalieri, which delights tourists with remarkable buildings. Therefore, if you are staying in Pisa for several days, be sure to visit this place.
As the building is also called, the “Palace of Knights” is not very remarkable in its forms and the architect’s design, both outside and inside. The most attractive element is the individual unusual painting on the façade of the walls. It is for this reason that most people come here to admire and take some quality pictures.
As you know, Vasari himself did the finishing, but the coloring that we now see appeared towards the end of the 19th century. A special luxury is the staircase, which has access on both sides.
Nowadays the Normal Higher City School is located inside the building. Before its opening, some restoration work was carried out, including a slight refurbishment of the main staircase and entrance.
Piazza dei Cavalieri
(Piazza dei Cavalieri)
The square is the second most important in the city; once upon a time, celebrations by all the people took place here, as well as meetings where the main problems of the residents were discussed.
It was on Piazza dei Cavalieri that the independence of Pisa was proclaimed in 1406. The main building on the square is the higher educational institution of the Normal School - Palazzo della Caravana.
Great changes occurred during the reign of Cosimo I de' Medici. Then, on his orders, Giorgio Vasari began architectural work, one of which is the design of the church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri. Inside it are Turkish flags that were captured during the naval battle.
If you look around, you can see many different buildings that give the square its originality and beauty. And although this is a relatively small area, it is very interesting to visit here, there is something to see.
Church of Santo Stefano dei Quaglieri (Chiesa) dei Cavalieri di Santo Stefano)
The church is distinguished by its construction style; it is not made in Gothic, but in the Renaissance style. The building takes part of its name from its purpose, since by order of Cosimo I de' Medici the church was intended for the knights of St. Stefan. The church was erected in place of the old one - San Sebastiano alle Fabbice Maggiori.
The view that is available in modern times was transformed until 1859, during which time 8 architects managed to work on the church.
Of particular value inside the room are the various flags that were obtained in battles and numerous paintings.
Palazzo del Orologio ( Palazzo dell'Orologio)
The “Clock Palace” is located in Piazza dei Cavalieri, and attracts attention with its unusual shape - a half-open book. Today, the library of the Normal School is located inside.
But if you look into history, the building has gone through numerous reconstructions and restorations. In general, initially these were two different buildings that were connected by a common basement.
The clock can be seen at the top of the central part of the building (above the arch). If you raise your gaze a little higher, you can replace the small bell tower.
At first glance, you wouldn’t think that at some time this building was used for the starvation of one family, the head of which was accused of high treason. But his family also suffered punishment.
Church of Santa Maria della Spina Santa Maria della Spina)
In appearance, the church is small and seemingly unremarkable, but if you take a closer look at the building, you will notice that the facade is made of marble and looks quite beautiful. Particularly striking is the top of the building with many sculptures by Pisano and figured decoration.
It is worth going around the building from all sides; it is better to do this in a hurry, carefully examining each element. But if you are in a hurry to get inside quickly, you will be a little disappointed, since the interior design is nothing unusual - one large room with a modest ceiling decoration.
True, the sculpture located in the center of the room – the Madonna Rose – attracts the eye. If you look around, you can see a few more rather interesting statues, but that's all.
Museum Ospedale Nuovo di Santo Spirito
(The Ospedale di Santo Spirito)
The building is located on the main square of the city – the Field of Miracles. And while tourists undoubtedly admire other buildings, they are at first perplexed by this, since it is immediately unclear what it is and what it is for.
In appearance, the building fits perfectly into the area: long, low, gloomy, dark. Now it houses a museum where visitors can learn a lot of new and interesting things about culture and world art. But previously this building was intended for the treatment of patients.
Hospital of St. Spirit was built instead of a small hospital in 1257. And it played a big role for poor and sick people, as well as for abandoned children.
At first, the building was even gloomier, but during the reign of Cosimo I de' Medici, by order of the Duke, a reconstruction was carried out, which allowed it to more or less blend into the surrounding environment of the square.
The hospital began to play the role of a museum at the end of the 20th century, when various frescoes and valuables damaged after the Great Patriotic War began to be stored in the premises.
We got acquainted with the city of Pisa, the sights of which were discussed in photos and descriptions in this article. When traveling around Europe, be sure to set aside at least 1 day to visit this beautiful city. Have a nice trip!