Italo guides you in an exploration of Pisa, the beautiful city of the Leaning Tower: the walking itinerary.
10 Things you must see in Pisa for a day
- Piazza Vittorio Emanuele
- Corso Italia e Piazza delle Vettovaglie
- Lungarni
- Piazza dei Miracoli
- The Leaning Tower
- Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
- Baptistery of Saint John
- Cimitero Monumentale
- Galileo Museum
- Piazza dei Cavalieri
Looking for a unique and cultural experience for your next Italian getaway? Pisa, renowned for its iconic Leaning Tower, offers much more than just a photo opportunity. This ancient city is a treasure trove of art, history, and charm.
Also, if you are staying in Florence, Pisa is an excellent destination for a day trip. In fact it is about an hour by train from Florence
Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or simply seeking a memorable day trip, our itinerary will guide you through Pisa’s must-see attractions. From the Piazza del Duomo to the Arno River, explore the city’s vibrant atmosphere and rich heritage.
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele
Begin your Pisa exploration at the Pisa Centrale Train Station. A short walk will lead you to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, a charming elliptical square featuring a statue of the King of Italy. Surrounded by significant buildings like the Post Office and Provincial Administration Building, this square offers a glimpse into Pisa’s local life.
Just a few steps away lies the Church of Sant’Antonio, a hidden gem. Don’t miss its exterior wall, adorned with the largest mural in Europe, “Tuttomondo” by Keith Haring. If you’re a street art enthusiast, this is a must-see because this vibrant artwork is one of the largest and most significant pieces Haring ever produced.
The mural is characterized by Haring’s signature style, featuring bold, colorful figures and symbols that evoke a sense of energy and optimism. The composition is a complex interplay of lines, shapes, and colors, creating a visually striking and thought-provoking piece.
“Tuttomondo” is a testament to Haring’s artistic vision and his commitment to social and political causes. The work’s title, which translates to “All World,” reflects the artist’s desire to create art that would resonate with people from all walks of life.
Corso Italia e Piazza delle Vettovaglie
Corso Italia is one of Pisa’s main arteries, a long avenue that crosses the city from north to south, connecting the train station to the pedestrian area of the historic center. It is a lively street, full of shops, bars, and restaurants, offering an excellent introduction to everyday Pisan life.
At the end of Corso Italia, the charming Piazza delle Vettovaglie opens up. Born in the 16th century as a city market, the square still preserves its original charm today, with porticos, shops, and locals that animate daily life and especially nightlife.
An Ancient and Lively Market:
- Gastronomy: The square is a paradise for food lovers. Here you can find local products, cheeses, cured meats, fresh fish, and much more.
- Atmosphere: The atmosphere is lively and authentic, with the smell of fresh bread and the chatter of vendors creating a unique atmosphere.
- Architecture: The buildings surrounding the square are a mix of architectural styles, from medieval to Renaissance, giving the square an atmosphere rich in history.
Italy’s Outdoor Markets: A Guide to Shopping and Local Flavours
Explore Italy’s outdoor markets to discover vintage finds, fresh produce, and rare antiques. This guide offers a journey through the local lifestyle and rich traditions.
Explore the Lungarni: Pisa’s Riverfront Beauty
The second leg of your Pisa adventure takes you along the picturesque Lungarni, Pisa’s charming riverside streets. A leisurely stroll from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele (about 700 meters) will lead you to this tranquil area.
The Lungarni offer a delightful mix of relaxation and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance, admire the river views, and soak up the local atmosphere. As evening approaches, the Lungarni come alive with the warm glow of sunset, casting stunning reflections on the Arno River.
Don’t miss the Lungarno Mediceo, lined with historic noble palaces and the beautiful Church of San Matteo in Soarta. For a truly memorable experience, visit the Lungarno Gambacorti, where you’ll find the enchanting Church of Santa Maria della Spina.
Piazza dei Miracoli
After exploring the city’s charming riverside areas, head to the most iconic attraction: Piazza dei Miracoli. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, named after Gabriele D’Annunzio, is a must-see.
From the Lungarni, a pleasant 12-minute walk along Via Roma will bring you to this vast pedestrian square. Marvel at the breathtaking ensemble of the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Monumental Cemetery, and the Baptistery of St. John.
- Leaning Tower: Obviously, the Tower is the main attraction. You can add some anecdotes about its tilt, such as the legend that Galileo Galilei used it for his experiments on gravity.
- Cathedral: The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. You can mention its richly decorated interior with polychrome marbles and mosaics.
- Baptistery: The Baptistery of St. John is famous for its octagonal baptismal font and its exceptional acoustics.
- Camposanto: This ancient monumental cemetery houses frescoes and sculptures of great artistic value.
The leaning Tower
No visit to Pisa is complete without ascending the iconic Leaning Tower. This world-famous bell tower, located near the Duomo, has become a symbol of the city.
Constructed in 1173, the tower’s distinctive tilt is a result of gradual ground settlement over time. Interestingly, the tower’s axis of gravity aligns with its foundation base, ensuring its stability.
Embark on a 294-step climb to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view of Pisa. The cost is €18 for a 30-minute visit. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience!
Curiosity: The Tower’s tilt is due to a ground settlement during construction.
Fun Facts About Italy You Didn’t Know
Dive into ItaloBlog’s intriguing list of 20 fun facts about Italy – from its record number of UNESCO sites to the invention of pizza. Fun Facts About Italy You Didn’t Know
Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta
After conquering the Leaning Tower, immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. This stunning Romanesque masterpiece dates back to 1118 and is renowned for its striking white and gray marble exterior.
Step inside to discover a treasure trove of art. Admire the exquisite works of Beccafumi, a follower of Michelangelo, the captivating canvases by Manetti, and the massive bronze chandelier, often mistakenly referred to as Galileo’s Lamp. The cathedral’s coffered ceiling and Giovanni Pisano’s Pulpit, erected in 1311, are additional highlights.
Best of all, admission to the cathedral is free, making it a must-visit attraction.
Baptistery of Saint John
Step outside the cathedral and explore the Baptistery of St. John, the largest baptistery in Christianity. This impressive structure boasts a circumference of 107 meters and a height of 55 meters, matching the dimensions of the cathedral’s facade.
Constructed in 1152, the baptistery showcases a blend of materials, including red tiles and lead plates, likely due to financial limitations. Inside, admire the exquisite baptismal font, a 13th-century masterpiece by Guido Bigarelli da Como, and the stunning pulpit.
A full ticket to the baptistery costs €5.
Cimitero Monumentale
Conclude your tour of Piazza dei Miracoli with a visit to the Monumental Cemetery, located on the north side of the square. This sacred site holds a special significance as it was where Crusaders brought soil from Mount Golgotha.
For centuries, prominent Pisan figures have been laid to rest here. As you wander through the cemetery, admire the breathtaking frescoes that adorn the walls, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of Pisa.
The cost of the full ticket is €5.
Italy’s Religious Heritage: A Journey Through Historic Churches and Cathedrals
These are just a few of the many beautiful churches in Italy. With its rich religious history and stunning architecture, Italy is a must-visit destination for any traveler interested in churches.
Galileo Museum in Pisa: A Journey into the Heart of Science
The Galileo Museum in Pisa is a true treasure for science and history enthusiasts. Dedicated to the life and works of Galileo Galilei, one of the greatest scientists of all time, this museum offers a fascinating immersion into the world of science and technology.
Originally known as the Institute and Museum of the History of Science, the museum was founded in 1929. Over the years, it has undergone several transformations and expansions, becoming an international reference point for the study of the history of science.
Inside the museum, you can admire a vast collection of original scientific instruments, many dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Among the most precious pieces, we find:
- Telescopes: Including a replica of the telescope with which Galileo made his famous astronomical observations.
- Terrestrial and celestial globes: Ancient instruments used to study geography and astronomy.
- Timekeeping instruments: Clocks, sundials, and other instruments used to measure time precisely.
- Measuring instruments: Scales, weights, and other instruments used to measure mass and other physical quantities.
- Manuscripts and documents: Including some of Galileo’s original works.
Piazza dei Cavalieri (Knights’ Square)
As day turns into evening, conclude your Pisa exploration with a visit to the enchanting Piazza dei Cavalieri. This picturesque square is home to the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore, housed within the magnificent Palazzo della Carovana.
Admire the architectural beauty of the Palazzo dell’Orologio, which incorporates the Muda Tower, also known as the Hunger Tower. Legend has it that Count Ugolino della Gherardesca, his sons, and grandsons were imprisoned here, as famously depicted in Dante’s Divine Comedy.
Explore Pisa with Italo: Train and Bus Connections
Discover Pisa’s iconic Leaning Tower and more with Italo’s convenient train and bus connections. Enjoy a seamless travel experience and explore the city’s rich history and culture.
