Pisa is a historic city located in Tuscany, Italy, famous for its iconic leaning tower. The city rich history dating back to the Etruscan era. It was an important maritime power during the Middle Ages. Today, Pisa is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to marvel at the leaning tower and explore the other historic sites and attractions in the city. Beyond the leaning tower, Pisa has a vibrant food scene, charming streets, and stunning architecture. Here is how to plan your day trip from Florence and things to do.
How to plan day trip to Pisa from Florence and things to do
Interesting facts about Tower of Pisa
Here are some fun facts about Pisa:
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is not the only leaning tower in Pisa. There are actually several leaning towers in the city, including the Bell Tower of San Nicola Church and the Bell Tower of San Michele degli Scalzi Church.
The University of Pisa is one of the oldest universities in Italy, founded in 1343. It counts among its alumni several Nobel Prize winners and notable scholars, including Galileo Galilei.
Pisa is famous for its cuisine, particularly its seafood dishes. Some of the most popular local dishes include cacciucco (a fish stew), fettunta (grilled bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil), and torta coi bischeri (a sweet pastry made with anise-flavored liqueur).
Pisa has been an important center of trade and commerce since ancient times. During the Middle Ages, it was one of the most powerful maritime republics in Italy, rivaling Venice and Genoa.
Pisa is home to some of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Baptistery of St. John, and the Campanile (Leaning Tower).
The Leaning Tower of Pisa was not originally intended to lean. It began leaning during construction due to the softness of the ground beneath it. The tower was straightened slightly in the 1990s to prevent it from toppling over.
Pisa has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous festivals and events taking place throughout the year. The most famous of these is the Luminara di San Ranieri, a spectacular festival of lights held in June to celebrate the patron saint of Pisa.
Pisa has been the setting for several famous works of literature, including Dante’s “Inferno” and Byron’s “Don Juan.” It has also been featured in several films, including “A Room with a View” and “The English Patient.”
How to get to Pisa from Florence
There are several ways to get from Florence to Pisa. One of the most popular options is by train, which takes about an hour and costs around 8-15 euros, depending on the type of train and the time of day. Another option is to take a bus, which takes about 1.5 hours and costs 13 euros. A third option is to rent a car and drive, which takes about an hour and provides more flexibility in terms of timing and stops along the way. Driving in Pisa can be challenging, especially in the city center where many of the major attractions are located.
How much time to spend in Pisa
If you’re planning to climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa and visit the nearby attractions such as the Pisa Cathedral and the Baptistery, it is recommended to spend at least half a day in Pisa. This will give you enough time to explore the historic sites, take some photos with the iconic Leaning Tower, and climb up the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city. However, if you want to explore the city more and visit other attractions like the Piazza dei Cavalieri, you might want to consider staying for a full day. Keep in mind that the lines for climbing the tower can be long, so it’s best to arrive early in the day to ensure you have enough time to see everything you want.
If you are planning to stop by just to take couple of pictures, one hour should be enough.
Things to do in Pisa
Pisa is a beautiful city that is famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, but there are also many other attractions to see and things to do in the city
Leaning Tower of Pisa – The Leaning Tower of Pisa is undoubtedly the most popular attraction in Pisa. Its tilted structure is due to an unstable foundation, and it has become an iconic symbol of Italy. You can climb up the tower to the top and get a fantastic view of the city.
Piazza dei Miracoli – Piazza dei Miracoli, also known as the Square of Miracles, is the main square of Pisa and home to the Leaning Tower. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to some of the most beautiful and important monuments in Italy.
Cathedral of Pisa – The Cathedral of Pisa, also known as the Duomo, is located in Piazza dei Miracoli. The cathedral’s stunning architecture and art are a testament to the wealth and power of Pisa during the Middle Ages. Inside the cathedral, you can see beautiful paintings, sculptures, and religious artifacts.
Baptistery of Pisa – The Baptistery of Pisa is an impressive octagonal building located next to the cathedral in Piazza dei Miracoli. It is a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture and is famous for its acoustics. Your can try singing or clapping to hear the echo effect.
Camposanto Monumentale – The Camposanto Monumentale, or Monumental Cemetery, is a walled cemetery located in Piazza dei Miracoli. It is famous for its frescoes and beautiful artwork, and it’s the final resting place for many prominent Pisans.
Museo dell’Opera del Duomo – The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo is a museum located in Piazza dei Miracoli. It showcases the artwork and historical artifacts from the Duomo, Baptistery, and Camposanto Monumentale. Visitors can learn about the history of these iconic Pisan landmarks.
Palazzo Blu – Palazzo Blu is a beautiful blue building located in the heart of Pisa’s historic center. It hosts temporary art exhibits and is an excellent place to discover contemporary art and culture.
Church of Santa Maria della Spina – The Church of Santa Maria della Spina is a tiny, beautiful church located on the banks of the Arno River. It is famous for its Gothic architecture and the beautiful sculptures that adorn its exterior.
Arno River – The Arno River flows through Pisa and is a beautiful spot to enjoy a walk or a bike ride. Along the banks of the river, there are many restaurants, cafes, and bars where visitors can relax and enjoy the view.
Knight’s Square – Knight’s Square is a beautiful square located in the historic center of Pisa. It is named after the Knights of St. Stephen, a Catholic military order founded in the 16th century. The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings and is an excellent place to enjoy a leisurely stroll.
