Things to Do in Pisa, Italy: Best Tourist Attractions

Discover Pisa beyond the Leaning Tower! Explore the Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the iconic 56-meter tower with its 5.5-degree tilt, the Duomo, Baptistery, and Monumental Cemetery. Journey through time, from the Romanesque Duomo to the Gothic Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina. Immerse yourself in art and culture at Palazzo Blu and the Museo di San Matteo. Find tranquility in the Botanical Garden and Giardino Scotto. Experience Pisa’s rich history and charm. Start your Italian adventure today!

Important information

• The Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site, houses the Leaning Tower, Cathedral, Baptistery, and Monumental Cemetery.
• The Leaning Tower, completed in 1372, leans at a 5.5-degree angle and stands 56 meters tall.
• The Duomo di Pisa (Cathedral), built between 1064 and 1118, showcases Pisan-Romanesque architecture and houses significant religious relics.
• Visitors can explore Pisa’s rich history at the Museo di San Matteo and Palazzo Blu, or relax in the Orto Botanico and Giardino Scotto.
• The Arno River flows through Pisa, offering scenic walks and enhancing the city’s beauty.

Top Things to Do in Pisa, Italy: Best Tourist Attractions

Pisa offers much more than its iconic Leaning Tower. While the Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-see, there’s much more to discover. Start your journey at the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower, the Duomo di Pisa (Cathedral), the Baptistery, and the Monumental Cemetery. Then, explore the exquisite Gothic architecture of the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina. Immerse yourself in Pisa’s vibrant cultural scene at venues like Palazzo Blu and the Museo di San Matteo. Find tranquility in the Botanical Garden and Giardino Scotto. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Arno River, which enhances the city’s beauty. Pisa’s historic center is easily walkable, allowing you to fully experience its charm.

Exploring Pisa’s Rich History and Historical Monuments

Pisa, the provincial capital, is a treasure trove of historical monuments. At its heart stands the Duomo, founded in 1064, a testament to architectural brilliance. Every June, the city celebrates its patron saint with the Feast of St. Ranieri. From Romanesque wonders to Gothic masterpieces, Pisa offers a captivating journey through time.

1. Discovering the Leaning Tower of Pisa

The iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, formally known as the Torre Pendente, is renowned for its unintentional tilt of 5.5 degrees. Construction of this freestanding bell tower for the adjacent cathedral began in 1173 and concluded in 1372. The lean, a consequence of soft ground, became apparent during construction. Standing approximately 56 meters tall, the tower is part of the Piazza dei Miracoli, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. While stabilization efforts ensure visitor safety, the adventurous can still ascend its 297 steps.

2. Exploring Piazza dei Miracoli: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a truly unique experience. This stunning square houses iconic landmarks:

• The Leaning Tower,
• The Cathedral,
• The Baptistery,
• The Camposanto Monumentale.

Each gleaming white marble structure stands majestically within a peaceful, grassy expanse. The car-free zone creates a tranquil atmosphere where visitors can enjoy picturesque views and leisurely strolls. A must-see highlight of any trip to Pisa, the piazza offers remarkable artworks within the Cathedral and breathtaking panoramic city views from atop the Leaning Tower.

3. Visiting Duomo di Pisa: A Romanesque Architectural Wonder

Construction on Pisa Cathedral, also known as Duomo di Pisa, began in 1064 and concluded in 1118, showcasing the exquisite Pisan-Romanesque style. Its exterior is adorned with intricate arches and colonnades. The interior houses treasures like Giovanni Pisano’s pulpit and breathtaking apse mosaics. The Duomo’s opulence extends to gold gilding and paintings, further demonstrating Pisa’s medieval architectural mastery. It also serves as a repository for important religious relics.

4. Admiring the Battistero di San Giovanni

The Pisa Baptistery, renowned for its intricate marble carvings, is a celebrated landmark, drawing visitors worldwide.

5. Strolling Through the Historic Camposanto

Pisa’s Camposanto Monumentale, or “Holy Field,” is a remarkable cemetery with a unique history. Located in the Piazza dei Miracoli, this large, rectangular cloister is believed to hold sacred soil brought from Golgotha during the Crusades. Within its walls, an impressive collection awaits, featuring Roman sarcophagi and Etruscan artifacts that hint at an even more ancient past. Originally, vibrant frescoes depicting biblical scenes adorned the walls, but many suffered damage during World War II. Ongoing restoration efforts have breathed new life into some of these masterpieces. Visitors can also explore the Sinopie Museum, which displays the preparatory sketches that lie beneath the frescoes, offering a fascinating glimpse into the artistic process. The Camposanto serves as a powerful reminder of Pisa’s rich history and enduring artistic legacy.

6. Marveling at Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina’s Gothic Architecture

Nestled on the banks of the Arno River in Pisa, the Santa Maria della Spina church stands as a testament to Pisan Gothic architecture. Constructed in 1230, this exquisite church earned its name from a relic it once housed—a thorn (“spina”) believed to have been part of Jesus Christ’s crown. The church’s facade is a masterpiece of ornate design, adorned with intricate carvings and a multitude of spires, reflecting Pisa’s rich architectural history. Its picturesque riverside location adds to its allure, making it a cherished destination for visitors.

7. Experiencing Piazza dei Cavalieri: Pisa’s Educational Hub

Pisa’s second largest square, Piazza dei Cavalieri, stands as the city’s renowned center of learning. This historic site houses impressive structures, including the Palazzo della Carovana and the 16th-century church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri. Once the political heart of Pisa, reflecting its rich maritime past, the square now thrives as a vibrant hub for culture and academics.

10. Discovering the University Town: Università di Pisa and Scuola Normale Superiore

The University of Pisa, established in 1343, is one of the world’s oldest universities, celebrated for its programs in physics, mathematics, and engineering. Pisa also boasts the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore, further enhancing the city’s dynamic academic environment. Together, these institutions solidify Pisa as a prominent center of learning.

8. Cultural Insights at Palazzo Blu

Overlooking the Arno River on Pisa’s Lungarno, the striking blue Palazzo Blu is a center for cultural activities and temporary exhibits. Its vibrant façade gives the building its name and offers visitors breathtaking views. Inside, exhibitions explore the city’s rich history and art, providing fascinating insights into Pisa’s vibrant past. A visit to Palazzo Blu promises an enriching experience, deepening your understanding of this Italian city’s heritage.

12. Visiting the Museo di San Matteo

The Museo di San Matteo in Pisa offers a captivating journey through the region’s medieval art. Its collection boasts stunning sculptures, vibrant paintings, and intricate illuminated manuscripts, each a testament to the area’s rich artistic heritage. These artifacts not only tell stories of the past, but also reveal the remarkable skill and creativity of the time.

13. Exploring Pisa’s Medieval City Walls

Experience Pisa’s history from a unique vantage point by walking along its medieval walls. Explore the city’s impressive fortifications and enjoy stunning panoramic views.

11. Relaxing at Orto Botanico and Giardino Scotto

Both gardens offer a tranquil escape from the bustling streets of Pisa.

14. Taking in Views of the Arno River

The Arno River flows through Pisa, enhancing the city’s charm and offering delightful strolls along its banks. Its picturesque views contribute to Pisa’s beauty, creating a relaxing atmosphere for leisurely walks. The Arno River is essential to the city’s appeal.