Pisa, the city known for its famous Leaning Tower, boasts not only one of the world’s most famous monuments, but also a rich history, fascinating architectural wonders and a fascinating culture. Pisa is the perfect destination for those interested in art, history, gastronomy and the Tuscan lifestyle. In this blog post, we’ll show you the city’s main attractions, interesting historical sites and how to get from Livorno to Pisa with ease
Pisa is just 20-25 km from Livorno, which is an easy 20-30 minute drive or train ride.
History & Attractions.
Pisa’s history dates back over 2,000 years and the city was a major trading and naval centre in Roman times. In the Middle Ages, Pisa developed as a city-state and was famous for its navy, which won many naval battles. In the 11th and 12th centuries, Pisa became one of the economic and cultural centres of the Tuscan region, with architectural masterpieces such as the Duomo di Pisa and the Ferde Cathedral. At the end of the 13th century, however, the city lost power and came under the rule of Genoa and Florence. Pisa has preserved its artistic and religious heritage and has remained a major tourist destination in modern times.Pisa is a real historical treasure that has shaped the cultural heritage of Tuscany for over 800 years. The Piazza dei Miracoli (Miracles Square) in the city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprising three main monuments, all of which are true masterpieces.
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Pisa’s most famous landmark is the famous Leaning Tower, begun in 1173 and completed in 1399. This magnificent monument was designed as the bell tower of Pisa Cathedral, and although it was intended to be perfectly vertical during its construction, the instability of the ground caused the tower to tilt from the start. Due to the weight of the building and the weakness of the substructure, the tower’s famous leaning became more and more noticeable over the years. The tower is 56 metres high and has 251 steps leading up to the top, from where you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the city of Pisa and its surroundings. Visitors often take photographs depicting the iconic ‘tower-holding’ position, a classic moment that every tourist wants to capture. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is not only an architectural marvel, but a true historical icon, an important symbol for tourists and locals alike.
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The Duomo of Pisa, located in the centre of Piazza dei Miracoli, is one of the finest examples of Romanesque churches. Its construction began in 1063 and the interior is decorated with impressive mosaics, sculptures and marble tiles, reflecting the work of many famous artists. Construction continued until the 16th century, when bronze doors and a golden ceiling were added by the Medicis. The dome is distinguished by its colonnades, Byzantine-style mosaics and stunning golden ceiling, which make the interior of the building even more splendid. Admission is free, but you must book an appointment at the ticket office. If you buy a ticket for the Leaning Tower, it also includes admission to the cathedral, so you don’t need to buy a separate ticket. As it is a religious site, it is important to visit in respectful dress.
The Chapel of St John the Baptist is located right next to the leaning tower of Pisa, and is actually taller than the tower itself. Its construction began in 1152 and was completed by 1363. The exterior of the chapel is extremely ornate, with intricate reliefs that show a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The unusual stacked domes and the bronze statue of John the Baptist make this architectural masterpiece one of the most interesting religious buildings in Pisa.
Camposanto, Pisa’s famous cemetery, is a place that evokes a blend of history and legend. Legend has it that the cemetery was built here on the spot where the Crusaders deposited the earth they brought from the Holy Land, giving the name „Campo Santo”, meaning „Holy Field” a special significance. The monastery building is surrounded by a beautiful garden that offers visitors a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. The Fresco Hall contains a number of 14th century frescoes that add religious and artistic value to the place. There are also three chapels in the cemetery, each of which houses unique works of art. Galileo’s famous lamp, which he used in his astronomical calculations, is located in the Aulla Chapel, adding to the scientific and historical importance of the site.
Piazza dei Cavalieri, or the Square of the Knights, was once the medieval centre of Pisa and probably the site of the city’s Roman Forum. It is here that the ornate Palazzo dei Cavalieri (Palace of the Cavalieri), the seat of the Order of St. Stephen, founded in 1561, stands. Today the palace is home to the University Normale di Pisa, founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1810. The Palazzo dell’Orologio, once the seat of the medieval government, is now the university library. The square is still one of the city’s cultural and historical centres, linking Pisa’s past and present.
Tuscan cuisine is based on simple but delicious dishes made with fresh and local ingredients. Pisa is no exception and offers visitors a wide range of delicacies.
Ribollita is a simple, ‘poor’ dish of typical peasant origin, whose name dates back to the early 20th century. The name means ‘re-cooked’, which suggests that peasant women used to make large quantities of it, especially on Fridays, as it was a meatless, lean dish. On the following days it was re-cooked in a pan, making it even tastier. It is an iconic dish of Tuscan cuisine, made mainly of bread, beans and vegetables. Despite its simplicity, ribollita is a rich and nutritious dish that is still popular in Tuscany today.
Panzanella is a fresh, light bread salad made with tomatoes, cucumber, onion and olive oil. This dish is ideal for a hot summer day.
Pisa is not only famous for its world-famous leaning tower, but also for being a city with deep historical roots, fascinating monuments and a real Tuscan atmosphere. Walking around the city, you can discover the perfect harmony of past and present while enjoying local food, wine and wonderful architectural masterpieces.