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Pisa offers more than just a tower

19th June 2006

Many people who think of Pisa think of one thing only: its famous Leaning Tower. However, the city offers visitors far more than just the one attraction and travellers leave with many more memories of the city than that single iconic structure.

For history fans, this city in the heart of Tuscany has a long and interesting past. It was first established as a settlement over 3,000 years ago and its current layout derives from those who lived here in the 11th century.

As such, the city is full of ornate, beautiful buildings which are some of the most historic in the region, many of which are still in surprisingly good condition to this day. Pisa's cathedral, was built almost 1,000 years ago and is an imposing structure in itself. Visitors to the city are struck by the impressive building, which momentarily takes their thoughts away from its bell tower, which is better known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The Tower is the largest of its kind in Italy and can be admired from the nearby Camposanto, or Holy Field, which is one of the most picturesque cemeteries probably anywhere in the world. The buildings which surround this area combine architectural features from Moorish, Gothic and Romanesque influences.

One option for travellers looking to get an understanding of the ancient city of Pisa is to take a walk along the city's 12th century walls, which have largely survived to this day. One of the most historically important streets in Pisa is the Via Santa Maria. This is also well worth a walk, as it is lined with wonderful palaces and mansions which date back as far as the 16th century.

For those arriving on a short break, there will always be plenty to do in Pisa, long after the pictures of the famous Leaning Tower have been taken.

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