Pisa City Guide
There is more to the charming University town of Pisa in Tuscany than its famous Leaning Tower, in fact the city is filled with historical monuments and artefacts. Admire paintings by Raffaello at the Museo di Palazzo Reale, take the obligatory picture next to the leaning tower and enjoy the pretty architecture of the Church of Santa Maria della Spina.
What to do and see in and around Pisa
The Leaning Tower
The Leaning Tower of Pisa dates back to 1173, the construction of the tower was overseen by Gerardo di Gerardo but was completed by Tommaso Pisano in the latter half of the 1300s due to the leaning which started at the fourth floor of the tower. The tower stands at a height of 55 metres and has undergone much reconstruction and stabilization to prevent any further leaning occurring. The tower is located on the Piazza dei Miracoli or Square of Miracles.
Baptistry
The 12th century Baptistry with its beautifully decorated exterior was built by Diotisalvi, who was also responsible for the Church of Santo Sepolcro. The attractive font is the jewel of the Baptistry’s interior.
Camposanto
One of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world, the Camposanto monumentale dates back to the 12th century, but construction was only completed in 1464. The cemetery also serves as a gallery for Roman sculptures and Sarcophagi.
Duomo
At the heart of the Square of Miracles is the magnificent Duomo made of marble and white stone. Dating back to the 12th century a walk around the interior of the cathedral will reveal many treasures such as mosaics, elaborate carvings and the sarcophagus of the Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII.
Church of Santa Maria della Spina
Dating back to 1230 this pretty little church was originally built on the banks of the River Arno. During the 1800s it was moved to street level to prevent it sinking. The church is a perfect example of the “Pisan Gothic” style.
Museo Nazionale di S. Matteo
Located on the Piazza San Matteo this fascinating museum displays medieval ceramics, paintings and sculptures from 12th – 13th century Pisa. However as with most of the museums in Pisa the building is an attraction in itself.
Museo Dell’Opera Del Duomo
The former presbytery of the Cathedral is now the home to pieces originally intended for the cathedral, leaning tower and Baptistry. Visit the museum and see work by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, Tino di Camaino, Nino Pisano and Andrea Guardi amongst others.
Natural History Museum
This grand building founded in the late 16th century is part of the University of Pisa and contains a wealth of exhibits including 18th century shells, vertebrate and insects.
Palazzo Reale
The Royal Palace was built in the 16th century for the Medici family as a holiday home away from the heat of Florence. The palace has a tower Torre della Verga d'Oro which is said to have been used by Galileo for star gazing purposes. This vast building is also home to the Museo di Palazzo Reale which features important artwork including paintings by Raffaello and pieces by Canova.
Cittadella Medicea with its Torre Guelfa
This unusual looking red brick building and tower is the remnants of the Republican Arsenal of Pisa, built in the early 13th century in order to defend the bridge of Degazia which is no longer there.
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