Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa - a great celebrity
Categories: Pisa Italy
Pisa enjoys great fame, especially because of its Leaning Tower. This world-famous building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, together with the Piazza dei Miracoli, is one of the city's main attractions. But Pisa has much more to offer, as the city in Tuscany presents a wealth of cultural and natural experiences that are second to none.
© Marcin Krzyzak / Fotolia
Mediterranean way of life, tourist hustle and bustle and quiet neighbourhood
Pisa is the capital of the province of the same name and is situated at the mouth of the Arno river into the Ligurian Sea. Besides the Leaning Tower, the city's landmark, Pisa is mainly known and loved as a student city. Besides the traditional university, Pisa has two elite universities and students make up almost half of the population.
Off the beaten tourist track, Pisa is therefore a very young, dynamic and lively city, which seems to be extinct during the holidays. In the quiet student districts like Piazza delle Vettovaglie you can enjoy urban life in small shops, cafés and rustic trattorias. Here you can also enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine with delicious pizza, pasta and homemade ice cream.
Cultural highlights and destinations
The Leaning Tower must of course be seen and climbed. It is advisable to book a ticket in advance. Of course, the bell tower is not inclined, but the ground is loamy-morasty, so that already during the building phase in the 12th up to the 14th century, the tower inclined and the desired height of 100 metres could not be reached.
The 54-metre-high bell tower made of white marble near the cathedral and the baptistery is definitely an experience. From there, you pass the Piazza dei Cavallieri with the imposing Palazzo, the shopping district Borgo Stretto and continue across the Arno to Corso Italia. Discover the medieval flair of the historic districts and visit one of the six museums in the city.
In Palazzo Blu on the Ponte di Mezzo you will be presented with Tuscan art of the 14th century and the museum captivates with the partly original preserved furnishings of the city palace from the 11th century. Here, too, it is advisable to book in advance for a guided tour. The entrance is free of charge. An oasis of peace is the botanical garden in the middle of the city with many old trees as well as rare herbs and medicinal plants.
San Rosso Migliarino Massaciuccoli Nature Park and beach life
The more than 24,000 hectare park reaches down to the sea and is home to a rich flora and dense forests as well as many wild animals. A part of the park consists of original marshland, rivers and lakes. Nearby is the Basilica Romanica di San Piero a Grado.
© djama / Fotolia
The simple building from the 11th century with interesting reliefs, ceramics and frescoes has been declared a Monument Messenger of Peace by UNSECO. Of course Pisa has beach life to offer. The pebbly Marina di Pisa is not far from the city centre.
The Marina di Vecchiano with its fine sandy beach is very popular. Here you can enjoy the sunset and grill in the evening. Nature lovers will find lonely bays and wild romantic cliffs near Calafuria.
