One day in Pisa
Obviously, the main sight in the city is the leaning tower of Pisa. It really is the most peculiar and impressive structure – how it is still standing is beyond me. You can climb to the top (€18) if you want the best views. Unlike most people, which looks like this without the tower in the background. The link above is to the official tower website so there won’t be any agency/tout fees – don’t you hate the touts? Only 40 people at a time are allowed inside the tower and you need to be prepared to climb 300 (old) stairs. You also need to leave your bag, including small handbags, at the left-luggage before you can climb (it’s free).
Piazza del Duomo and around the Tower
Pisa isn’t just about the Leaning Tower. Like most Italian cities there is also a Duomo (Cathedral) and Piazza del Duomo. And there lay the highlights of Pisa for me – a chance to sit on the grass The Cathedral (Duomo): If you’re not all cathedral-ed out (ti can happen pretty quickly in Europe), the Duomo is substantial and stunning – it was the biggest in Europe at the time when it was built. Entry into the Cathedral is free.
The Baptistry (the circular building): As well as being very photogenic from the outside, stand inside and you’ll stand in the place where Galileo Galilei was baptised.
Camposanto (a monumental cemetery): this long building was constructed around a field of soil that was bought back from the Crusades and serves as a burial ground. Legend has it that a body will rot within the soil within 24 hours. My advice: not the kind of place to fall over and take a long, deep nap.
Local market
The Italians do many things well but food markets is something they excel at. This one, around Piazza delle Vettovaglie is a a great stop if you’re considering a picnic lunch or just to pretend for the briefest moment that you’re living the Italian way of life.
The River Arno
There’s something magical about the Arno, especially on a sunny day. I love how it carves up the historic part of the city, how colourful the buildings are and how the locals use it as an everyday part of their city. The river is a beautiful view to watch over
Santa Maria della Spina
On the opposite side of the river from the Leaning Tower is Santa Maria della Spina, a Gothic Church that is quite the dramatic picture cast against the river, the buildings and the mountains. Sadly, it’s closed to us common folk. But nothing can really compete with the view of the river at night, which is arguably the best way to end one day in Pisa.