Pisa is certainly one of the best known Italian cities abroad, above all thanks to the fame of its leaning tower. It is also a city that lends itself to being visited in a single day, or even in half a day.

THINGS TO NOT MISS:

Piazza dei miracoli

Our walking tour of Pisa can only start from Piazza dei Miracoli (or, better, Piazza del Duomo), included among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1987. The monuments that you can visit in this huge green square are the Duomo, the Baptistery, the Monumental Cemetery and, of course, the Tower. These are the monuments that constitute the fulcrum of the religious life of the city, defined as "miracles" by Gabriele d'Annunzio in 1910 for their extreme beauty and particularity. Hence the improper name of Piazza dei Miracoli.

The Baptistery of San Giovanni

Arriving in Piazza dei Miracoli, the first building you will notice is the Baptistery dedicated to San Giovanni, the largest in Italy. Its construction lasted for more than a century and that is why the building mixes the Romanesque and Gothic styles. The visit to the Baptistery costs 5 euros and the ticket can be purchased online from 20 days to 1 day before the visit.

Il Duomo di Pisa

At the center of Piazza dei Miracoli is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, a medieval cathedral in Romanesque style. Some of the most beautiful works that you can admire inside the Cathedral are the Gothic pulpit sculpted by Giovanni Pisano, the Tomb of Emperor Henry VII by Tino da Camaino and the mosaic of Christ in Glory, completed by Cimabue in 1302.

The visit to the Pisa Cathedral is free for everyone, but you still need a ticket. If you buy online the entrance to another of the monuments of Piazza dei Miracoli, of your choice, you will also receive a ticket for the Cathedral, free and without timetable. Free hourly tickets for visits to the Cathedral alone, on the other hand, can be collected directly on site, at the ticket offices, on the day of the visit, subject to availability.

The monumental cemetery

The Camposanto, built by Giovanni di Simone in 1278, to house the tombs scattered around the Cathedral, was the last monument to rise in Piazza del Duomo. In the 14th century some wonderful frescoes were painted, many of which, unfortunately, were destroyed in a fire in July 1944.

The Camposanto can be visited for the price of 5 euros, or for the price of 7 euros in combination with the Baptistery. Tickets can be purchased online or directly on site. Admission is free for children under the age of 11 and for disabled visitors with their companion.

Piazza dei Cavalieri

Piazza dei Cavalieri is one of the most beautiful in Pisa, to be visited after having read a little about its history. This square constitutes the Renaissance center of the city. One of the most majestic buildings is the Palazzo dei Cavalieri, designed by Vasari in 1562, home to the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore, established in 1810 by Napoleon.

Borgo Stretto, the historic center of the city

Borgo Stretto, flanked by arcades, is one of the main streets of the historic centre. After visiting Piazza dei Miracoli and Piazza dei Cavalieri we took a walk here, looking at the shop windows, and heading towards the Lungarno.

Church of Santa Maria della Spina

On the Lungarno Gambacorti there is one of the most beautiful and particular churches of Pisa, the Church of Santa Maria della Spina. The name derives from the fact that one of the thorns of the crown worn by Jesus during the crucifixion was kept inside. Despite its small size, this church, covered in marble, is full of rose windows and statues inside.