Located 7.5 kilometers from the Tyrrhenian Sea on both banks of the Arno River. It played an important role in ancient Roman times, and during the Middle Ages, it was owned by several families and was under Florence’s authority.

Pisa attractions

Piazza dei Miracoli

Pisa’s most important and well-known historical site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

The name „Square of Miracles” comes from a work by Italian writer Gabriele d’Annunzio and perfectly expresses the magic of the place. The square is home to four outstanding architectural masterpieces: the Pisa Cathedral, the Leaning Tower, the Baptistery of St. John, and the Monumental Cemetery (Camposanto Monumentale). Together, these buildings are among the finest examples of medieval Tuscan architecture.

Leaning Tower of Pisa (Torre Pendente)

I think everyone knows one of the world’s most famous structures.

Construction began in 1173, originally intended as the bell tower for the adjacent cathedral. After just a few years, they noticed that the structure was tilting because the soil beneath its foundation wasn’t solid enough. Work was interrupted several times and finally completed only in the early 14th century.

The tower is 56 meters tall, and its current tilt is approximately 4 degrees, although it originally leaned more, but restoration work in recent decades has helped stabilize it. The structure has eight floors and is built externally of white marble, with decorative arcades and columns. Inside, 294 steps lead to the top, offering a magnificent panorama of Pisa.

Pisa Cathedral (Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta)

It was a symbol of Pisa’s maritime power, and its architectural solutions greatly influenced later Tuscan churches.

Construction began in 1063 based on designs by architect Buscheto and was completed in the 12th century. Its facade is made of white and gray marble, adorned with finely crafted columns and arches. Above the main entrance are mosaics and reliefs, while the interior features huge columns, gilded ceiling, and breathtaking mosaics.

One of the cathedral’s most outstanding artistic works is Giovanni Pisano’s pulpit, carved in the early 14th century. The intricately carved reliefs depict biblical scenes and are considered one of the finest examples of Italian Gothic art. The mosaic above the main altar was created by Cimabue and depicts Christ enthroned.

Baptistery of St. John (Battistero di San Giovanni)

One of Pisa’s most imposing buildings is located directly in front of the cathedral.

Construction began in 1153 based on architect Diotisalvi’s plans and continued for more than two centuries, finally completing in the 14th century. The baptistery is the largest in Italy, with a height of 54 meters and a circumference of 107.25 meters.

The building’s style shows a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The lower level has massive Romanesque vaults, while the upper section is decorated with finely crafted Gothic arcades and pointed arches. The facade is made of white marble. The baptistery’s dome was once covered with red tiles, but today the natural stone color dominates.

Its most important artwork is the octagonal baptismal font created by Guido Bigarelli. However, the baptistery’s most outstanding feature is Nicola Pisano’s pulpit carved in 1265, which depicts finely crafted biblical scenes and is considered a precursor to the Italian Renaissance.

The Monumental Cemetery (Camposanto Monumentale)

It got its name from the Latin „Campo Santo” (holy field) because, according to legend, the cemetery’s soil was brought from Jerusalem in the 12th century to bury Pisa’s nobles and famous citizens.

The Camposanto is a long, arcaded building that surrounds a closed courtyard. Its marble walls feature elegant Gothic arches and intricately crafted decorations. Inside the building are wonderful frescoes that rank among the masterpieces of medieval and Renaissance art. The most famous work is The Triumph of Death by Francesco Traini and Buonamico Buffalmacco.

The cemetery is the final resting place of several famous Tuscan artists and was for centuries the burial place of Pisa’s most distinguished citizens and church dignitaries.

Piazza dei Cavalieri

The Knights’ Square was the political center of the city during the Middle Ages.

It was named after the Order of Knights of St. Stephen. The square’s architectural appearance is largely thanks to Giorgio Vasari, who redesigned it in Renaissance style in the 16th century under Medici commission.

A significant building on the square is the Palazzo dell’Orologio, which was created by connecting two medieval towers. A tragic story is associated with the tower: Count Ugolino della Gherardesca starved to death here, who is mentioned by Dante in the Inferno of the Divine Comedy.

Palazzo della Carovana

Located in Piazza dei Cavalieri, this palace is the square’s most beautiful building.

One of Pisa’s most impressive Renaissance palaces was originally built in the 12th century. Giorgio Vasari completely transformed it in the 16th century under Cosimo I de’ Medici’s commission to serve as the headquarters of the Order of Knights of St. Stephen. The name „Carovana” (caravan) refers to the fact that knights were trained here for naval battles.

Its facade is one of the building’s most spectacular features. It’s covered with gray and white sgraffito decorations depicting geometric patterns, allegorical figures, and astronomical symbols. Cosimo I de’ Medici’s coat of arms and several famous Medici family symbols are visible on the wall. Above the entrance rises a balcony decorated with the knights’ order’s cross.

Church of Santa Maria della Spina

Located on the banks of the Arno River, the church was named after a relic that allegedly contained a piece of Christ’s crown of thorns.

It was originally built around 1230 as a smaller structure, then significantly expanded and richly decorated in the 14th century. The pure white and gray marble facade is one of the finest examples of Pisan Gothic architecture. The building is decorated with intricately crafted pointed arches, carved rose windows, and small statues, notably featuring the Madonna and Child, along with statue groups depicting various saints.

Despite its small size, its interior is extraordinarily beautiful. One of its most important artworks is Andrea Pisano’s famous Madonna statue, which is a masterpiece of Italian medieval sculpture with its finely crafted details and deep religious expression.

Guelph Tower (Torre Guelfa)

Less known because of the Leaning Tower, but this had military significance.

Originally built in the 15th century under the rule of the Florentine Republic to strengthen the city’s defenses and symbolize the power of the Guelphs – the papal supporters. It was named after this political group, who opposed the Ghibellines (imperial supporters).

It was severely damaged during World War II and wasn’t fully restored until the late 20th century. Today it functions as an observation point, offering wonderful panoramic views of the city and the Arno River.

Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico di Pisa)

One of Italy’s and Europe’s oldest botanical gardens was founded in 1543 by famous botanist Luca Ghini.

The garden features various themed sections, such as the medicinal herb garden, Mediterranean plant collection, and tropical greenhouses. Among the plants found here are numerous rare and exotic species.

One of the garden’s most important attractions is the 18th-century botanical museum, which displays old plant samples, herbariums, and botanical illustrations.

All information can be found here!

National Museum of San Matteo

One of Pisa’s most important art museums houses the most valuable collections of medieval and Renaissance Tuscan art.

The museum was established in the early 20th century to preserve the most important religious artifacts from Pisa and its surroundings. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and religious relics, mainly from the period between the 12th and 17th centuries.

One of its most outstanding sections is the collection of medieval wooden sculptures, which is unique in Europe. Among the most valuable pieces are works by Nicola Pisano and Donatello, as well as a 13th-century Christ sculpture, which is a masterpiece of Pisan Romanesque style.

The museum’s painting collection is also special, featuring works by renowned artists such as Simone Martini, Masaccio, Fra Angelico, and Lippo Memmi. One of the most famous paintings is the „Madonna del Latte”.

All information can be found here!

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The 7 best museums in Florence

Uffizi Gallery (Galleria degli Uffizi)

The 16th-century building houses a vast collection of Renaissance paintings and masterpieces.

Founded in 1581, the initial collections were created through the generous patronage of the Medici. It was designed by Giorgio Vasari, the court architect of Cosimo I de’ Medici, who was not only an architect but also the biographer of the most excellent painters, sculptors, and architects.

Its collection spans from the 13th to the 18th century and is particularly rich in works by Italian Renaissance masters. The museum’s collection was started by the Medici family and has been continuously expanded over the years.

Works by artists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Caravaggio, and Dürer can be seen. The museum’s galleries present the artworks in chronological order.

Entry is free for those under 18! There are also free days for everyone!

All information is here!

Gallery of the Academy (Galleria dell’Accademia)

Founded in 1784 by Grand Duke Pietro Leopoldo, it was originally an art school for the Florence Academy of Fine Arts. The institution’s purpose was for art students to study the works of old masters.

The museum became famous essentially for one work, as it houses the David statue. Michelangelo created the statue from a single piece of marble over 3 years. It was originally placed at the Piazza della Signoria but was moved here in 1873.

The gallery’s collection includes numerous Renaissance paintings, including works by masters such as Paolo Uccello, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Sandro Botticelli, and Andrea del Sarto. These works span the period from the 13th to the 16th century, showcasing the development of Renaissance painting.

There’s also a collection of musical instruments from the Luigi Cherubini Conservatory. You can learn about the history and development of music.

All information is here!

Bargello Museum (Museo Nazionale del Bargello)

The sculptural and decorative arts collection of medieval and Renaissance Italy can be seen here. It’s one of the most important museums in Italy, housing numerous Renaissance masterpieces.

Its collection mainly consists of sculptures, medals, ceramics, jewelry, and textiles. It’s particularly famous for its unparalleled collection of Renaissance sculpture. Among the most famous artists are Donatello, Verrocchio, and Cellini.

Entry is free for those under 18! There are also free days for everyone!

All information is here!

Galileo Museum

The science museum in Palazzo Castellani showcases Galileo Galilei’s discoveries along with a large collection of artifacts.

It consists of more than 5,000 objects covering various fields of science, including astronomy, physics, mathematics, cartography, and medicine.

The museum houses two original telescopes used by Galileo for his celestial observations, including the discovery of Jupiter’s moons and the observation of Venus’s phases.

Entry is free for those under 6!

All information is here!

Gallery of Modern Art (Galleria d’Arte Moderna)

Located in one wing of the Pitti Palace, it displays Italian artworks from the 18th century to the early 20th century.

One of the most important parts of the gallery showcases works by the Macchiaioli group. This 19th-century Tuscan art movement was a precursor to Impressionism and includes works by artists such as Giovanni Fattori, Silvestro Lega, and Telemaco Signorini.

Neoclassical and Romantic style works from the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, such as sculptures by Antonio Canova and paintings by Francesco Hayez, are also exhibited.

All information is here!

Leonardo da Vinci Museum

It contains one of the world’s largest collections of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions, works, and scientific research.

The museum’s collection includes models of many of Leonardo da Vinci’s original manuscripts, drawings, and inventions. The exhibitions showcase Leonardo’s versatile activities, including art, science, engineering, and music.

Among the objects are flying machines, hydraulic machines, war devices, and anatomical drawings.

All information is here!

Stibbert Museum

The museum’s founder, Frederick Stibbert, was a wealthy British-Italian collector and patron who dedicated his life to collecting European, Asian, and Islamic artifacts.

Stibbert (1838-1906) was born into a wealthy British-Italian family and used his inheritance to create a vast collection of artifacts. Stibbert collected artifacts throughout his life and transformed his home, Villa di Montughi, into a museum.

It has over 50,000 objects from various parts of the world. The collection is particularly rich in weapons, armor, clothing, paintings, furniture, and decorative objects.

One of the most important parts of the museum is the collection of weapons and armor. This includes European knightly armor, Japanese samurai armor, as well as weapons from various eras and cultures.

All information is here!

Best museums in the world

There are many great museums in the world. Here are some of the best!

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The city, spread across both banks of the Arno River in its valley, has a long history. For centuries, it was ruled by the Medici family. From 1865 to 1871, it was also the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. It is home to countless historical and artistic attractions. In 1982, UNESCO declared its historic city center a World Heritage site.

Florence attractions

Ponte Vecchio

The „Old Bridge” is one of Florence’s most famous and spectacular sights. The medieval bridge spans the Arno River and is famous for the shops lining it, which have been operating in the same form for centuries.

The bridge consists of three large arches and is made entirely of stone. Its uniqueness lies in the shops located on both sides of the bridge. Initially, these shops were butchers and leather workers, but at the end of the 16th century, Grand Duke Ferdinand I of Tuscany ordered that only goldsmiths and jewelers could sell here due to the unpleasant odors.

Above the shops is the Vasari Corridor (Corridoio Vasariano), which was built in 1565 based on Giorgio Vasari’s plans. King Cosimo I had it built so he wouldn’t have to encounter ordinary people.

Florence Cathedral

The cathedral is the 4th largest in Europe. The orange dome stands out in the city’s skyline; when it was built, the goal was for its monumentality to „rise above” other cities.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1296 based on Arnolfo di Cambio’s plans and took more than 140 years, finishing in 1436. During the long construction period, many renowned artists and architects worked on it.

Its most spectacular part is the orange dome. It’s Filippo Brunelleschi’s ingenious invention and engineering masterpiece. The double-shell structured dome is 45 meters in diameter and built from more than 4 million bricks.

You can climb up into the dome, but it requires ascending 463 steps. In return, you’re rewarded with a beautiful panorama.

Next to the cathedral stands a bell tower (Campanile), which you can climb up via stairs. It also offers a very good view from the top.

Entrance to the cathedral is free, but other areas require a fee!

All information is here!

Basilica of San Lorenzo

The Medici family treated this externally simple, barely decorated building as their home church. The church is in the form of a basilica, designed by Brunelleschi.

The interior, however, is rich in marble, a Renaissance creation that’s not ostentatious outwardly, but inwardly. The first church on this site was consecrated in 393 AD.

In the Old Sacristy, several members of the Medici family are buried here. We can also see two bronze reliefs by Donatello here.

Several chapels are connected to the church, spanning multiple construction periods in the 16th-17th centuries. The later-built Princes’ Chapel is particularly ornate, with its striking height of 59 meters.

Basilica of Santa Croce

The world’s largest Franciscan church, where the priestly order was also founded.

Many famous people rest in the church. Here are the burial places of Michelangelo, Machiavelli, Galileo, and Rossini.

Its interior is decorated with works by several famous Florentine artists, including Giotto, Donatello, Brunelleschi, and Masaccio. One of the basilica’s outstanding artworks is Donatello’s statue of St. George, as well as frescoes by del Sarto and Giorgio Vasari.

Basilica of Santa Maria Novella

One of Florence’s iconic churches, it’s a gem of both Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Its foundation dates back to the early 13th century when members of the Dominican order began its construction. However, the construction took a long time, and the church was completed in its current form at the end of the 15th century.

In the interior space, they used a special architectural trick to elongate the space. The rear columns gradually got closer to each other. Because of this, from the main entrance, the human eye perceives the church’s dimensions as more spacious and deeper. At the entrance, the column spacing is 15 meters, while at the end, it’s 11.5 meters.

Palazzo Vecchio

Located in Piazza della Signoria.

It was the seat of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, then a governor’s palace, and is now the city hall. The Vasari Corridor starts here and goes across the Ponte Vecchio.

There are many statues in the square, including a replica of the David statue in front of Palazzo Vecchio.

Piazzale Michelangelo

This park is the city’s best viewpoint. It offers excellent views of the cathedral and the Ponte Vecchio.

In the center of the square stands a replica of Michelangelo’s David statue.

Palazzo Pitti

A wonderful Renaissance monument in Florence’s historic center, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.

The central part was completed in 1549, and the wings were added in the 18th century. Its artistic effect lies in its proportions. In the 16th century, it became the property of the Medici family and served as the residence of the province’s princes. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it served as accommodation for the Italian king when he stayed in Florence.

Today, it’s a museum complex that includes the Pitti Gallery showcasing Renaissance works and the Museum of Modern Art. Additionally, there are coach, silver, and costume museums here.

Entry is free for those under 18! There are also free days for everyone!

All information is here!

Boboli Gardens

Behind the Pitti Palace is one of the most beautiful Renaissance gardens, featuring lakes, tree-lined avenues, and a fountain.

Built by the Medici family, its purpose was not only beauty and relaxation but also a display of power and wealth.

Belvedere Fortress

Built at the end of the 16th century, it rises above the Boboli Gardens. It was constructed to protect the Pitti Palace, then the residence of the Medici.

Today, tourists can use the place as a viewpoint, and exhibitions are held there.

Palazzo Strozzi

One of Florence’s most significant and impressive Renaissance buildings, constructed at the end of the 15th century.

It was commissioned by the Strozzi family, who were rivals of the Medici family. Their goal in creating the palace was to surpass the Medici’s splendor. The palace’s architecture features characteristics of Renaissance architecture, such as symmetrical layout, robust stonework, and an ornate inner courtyard.

Today, the palace hosts cultural events and temporary exhibitions, mainly showcasing modern and contemporary art pieces.

Medici-Riccardi Palace

The palace first belonged to the Medici family and was built between 1440 and 1460. In the 17th century, it came into the possession of the Riccardi family.

It’s a two-story, characteristic quattrocento building. The walls of the palace’s inner arcaded courtyard are adorned with ancient relics: Greek and Roman inscriptions, sarcophagi, and statues. The reliefs above the hall were created by Donatello.

One of its most beautiful rooms is the Gallery. This is a ceremonial hall, and its ceiling frescoes were painted by Luca Giordano in 1684. The painting depicts the glory of the Medici, who are seen among the Olympian gods.

Best museums in Florence

Florence, as the cradle of the Renaissance, was a defining location for art. It’s no coincidence that there are many excellent museums in the city!

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