Pisa attractions

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Pisa’s name is synonymous with the Leaning Tower. However, there are many more wonderful attractions in this Tuscan city! When you visit, make sure to see these as well!

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!