Our final stop after visiting Chinque Terre and Florence was Pisa with where I couldn’t wait to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
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We’ve stayed in Gran Hotel Duomo. It nice looking hotel with a nice view of the Tower through the window and very close to it as well as plenty of restaurants downstairs. However, it somewhat disappointed us with the poor breakfast options and bed bugs in the room.
I had all of these red itchy bytes on my legs and arms.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its distinctive tilt. The construction of the tower began in 1173 and took approximately 200 years to complete. It was initially intended to be a bell tower for Pisa’s cathedral complex. The tower’s tilt is due to its unstable foundation, which consists of soft ground composed of clay, fine sand, and shells. As construction progressed, the tower started leaning towards the south.
During its construction, there were several temporary pauses due to various reasons, including wars and financial constraints. These pauses allowed the underlying soil to settle, which helped to prevent the tower from collapsing.
Currently the tower stands at 55.86 meters (183.27 feet) tall and consists of eight stories. Each level has a slightly different diameter, resulting in a curved appearance. The tower’s weight is estimated to be around 14,500 metric tons.
The original architect of the tower is still debated, but it is widely believed to be either Bonanno Pisano or Gherardo di Gherardo. Other renowned architects, including Giovanni di Simone and Tommaso Pisano, contributed to the construction over the years.
As the tower leaned, efforts were made to correct its inclination. The final stage of construction in the 14th century saw the addition of four additional floors, built at an angle in an attempt to straighten the tower. In recent years, several stabilization projects were undertaken to prevent further leaning and ensure the tower’s safety. These efforts included soil extraction and counterweights to correct the tilt. Due to its precarious nature, the tower was closed to the public from 1990 to 2001 for restoration and stabilisation work. It was during this time that the tower’s tilt was reduced to its current angle of around 3.99 degrees.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, along with the surrounding cathedral complex, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
I strongly recommend to pre-book your tickets in advance. Also make sure you use the official site, unless you want to risk and try buying from re-sellers for a premium price. I also would recommend to take the full ticket for €27 (Complete Visit + Tower) as Cathedral, cemetery (Camposanto) and Baptistery were also very cool to see. The official link below.
You pretty much cannot bring anything into the Tower, so you will have lock your valuables in the locker, so I would suggest expensive and pricy things to leave in the safe in the hotel. If I recall correctly they did allow a small bottle of water, wallets and etc.
The tower has a maximum capacity of 30 individuals at a time. Each group of visitors is allotted 35 minutes to ascend and descend the tower. As a result, those who arrive later must patiently wait in a queue at the entrance until the previous group has completed their visit.
To ascend from the base of the Tower to the bell chamber, one must conquer a grand total of 251 steps. Additionally, an additional 12 steps lead into the interior of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Among the tower’s five distinct flights of stairs, the 3rd and 4th sets feature full-sized spiral staircases, which serve as the means of traversing between floors. These narrow passages accommodate only one visitor at a time.
Due to the absence of artificial lighting and limited openings, the upper floors of the Tower of Pisa appear dim and vacant when viewed from below. Sparse light enters through small openings on each landing and a glass ceiling on the 8th floor. When observed from the ground level, the tower takes on the appearance of a hollow cylinder. Personally, it felt more like being in a bottom of a big concrete well and seeing the light at the top.
Once you ascend the 251 steps to the summit of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the entire town of Pisa. Atop this iconic landmark, you can marvel at the red-roofed buildings scattered across the cityscape, admire the distant mountains, and relish the sight of the magnificent Cathedral Square.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a home to a bell, known as the “Campanone” or the Great Bell. It is made of bronze (approx 80 per cent copper and 20 per cent tin) and weighs approximately 3,620 kilograms. The bell is located in the bell chamber, which is situated near the top of the tower. Originally cast in 1654 by Giovanni Pietro Orlandi, the Campanone is one of the largest bells in Italy. It is rung on special occasions, such as religious ceremonies and celebrations, adding to the historical and cultural significance of the iconic tower. The tower was originally designed to hold several bells, but due to the instability caused by its leaning structure, it was decided to only install one bell.
Going up and when going down the stairs in the tower you will sense a slight imbalance as the inclined surface on which the tower is situated is quite prominent. In the higher levels the lean of the tower becomes more obvious, potentially causing a few visitors to experience dizziness. So if you have problems with equilibrium, probably better to stay away. Going the steps up and down I felt a little bit like on a boat swinging in a windy day. Also the stairs are quite worn out and slippery (very polished from all those people going up and down!) and you can see bends in the steps too, worn out from the amount of people passing them every day.
Cathedral of Pisa (Cattedrale di Pisa)
Entering the grand space of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Pisa, I was instantly struck by the sheer scale of the very first monument built on the Square of Miracles. Constructed between 1064 and 1118, this magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral stands as a breathtaking centrepiece of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Furthermore, admiring the dramatic exterior allowed me to appreciate its unique Romanesque style, which beautifully blends intricate Lombard, Byzantine, and Islamic architectural details across its sculpted facade and delicate mosaics. Moving inside, the richly decorated hall drew my eyes upward toward vibrant frescoes and the famous, masterfully carved pulpit by Giovanni Pisano. Moreover, knowing the building had survived centuries of changes, including major sixteenth-century paintings and an eighteenth-century roof restoration, made standing within its historic walls feel all the more incredible. I felt so small and felt so cool compared to the outside temperature. I sat down for a moment to admire the views and appreciate the silence from busy with tourists outside streets.
I was standing at the back of the central nave of the Cathedral, I felt completely awestruck by the sheer depth and grand scale of the main aisle stretching toward the high altar. Two striking rows of tall granite columns topped with Corinthian capitals line the path, holding up classic black-and-white striped marble arches. Above these, the ornate gilded wooden ceiling glows warmly against the cool grey stone walls. Furthermore, looking straight ahead down the nave, my eyes were immediately drawn to the majestic, golden Byzantine-style mosaic of Christ in Majesty (Christ Pantocrator) shimmering high up in the apse. Observing the congregation seated in the blue chairs and visitors admiring the historic pulpit along the central aisle made the vast space feel both reverent and vibrantly alive. Additionally, taking in the harmony of dark marble stripes, glowing gold details, and ancient stone columns created a truly magnificent vista of Pisan Romanesque architecture.
I gazed high into the apse over central altar, I was mesmerised by the massive, glowing mosaic of Christ Pantocrator (Christ in Majesty) dominating the sanctuary ceiling. Enthroned upon a golden backdrop, Christ holds an open Gospel book inscribed with the words “Ego Sum Lux Mundi” (“I am the Light of the World”) while extending a hand in blessing. Furthermore, flanking Christ on either side stand the delicate figures of the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist—a famous detail notable for being the final recorded work by the celebrated medieval artist Cimabue before his death in 1302. Moreover, looking above the mosaic arch reveals painted frescoes, including an Annunciation scene framing the light streaming in from the high windows beneath the gilded coffered ceiling. Additionally, standing directly beneath this towering golden mosaic provided a breathtaking glimpse into the artistic bridge between Byzantine tradition and the early Italian Renaissance.
I looked directly upward inside the Cathedral and I was completely mesmerised by the breathtaking perspective of the grand elliptical dome and the rich coffered ceilings. At the very centre, the glowing dome features a magnificent seventeenth-century fresco titled Assumption of the Virgin (Virgin in Glory and Saints) by the Pisan artist Orazio Riminaldi. Furthermore, as my eyes traced the spiralling heavenly scene of angels and saints bathed in warm golden light, I could admire the surrounding intricate square patterns of the wooden ceiling. Created by Domenico and Bartolomeo Atticciati following a fire in the late sixteenth century, these gilded panels add a luxurious, regal atmosphere to the cathedral’s soaring, striped marble arches. Additionally, taking time to stand directly underneath and look straight up into this radiant, golden canopy felt like a truly awe-inspiring moment of discovery.
I stopped and gazed at the altar of Saint Rainerius (San Ranieri), the patron saint of Pisa.
At the centre sits a glass urn holding the saint’s relics, glowing gently beneath warm candlelight. Furthermore, looking up reveals classical white marble statues and detailed stone carvings set beneath a grand, rounded dome. Moreover, learning that local people still honour San Ranieri here during the city’s annual Luminara light festival made seeing his final resting place feel deeply memorable.
I stopped by mesmerised by Giovanni Pisano’s magnificent marble pulpit, where Christian liturgy is delivered by the priests. Resting gracefully on a series of stately columns—some supported by fiercely detailed marble lions—the circular structure rose like a masterpiece of medieval sculpture. Furthermore, looking up at the upper parapet revealed a dense, dramatic relief carved with dozens of intricate figures portraying biblical scenes beneath an eagle resting atop the lectern. Moreover, taking time to observe the expressive, emotional depth of each carved figure made standing beside this iconic piece of Gothic art an unforgettable highlight of the cathedral.
Baptistery
The Cathedral of Pisa, or the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Pisa, Italy, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Piazza dei Miracoli. Construction began in 1064 and finished in 1118, featuring primarily Romanesque architecture with Lombard, Byzantine, and Islamic influences. Known for its ornate facade with sculptures and mosaics, the interior boasts frescoes, stained glass, and a pulpit by Giovanni Pisano. The cathedral has experienced several restorations, including redecoration of paintings in the 16th century and roof replacement in the 18th century after a fire.
When we entered the Baptisery everyone stopped and the a man started singing some of the religious psalms. The echo was stunning, vibrating the skin on my body and giving goosebumps. It is a pity, I haven’t recorded any of that and even forgot to take any pictures inside, hence linking pictures from Wikipedia.
Campostano
Walking into the peaceful, sunny courtyard of the Camposanto in Pisa, I felt an immediate sense of calm and wonder. Moving along the quiet marble hallways, I spent time exploring the old tombstones and marble coffins set into the floors and walls as well as trying to understand what was painted in the worn out murals on the walls.
The Camposanto Monumentale di Pisa stands at the northern edge of Cathedral Square, offering visitors a peaceful glimpse into medieval history. Designed in 1278 by the skilled architect Giovanni di Simone, the structure showcases elegant Gothic architecture with bright marble arcades and delicate tracery windows. Archbishop Ubaldo de’ Lanfranchi founded this holy cemetery using sacred soil brought back from Golgotha, turning the site into the primary resting place for Pisa’s wealthiest citizens. Furthermore, the wide hallways house an extraordinary collection of ancient Roman sarcophagi alongside detailed frescoes created during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. These beautiful wall paintings suffered severe damage from bombing raids during World War II. Additionally, dedicated art conservators have spent decades carrying out extensive restoration work to preserve the site’s rich cultural heritage for future generations.
Walking along the cool stone corridors, I looked up higher on the walls, where the remnants of massive, centuries-old frescoes told forgotten stories under the heavy wooden rafters. These wide, faded paintings, including a scene still visible depicted historical figures, horses, and dramatic battle-worn crowds. Furthermore, I could see where large sections of the delicate artwork had crumbled away over time, revealing the bare brickwork underneath. Seeing the ancient figures still marching across the worn walls made me think about the incredible effort to preserve these delicate pieces of history, especially in the context of the damage suffered by the Camposanto in World War II.
As I continued through the quiet cloisters, the wall paintings gave way to a solemn display of marble sculptures. Several white busts of dignified men were carefully placed along the hallway, some on simple round columns and others on intricately carved square pedestals. Furthermore, beyond these busts, a larger funerary monument featured a graceful female figure mourning over a carved sarcophagus. Standing between these detailed stone portraits and the faint, sweeping frescoes created a powerful contrast, highlighting the enduring memory of the people and the city’s rich artistic past all around me.
I was standing before the ancient marble sarcophagus surrounded by metal scaffolding, I marvelled at the five figures sculpted beneath detailed arches and spiralled columns. Furthermore, looking closer at their draped robes and weathered scrolls gave me a vivid glimpse into the past.
I moved along the quiet corridor, I looked up at a grand marble monument set high against the exposed brick wall. Classical statues stood framed by dark marble pillars and historic coats of arms above the tomb. Moreover, noticing the faint remains of ancient frescoes lingering on the brickwork around the marble carved details made the peaceful space feel truly timeless.
Opera del Duomo Museum
We walked into the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo in Pisa and I was instantly surrounded by extraordinary art and artifacts saved directly from the cathedral complex nearby. Opening back in 1986, the museum allowed me to stand just inches away from magnificent stone sculptures carved by the famous masters Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, including the heavy original bronze doors from the Baptistery. Exploring the spacious galleries, I took my time admiring a rich variety of ancient paintings, detailed wooden models, and carved marble pieces taken from the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto. Furthermore, seeing these preserved treasures gathered together under one roof gave me a whole new appreciation for how Pisan art and architecture developed over the centuries. Watching the fine details on the statues and ancient relics brought the long history of the famous landmarks outside fully to life. Additionally, discovering the intricate craftsmanship up close made my visit to the museum an unforgettable highlight of my time in the city.
Sinopie Museum
Later we visited the Sinopie Museum in Pisa and I immediately found myself fascinated by the vast preparatory drawings, or sinopie, that once lay hidden beneath the Camposanto frescoes. After fire damaged the cemetery during World War II, restorers carefully lifted the painted walls, revealing these incredible underdrawings to the world for the very first time. Walking through the quiet rooms of the former Spedale Nuovo, I was able to examine these large red-earth sketches up close. Furthermore, looking at the sweeping lines gave me a rare glimpse into the creative minds of famous Renaissance masters like Benozzo Gozzoli and Buonamico Buffalmacco. Watching these raw, energetic brushstrokes traced across the displays allowed me to imagine the artists planning their grand compositions centuries ago. Additionally, seeing how these initial ideas eventually grew into magnificent wall paintings made my time in the museum feel like an intimate journey behind the scenes of history.
The amount of painting that were possibly used in frescoes is vast in the museum and each of them tell a story behind.
Glass of Wine With a Beautiful View of Leaning Tower
At the end of the day, we were quite exhausted from all the walking and sightseeing, so we bought a bottle of white wine and sat down on the stairs next to the Cathedral of Pisa in front of Pisa, where we enjoyed the wine slowly sipping it and watching at the tower.
Naturally, we had to drink from plastic cups, but that was ok. Also, no one said anything and no one complained as we were polite and respectful, just enjoying the wine and the view. Everyone were just minding their business and I think as long as you don’t litter and make noise and in general respectful and mindful you will be fine to enjoy the view with your glass of wine. It is Italy after all!!!
On Our Way to The Train to Airport
Finally, next day we were heading to the airport by the train. We passed few interesting buildings on the way.
Palazzo dell’Orologio
Piazza dei Cavalieri in Pisa features the striking Palazzo dell’Orologio, a structure that caught my eye as I was passing through the square. Architect Cosimo Pugliani designed the building between 1605 and 1608 by connecting two pre-existing medieval structures via a large central arch. The right side previously served as the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo, whilst the left side incorporates the medieval Torre della Muda. In 1696, the addition of a clock and bell tower completed the facade, allowing the building to function as the infirmary and headquarters for the Knights of Saint Stephen. Today, this historic landmark houses the library of the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa.
Furthermore, the left tower within the complex carries a dark literary significance that makes walking past it quite surreal. Following accusations of treason in 1289, Count Ugolino della Gherardesca, along with his sons and grandsons, was imprisoned inside the tower and left to starve to death, earning the structure its grim moniker, the Torre della Fame or Tower of Hunger. Dante Alighieri famously immortalised this tragedy in Cantos XXXII and XXXIII of the Inferno, describing Ugolino’s agonizing demise in the lowest circle of Hell. As I walked under the central archways of the palace, I could still observe remnants of the original medieval brick walls from that ancient tower.
Palazzo della Carovana
Piazza dei Cavalieri in Pisa features another magnificent landmark, the Palazzo della Carovana, which caught my attention as I was passing through the square. Renowned architect Giorgio Vasari designed the extensive transformation of this medieval building between 1562 and 1564 to serve as the principal headquarters for the Knights of Saint Stephen. Vasari created a grand, sweeping curved facade adorned with intricate sgraffito decorations, allegorical figures, and zodiacal signs. Moreover, the upper wall displays elaborate niches containing marble busts of the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, starting from Cosimo I Medici. Today, this architectural masterpiece serves as the main building of the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa.
Additionally, the grand marble staircase leading up to the main entrance and the prominent coat of arms above the central balcony give the palace a majestic presence that makes walking past it a memorable experience. Right in front of the building stands the statue of Cosimo I, sculpted by Pietro Francavilla in 1596 to honour the founder of the Order of the Knights. As I walked across the lively square, filled with local market stalls and bustling visitors, I could truly appreciate how seamlessly this Renaissance symbol of power blends into the modern daily life of the city.
Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri
Piazza dei Cavalieri in Pisa also features the impressive Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri, which immediately caught my eye as I was passing through the square. Master architect Giorgio Vasari began constructing the church in 1565 to serve specifically as the place of worship for the Order of the Knights of Saint Stephen. The magnificent exterior facade, finished in marble by Giovanni de’ Medici in 1594, displays striking white and dark marble inlay work alongside prominent heraldic symbols of the Medici family and the red Cross of Saint Stephen above the main doorway.
Additionally, looking up at the elegant portal and detailed carvings made passing by this historic structure feel truly special. The interior of the church houses captured Ottoman naval banners and historical battle trophies from the famous Battle of Lepanto in 1571. As I stood in front of the marble entrance under the clear blue Tuscan sky, I could easily admire how beautifully this Renaissance church complements the historical atmosphere of the entire plaza. Unfortunately, the church was closed and we couldn’t visit it.
Borgo Stretto
Borgo Stretto in Pisa features a charming pedestrian thoroughfare lined with elegant medieval arcades, which caught my attention as I was strolling through the city centre. Traditional loggias frame both sides of the narrow street, where boutique shops, cafes, and gelaterias create a vibrant atmosphere beneath vaulted stone arches. High on the corner of the building to the left, a marble commemorative plaque with a sculpted portrait bust marks the historic residence associated with the family of the famed astronomer Galileo Galilei, who was born in Pisa in 1564.
Furthermore, going along this historic alleyway to the train station provided a delightful glimpse into the daily life and rich academic history of the Tuscan city. Passersby and tourists stroll beneath the grand arches, sheltering from the afternoon sun while taking in the pastel-toned facades and medieval architecture overhead.
London Views Before Landing
Finally, we boarded the plane and took off from Pisa Airport into the golden evening sky. As we gained altitude, the setting sun cast a warm glow across the landscape, illuminating the majestic River Arno as it carved its way towards the Ligurian Sea.
Furthermore, luck was entirely on our side during the descent, as our flight path carried us directly over the heart of London. The aerial view revealed an incredible panorama of iconic landmarks, from the gleaming skyscrapers of Canary Wharf to the distinctive silhouette of Tower Bridge. Continuing along the Thames, Waterloo and the giant circle of the London Eye came into clear focus. Similarly, the Houses of Parliament at Westminster with Big Ben stood out alongside the vast green expanses of Hyde Park and Battersea Park.
However, a thin layer of clouds drifted across the skyline, which meant the photographs did not turn out quite as crisp as hoped. Nevertheless, taking in such famous sights from high above created an unforgettable grand finale to the journey.
Tips For a Smooth Visit at Pisa Tower
- Respect the signs when driving, as the hidden cameras will end you up with a fine, that includes parking signs.
- Don’t take roses, bracelets and other junk from the sellers in the street if you don’t want to pay for it later. They are never free. It’s a scam.
- Don’t buy fake luxury products. They often will be low quality fakes and it can get you into trouble at customs if caught.
- Be aware of pickpockets and always watch your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Keep your backpack in front of you and your pockets zipped.
- Have in mind that you will need to lock your belongings when going to the tower, so keep most expensive valuables with you in the pocket or best leave it in a hotel safe.
Please leave a comment if you liked this article or have any Pisa tips or suggestions!