There is much more to Pisa than the leaning tower. But, of course, you gotta see it while you are there. Overall, I was surprised by how much there is to do in Pisa and enjoyed my day there very much. If your time is limited, here’s a Pisa one day itinerary to get the most out of a daytrip.
Train to Pisa and Arrival
After being to Italy 3 times, I finally decided to go to Pisa. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, my ship docked in Livorno for a day. With all there is to do in Italy, holding up the Pisa tower for a photo op never appealed to me. However, I decided that being this close, why not check it out. So, along with another crewmember, we took the train from Livoro to Pisa, arriving in about 20 minutes. Then, from the Pisa train station, it’s a 2 km walk to the Piazza del Duomo (Square of Miracles) and leaning tower.
Arriving at the Square of Miracles, my first impression was wow and utter surprise. Immediately, I was struck with the realization that there is so much more to Pisa than the leaning tower. The tilted bell tower stood off to the side of the majestic cathedral and Baptistery. The tower appeared smaller than I expected. After all the years of seeing hokey photos of tourist holding up the tower, the real thing appeared in limbo between fiction and nonfiction. And the dozens of tourists scattered in the square, bracing the air for a photo op looked as silly as imagined. Soon, I would be one of them.
Historic Pisa One Day Itinerary
Piazza del Duomo (Square of Miracles):
Since 1987, this gorgeous square has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square is located along the northwestern edge along the city’s fortified wall. Among the grassy landscape is the 3 main religious monuments. Furthermore, each represents a stage of human life: the Baptistery for Birth, Cathedral and Leaning Tower for Life and Camposanto “Old Cemetery” for death.
San Giovanni Baptistery:
This is the biggest Roman Catholic Baptistery in Italy, standing almost 55 m high. Built in marble, its architecture exhibits a transition from Romanesque (lower rounded arches) to Gothic (upper pointed arches). Also, Giovanni added the Gothic style, a lodge and cupola in the 13th century. Its acoustic system is amazing with a double dome making it a musical instrument. Even more, every 30 minutes there are demonstrations for visitors to hear and the feel the reverberation.
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta:
Be sure to not overlook this beautiful cathedral, with all the fanfare around the leaning tower. Its Romanesque architectural style exhibits stone and marble arches, mosaics and bronzed doors. The interior dome has a breathtaking fresco depicting the Assumption of Mary.
Leaning Tower of Pisa:
The tower is made out of white marble and designed in a medieval Romanesque architectural style. Also, it’s a campanile or bell tower standing at almost 56 m high (183 ft). It has 296 or 294 steps, with the 2 extra on the south side staircase.
Because of the soft ground, it began to lean during construction in the 12th century. After reconstruction work about 20 years ago, the tilt was reduced from 5.5 degrees to 3.97. Overall, it played a role in timekeeping with it’s seven bells, one for each musical note.
Campo Santo “Old Cemetery”:
This cemetery is on the north side of the Square of Miracles. Furthermore, it is a rectangular design with an inner cloister and Gothic arcades. The cemetery was established with dirt from the Holy Land. Below the floor are the tombs for the nobles of Pisa. Additionally, there are frescoes and paintings, including the famous Triumph of Death by Buonamico Buffalmacco.
Attractions Beyond the Square of Miracles
Arno Riverwalk:
Beginning in Garibaldi Square, go west along the north bank of the Arno River. There are numerous landmark buildings along the riverbanks, such as, the University of Pisa, National Museum of Art and Culture, Old Citadel and San Paolo a Ripa d’Arno (oldest church in Pisa).
Museo Nationale:
On the Arno Riverbank is the Museo Nationale – the best museum in Pisa. This is a great place to learn about the history of Pisa. Also, it has the original sculptures from the cathedral and Baptistery, paintings and manuscripts.
Shopping on Borgo Stretto:
This narrowly medieval and pedestrian street is great for shopping and wandering. Arcades line each side of the street with arches and Corinthian columns. Overall, there is a plethora of high-end stores, boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Also, at the entrance of Café Settimelli a sign says that Galileo was born here.
Overall, Pisa One Day Itinerary
Pisa is definitely worth a visit with amazing architecture and sites beyond the leaning tower. I am grateful that I finally visited Pisa, after years of brushing it off and wrongly diminishing it. Now, I understand why Pisa as a whole is such a historic treasure that includes the leaning tower.
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