Pisa is a perfectly lovely Tuscan student town that has become a landmark around the world because of its extraordinary gravity-defying tourist pull: the Leaning Tower of Pisa. There is no denying the Tower, or Torre in italian, is unique but the town has loads more to offer.
The Leaning Tower is actually the Campanile, or free-standing ell tower, of the nearby Duomo, or cathedral, and is found inside the Campo dei Miracoli, Pisa's most important square. Building on the tower started in the 12th century and it started leaning almost from the beginning of construction. The Leaning Tower reopened in late 2001 after extensive shoring up work begun in 1990, and it is now possible to climb it, although you must reserve your time slot.
Pisa is flat as a pancake which means it is perfect for strolling around. Head away from the Campo dei Miracoli and discover Pisa's squares, arcaded streets and Romanesque churches. Walk down Via Santa Maria towards the Arno River where you will find some lovely palazzos along the banks. The Campo dei Miracoli, or the Field of Miracles, is an elegant square tthat is home to, in addition to the Leaning Tower, the Bapistry, the Duomo and the Campo Santo burial grounds. The Duomo is the oldest building on the site, completed and consecrated in 1118. It is possible to visit all the sites on the Campo, although you will need to buy a ticket from the ticket office opposite the Leaning Tower.
Pisa is situated in Tuscany so you will find some wonderful examples of regional cuisine including bccala alla pisana, a type of dried cod and local speciality. Pisa's proximity to the coast means that seafood is fresh. You also find great pizza, pasta and gelato. The big rule with eating is Pisa is to get as far away from the Leaning Tower as you can. As a student town, it is a good place to budget feeds and for a colourful experience seek out the Mercato delle Vettovaglie, a fruit and vegetable market held each morning.
From the airport
Bus. Terravision, easyJet's transport partner, operates an airport bus that leaves 30 minutes after your flight lands from outside the terminal.
A talented goldsmith at Il Melograno fashions jewellery out of gold, silver and precious stones, upon request to your taste.
Via Santa Maria, one of Pisa's oldest streets is spoiled for shops, especially the ones selling Tuscan arts and crafts or regional food specialities to take home.
If you love bread (foccacce, pizza slices, biscuits and Italian pastries), go to Paradiso del Pane (Bread Heaven), near the market.
Corso Italia, past Ponte di Mezzo, is Pisa's financial district, a bustling artery full of stylish boutiques and up-market bars and restaurants.
Charming Borgo Stretto, with its portocoes, fashion and book shops, pubs and bars, draws locals and tourists alike, especially at night with its vibrant atmosphere.
Day trip
Baratti. This natural port, about 45 kilometres away, faces the blue sea. It was built by the Etruscans to work steel from Elba. Climb up the La Rocca fortress for a spectacular view of the sea and surrounding countryside.
Milan. It now takes three hours to get to Milan on a high-speed train from Pisa. Stroll along via Montenapoleone to visit the fashion houses and shops or visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, near the Duomo, reputed to be the world's oldest shopping mall.
A recent survey by Hotels.com reveals this Italian city has the most five-star hotels under £100 per night in Europe. There is plenty to do in this pretty city on a long weekend: head to Il Campano for great Tuscan food and Leningrad Cafe for late-night drinks, cabaret and music.
The piazza del Duomo or Campo del miracoli is the attraction in Pisa. The Campanile, 55 metres in height, which is better known as "The Leaning Tower", has never been straight since its construction. By trying to correct their defective work, its builders gave it the effect of a banana. It has recently been stabilised after undergoing intensive work.
The great romanesque cathedral (11th - 13th century) was built to celebrate the victory of the Pisan fleet over Palermo. The white marble facing is inlaid with horizontal strips and decorative patterns in dark green marble.
Near the cathedral, we have the batistery. This chapel, which is also faced with marble, shows gothic designs in its upper section.
The Leaning Tower is actually the Campanile, or free-standing ell tower, of the nearby Duomo, or cathedral, and is found inside the Campo dei Miracoli, Pisa's most important square. Building on the tower started in the 12th century and it started leaning almost from the beginning of construction. The Leaning Tower reopened in late 2001 after extensive shoring up work begun in 1990, and it is now possible to climb it, although you must reserve your time slot.
Pisa is flat as a pancake which means it is perfect for strolling around. Head away from the Campo dei Miracoli and discover Pisa's squares, arcaded streets and Romanesque churches. Walk down Via Santa Maria towards the Arno River where you will find some lovely palazzos along the banks. The Campo dei Miracoli, or the Field of Miracles, is an elegant square tthat is home to, in addition to the Leaning Tower, the Bapistry, the Duomo and the Campo Santo burial grounds. The Duomo is the oldest building on the site, completed and consecrated in 1118. It is possible to visit all the sites on the Campo, although you will need to buy a ticket from the ticket office opposite the Leaning Tower.
Pisa is situated in Tuscany so you will find some wonderful examples of regional cuisine including bccala alla pisana, a type of dried cod and local speciality. Pisa's proximity to the coast means that seafood is fresh. You also find great pizza, pasta and gelato. The big rule with eating is Pisa is to get as far away from the Leaning Tower as you can. As a student town, it is a good place to budget feeds and for a colourful experience seek out the Mercato delle Vettovaglie, a fruit and vegetable market held each morning.
From the airport
Bus. Terravision, easyJet's transport partner, operates an airport bus that leaves 30 minutes after your flight lands from outside the terminal.
A talented goldsmith at Il Melograno fashions jewellery out of gold, silver and precious stones, upon request to your taste.
Via Santa Maria, one of Pisa's oldest streets is spoiled for shops, especially the ones selling Tuscan arts and crafts or regional food specialities to take home.
If you love bread (foccacce, pizza slices, biscuits and Italian pastries), go to Paradiso del Pane (Bread Heaven), near the market.
Corso Italia, past Ponte di Mezzo, is Pisa's financial district, a bustling artery full of stylish boutiques and up-market bars and restaurants.
Charming Borgo Stretto, with its portocoes, fashion and book shops, pubs and bars, draws locals and tourists alike, especially at night with its vibrant atmosphere.
Day trip
Baratti. This natural port, about 45 kilometres away, faces the blue sea. It was built by the Etruscans to work steel from Elba. Climb up the La Rocca fortress for a spectacular view of the sea and surrounding countryside.
Milan. It now takes three hours to get to Milan on a high-speed train from Pisa. Stroll along via Montenapoleone to visit the fashion houses and shops or visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, near the Duomo, reputed to be the world's oldest shopping mall.
A recent survey by Hotels.com reveals this Italian city has the most five-star hotels under £100 per night in Europe. There is plenty to do in this pretty city on a long weekend: head to Il Campano for great Tuscan food and Leningrad Cafe for late-night drinks, cabaret and music.
The piazza del Duomo or Campo del miracoli is the attraction in Pisa. The Campanile, 55 metres in height, which is better known as "The Leaning Tower", has never been straight since its construction. By trying to correct their defective work, its builders gave it the effect of a banana. It has recently been stabilised after undergoing intensive work.
Near the cathedral, we have the batistery. This chapel, which is also faced with marble, shows gothic designs in its upper section.
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