I could feel the excitement build as we began to approach the historical town of Pisa, most known for its infamous leaning tower. As the bus approached our destination, we caught a glimpse of this beautiful bell tower and its notable tilt. The Alps, surrounded by the morning fog, provided a stunning background to the Baptistery, the Cathedral and the Campanile (the bell tower). Soon we arrived at the charming town of Pisa to explore the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). 
Exiting the bus, the early morning breakfast smells of bacon and eggs were coming from the nearby vendors. It was only a short stroll before we entered beneath a soaring stone arch, framing the picture perfect scene of the historical square. Tourists roamed the promenade taking photos of themselves in various poses to appear as though they were propping up the tower and soon we were joining in for a memorable photo.
While the Leaning Tower is the main attraction for any visit to Pisa, the Piazza dei Miracoli’s cathedral and baptistry are also worth exploring.
Displayed along the walkway, leading to the bell tower, were a series of posters outlining the history of the camponile. The placards explained the scientific reasoning for the bell tower’s tilt and showed how recent renovations had managed to slow down the process. The famous camponile had been closed in 1990 in an effort to restore the leaning tower making it safer for visitors to climb to the top. Eleven years later, the structure was reopened for panoramic views of the city of Pisa and the nearby Arno River.
The queue to enter the tower seemed endless. Since reopening in 2001, additional safety measures have been enacted to limit the number of visitors on the tower at one time.
The height of the camponile stands between 183 to 185 feet (depending on which side you are standing), which is the equivalent of seven stories. There are a total of 300 steps to reach the observation deck and I could not wait to take in the view for myself. Waiting in line, I enjoyed looking up towards the spire watching the tiny tourists peer over the edge.
The Baptistry and Cathedral seemed to fade in comparison to the Camponile (The Leaning Tower), but their extravagant architecture make them no less significant and well worth the visit. The Baptistry, with its Romanesque, dome-shaped structure, was completed in the 14th century. Dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, it is the largest of its kind in Italy.
Having just enough time to reach the Arno River, I was eager to stroll through the University of Pisa campus. Curious to check out an Italian college town, I watched students on bikes while others walked to class with their backpacks. First opening in 1343, the university is known for its advanced degrees in physics, mathematics, engineering and computer science.
I reached the banks of the Arno River on the Tyrrhenian Sea as it wound its way through town. At one time, Pisa was once a thriving maritime city with routes running between Genoa and Ostia. I imagined how the landscape would have appeared with tall ships in the distance and the unloading docks full of merchandise or their catch of the day.
I hardly had much time to contemplate the history of Pisa’s maritime life as I began my trek back to the Piazza dei Miracoli to meet up with the tour group. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Pisa, I was super excited for the second half of our tour…a wine tasting in Tuscany and lunch. Click on the link to read about my amazing experience at the Fattoria il Poggio!
Have you had the opportunity to visit Pisa? It is amazing that the tower doesn’t fall over, isn’t it? I would love to hear about your journey if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for checking out my trip to Pisa and I wish you a future of Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
Piazza del Duomo
56126 Pisa Pl, Italy
- Admission Fee: 18 Euros if purchased onsite. Children 8 years and under are not permitted to climb the tower.
- Potential Transportation Costs: From the Pisa Airport: By bus, which runs four times an hour, the ticket will cost 2 Euros. By train, which runs twice an hour, the cost is 1,10 Euros and a taxicab will cost between 10 to 15 Euros.
- Hours: In January, the Tower of Pisa is open daily from 10AM to 5PM. (Check holiday times); In February, the Tower is open daily from 9:45AM to 5:15PM. From March 1 – 23, the Tower is open daily from 9:00AM to 6:00PM, March 23 – 29 from 9AM to 7PM and on March 30 the Tower is open from 8:30AM to 8PM. From April 1 – June 15 the Tower is open from 9AM to 8PM, and on June 16 from 8:30AM to 5:30PM, June 17 – August 31, from 8:30AM to 10PM. In September, the hours of operation are 9AM to 8PM and in October from 9AM to 7PM. Note: There may be some variations at the start and end of the month that overlap with September and November hours. NOTE: Because the hours of operation for the Tower of Pisa are a bit complicated, visit the Tower of Pisa’s official website at www.towerofpisa.org/visit-tower-of-pisa
- Scenic View: Spectacular view of Pisa and the Arno River from the top of the Tower of Pisa
- Length of the Tour: 2 hours
- Tips for Your Visit: Wear appropriate shoes for climbing the Tower of Pisa. Evenings are usually not as crowded. Dress appropriately when entering the nearby Cathedral ensuring that your shoulders and knees are covered (i.e., no tank tops and wear long shorts or capri pants). Remember, children ages 7 and younger are not permitted to climb the Tower of Pisa. Children, ages 8 – 18 pay the full price of admission (no discounts). Check into online, third party companies for a full tour of Piazza which will cost about 80 Euros.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Bologna
Via Giuseppe Mazzini, 57
56125, Pisa, Italy
Telephone: +39 050 502120
While working for an international company, we had locations throughout Italy and conducted several meetings at The Hotel Bologna. On a second visit to Pisa, we decided to book this hotel. Within walking distance to the Piazza dei Miracoli, the hotel offers wifi and continental breakfast!
Where to Eat:
Namaste Indian Restaurant
Via San Bernardo, 34 (across Corso Italia)
Pisa, Italy
Telephone: +39 050 40604
On a return visit to Pisa, we found this great Indian restaurant and decided it would be nice for a change from Italian cuisine.
For starters, we ordered the Samos Vegetariano. I thoroughly enjoyed the Paneer Tikka Masala, which was so fresh and the spices were perfect! My boyfriend, Peter, selected the Chicken Riso Biryani and asked for an additional kick of spice. We highly recommend this restaurant.
What to Eat:
- Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a T-bone steak with the filet on one side and sirloin on the other.
- Cacciucco is a fish soup dish from the port towns of Livorno and Viareggio.
- Castagnaccio is a cake made from chestnut flour.
- Crostini Toscani is bread topped with chopped liver sauce.
- Lampredotto sandwich is made from the fourth stomach of a cow served in broth and served with a spicy sauce.
- Lardo di Colonnata is cured pork meat.
- Panzanella is a bread soup served cold made from bread, tomatoes, onion, basil, olive oil and vinegar.
- Pappa al pomodoro is a simple soup made of tomatoes, garlic, and basil leaves served with stale bread.
- Ribollita is a soup made with cabbage, beef, carrots and onion.
What to Read:
- A Culinary Traveller in Tuscany, by Beth Elon
- A Thousand Days in Tuscany, by Marlena de Blasi
- A Vineyard in Tuscany: A Wine Lover’s Dream, by Ferenc Mate
- Every Day in Tuscany, Seasons of an Italian Life, by Frances Mayes
- Not in a Tuscan Villa, by John and Nancy Petralla
- The Agony and the Ecstacy, by Irving Stone
- Under the Tuscan Sun, by Frances Mayes
- War in Val D’Orica: An Italian War Diary, 1943 – 1944, by Iris Origo
Photo Guide for Tuscany:
Here are some amazing locations to photograph Tuscany, Italy:
- Florence:
- Canonici Palace
- Florence Baptistry
- Florence Cathedral
- Florence Skyline: view from Palazzo Vecchio
- Il Duomo
- Marcampo
- Michelangelo’s David statue
- Montalcino Street
- Palazzo Strozzi
- Perano Castle
- Piazalle Michelangelo
- Piaza del Duomo
- Pienza
- Ponte Vecchio
- The Streets of Florence
- Uffizi Gallery
- Volpaia
- Pisa
- The Leaning Tower
- Marina
- Tuscany
- Abbazia San Galgano
- Abbey of Sant’Antimo
- Agritourismos
- Basilica di Santa Magherita
- Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta
- Carrara Marble Quarry
- Castel Boccale
- Chianti
- Cortona
- Crete Senesi
- Firenze – the Arno River from the Ponte Santa Trinita
- Monte Divalli
- Montepulciano
- Monticchiello – Strada dei Cipressi
- Palazzo Pitti
- Pitigliano
- Podere Belvedere countryside in the Val D’Orcia
- Poggio Covilli d’Asso
- San Gimignano
- San Giovanni
- Seminario Maggiore
- Siena – view from the Torre del Mangio
- Terranuova Bracciolini
- Tuscan Tunnel
- Volterra
- Wineries
- Avignonisi
- Barone Ricasoli
- Capezanna
- Castello Banfi
- Castello di Ama
- Castiglion del Bosco
- Poggio al Casone
- Poggio Antico