Location: Pisa
Top Things to do in Pisa
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Top 10 Things to do in Pisa, Italy
Go ahead and take that photo of yourself with a tilted hand "holding up" the Tower of Pisa. We won't tell; your rep as a sophisticated traveler will remain unblemished. Now that you've gotten that out of the way, climb the tower's 300 steps for a tilted view, or visit the National Museum of San Matteo and the Camposanto cemetery.
Restaurants in Pisa
1. Torre di Pisa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
It is called the Leaning Tower or the Tower of Pisa but actually it was never used for defending the city; it is part of the religious complex in the Duomo Square and acts as its bell tower. It played an active role in both human and divine timekeeping with its seven bells – one for each musical note – the largest of which, cast in 1655, weighs a full three and a half tonnes! It is known throughout the world for the beauty of its architecture, for its extraordinary tilt, which makes it an authentic miracle of statics, and for the fact that it stands in the universally renowned Piazza dei Miracoli, of which it is certainly the prize jewel. And this is why it is one of the 7 Wonders of the World.
Reviewed By incredible_world - UK
This is definitely the No. 1 reason why you are in Pisa! If you want to go up the tower, it is better to book the tickets in advance but the tower is more beautiful from outside than inside.
I loved how the whole square with the leaning tower, the church, basilica and the cemetery are open to public at all hours.. you can visit the tower anytime! Early mornings and late nights make for great photos with no or few people around.
During the day, it is interesting to see everyone trying to get their own picture of having the tower on their tips or balancing it! :-)
2. Piazza dei Miracoli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Miracoli! Gabriele D’Annunzio effectively condenses the wonder and admiration that catch whoever visits the Duomo Square of Pisa.
Reviewed By AndrissaFerreira - Alberton, South Africa
It is recommended in my view that you take enough time to experience and revel in all the stunning buildings of Piazza dei Miracoli. Beautifully set on green lawns with lovely decoration and architectural beauty, here is a lot to see and experience. The leaning tower always seems to be the most frequented, however the Battistero and Duomo are also must see attractions.
All generated ticket sales help in the preservation of this ancient site.
3. Duomo di Pisa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Founded in 1064 and consecrated with great pomp on September 26th 1118, the Cathedral was built in two stages, one by architect Buscheto, who created the original layout with the basilican body with four aisles and one nave, a transept with one nave and two aisles, and the dome on the cross vault, and one by Rainaldo, who extended the building and the façade. The building was not finally completed until the last quarter of the XII century, when Bonannoís bronze leaves were placed on the central door, which were later destroyed by the devastating fire of 1595, after which many of the destroyed works were replaced and a vast decorative plan was started.
Reviewed By bankscottage
The Cathedral is part of the complex with the Leaning Tower. The Cathedral is beautiful inside with extensive artwork and fine craftsmanship. It is the only building that is free to enter. There is a charge to enter the Leaning Tower and Baptistery. Both of these were closed anyway because of the weather. It snowed in Pisa!
4. Basilica romanica di San Piero a Grado
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 261 reviews
Reviewed By Fiona B
We were taken here by our hosts. Lovely little basilica with beautiful frescos on the walls. At the back of the church is an area of archeological interest. It show the original church stones. The sea came up to this point nearly two thousand years ago and this is the traditionally accepted spot where St Peter first arrived in Italy and hence the church ŵas built.
5. Camposanto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The Cemetery is the last monument on Piazza del Duomo, its long marble wall flanking the northern boundary and completing its shape. It was founded in 1277.
Reviewed By twoinmaine - Bangor, Maine
Mrs. TwoInMaine would have given this a three-of-five average, but Mr. wanted especially to see the Camposanto. It is a four-sided Colonnade surrounding the ancient burial ground. The Colonnade is filled with memorial stones under your feet, sarcophagi by the walls, ruined frescos on the walls. It is quiet, somber and (to Mr. TiM) moving. To others, not so much. We gave it 20-30 minutes for a slow walk around. We saw others leave in five. And when you come back out into the Campo dei Miracoli, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is in front of you.
6. Battistero
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The Baptistery of San Giovanni was founded on 15 August 1152. It is here that the Sacrament of Baptism is administered and the Christian embarks upon the path of Faith. The reason that such a fascinating and enigmatic building was constructed was certainly the wish to endow the Cathedral with a worthy adjunct: a Baptistery that, in terms of position, size, materials and style, would be in harmony with the majestic building that already stood opposite.
Reviewed By SathishTG - Coimbatore, India
A 14th century building constructed between 1100 to 1300's. Its is in the same complex between Pisa tower and the Cathedral. A combined tickets can be booked for the Battistero and the pisa tower.
7. National Museum of San Matteo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 240 reviews
National Museum of San Matteo, which is housed in the Benedictine Monastery, features a group of paintings from the 12th- to 18th- centuries, and a rich collection of sculpture from the Pisano School.
Reviewed By lizrowley - Arthog, United Kingdom
This turned out to be an unexpected treasure and well worth the entrance fee (5 Euros per person). We were very lucky in that apart from the final gallery we seemed to be the only visitors and could get really close to the exhibits.
Everything is impressive - from the sculptures in the Presbytery and garden, to the alterpieces on the upper floors. For me the standout impact came from the room that houses an array of painted wooden crucifixes which are all very powerful AND in their midst is a very simple, plain cross made from two planks of wood by the sculptor of Lampadusa. The wood comes from wrecked refugee boats which washed up at Lampadusa after carrying refugees escaping conflict. It is nothing less than inspired to put this contemporary cross amongst the much older pieces. It is an awesome room.
As was, but in a very different way, the gallery that simply contained a range of wooden, life-size and very realistic statues of Mary as Annunciata and others. They were beautiful.
In other galleries there are a phenomenal range of alterpieces, diptychs and triptychs from the 14 century and earlier. It all provides such a satisfying visit and seems so little publicised.
8. Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 710 reviews
Located on the bank of the Arno River, this church is Pisa's finest example of Gothic fancy.
Reviewed By Robin K - Manchester, United Kingdom
Thus church is right by the river and is much smaller than you expect. The architecture is amazing and incredibly ornate. The interior, however, is a complete anti climax. Legend stats that one of spikesof Christs crown of thorns once rested there however there is no narrative about this and the inside is a virtual shell
9. Palazzo Blu
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 602 reviews
Reviewed By twinridge - Charlottesville, Virginia
The review summary for Palazzo Blu says it is a great free museum. It actually costs 3 euros, but it's worth it. The rooms are attractive and some of the furnishings are grand. We especially enjoyed the current exhibition on movie posters for classic films, but that exhibit will be replaced by one on Escher's works starting 1 Oct 17. The permanent collection includes a sizable display of coins from antiquity. Recommended.
10. Murale Tuttomondo di Keith Haring
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 619 reviews
Reviewed By WillMarks - Brighton, United Kingdom
We found this online before visiting Pisa but you'd easily miss it as it's slightly off from the main tourist path, located just off from Pisa Centrale station. Reading up on the meanings of the mural while were there helped take in the great artwork. There's also a cafe dedicated to Keith Haring just opposite where you can sit and look at the mural while grabbing a drink.
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