The city of Pisa, spreads across the Arno river, in the Tuscany region, of central Italy.  It is an ancient city that once served as an important port.  And there is more there than just a leaning tower.

Pisa is an easy train ride from Florence (45 min-1 hour), La Speza (1 hr 15 min), or Cinque Terre.  From Pisa Centrale Train Station it is only about a 45 minute walk….or if you have a camera…about an hour and a half.

Pisa Cathedral

The archetect Buscheto, began building the cathedral in 1063. To show that Pisa was unafraid of attack, the Romenesque church was built outside the ‘old’ city walls.  Over the years the church has grown and changed and a fire in 1595, created a need for renovations.

Pisa Baptistry of Saint John

Construction began on the baptisty in 1152 and was completed in 1363. It is the second building of the Piazza dei Mircoli.

The Tower

The bell tower is located behind the cathedral and is the third oldest building in Cathedral Square. The tower began leaning before construction was complete because of soft ground and inadequate construction.

There are 294 stairs in the tower.  It is a very interesting climb because you can feel the pull of gravity change depending on which side of the tower you are on.

Also different parts of the stairs and wall are worn depending on the tilt. Very much like a carnival fun house.

A ‘new’ city wall was built in 1156, which put the piazza within the city.

After seeing the sites you can spend some time watching people get their photos.

As always, in Italy, buy tickets on-line before you go.  It will save a ton of time and hassle.