Are you going on holiday to Pisa in Italy? Would you like to know where the best sightseeing spots in Pisa are? Our sightseeing guide to Pisa gives you the facts & information you’ll want to know.
Pisa is a small town with a population of less than 100,000 located in the north of Italy. Pisa is known primarily for its leaning tower; however, there are a few other tourist attractions in Pisa worthy of a visit. Pisa has a long history and served as a strategic naval base during Roman times. Pisa saw its economic and military peak during the 12th century when it became a major maritime power and trading city. Consequently, most of the historical architecture in Pisa dates back to the glory days of the 12th century. Below we’ve mentioned a few of the sightseeing highlights of a visit to Pisa.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning tower of Pisa is without doubt the most well known sightseeing attraction in Pisa and probably one of the most famous in Italy. Ironically, had the tower not been deficient it is doubtful that it would be so famous. Nevertheless the slant in this tower attracts tourists from far and wide who come to be photographed in front of the tower. Access inside the leaning tower of Pisa is restricted because of safety consideration although it is possible to gain entrance if you arrive early enough in the day before the daily quota of people allowed inside the tower has been reached. Admission to the leaning tower of Pisa costs €15 and it’s best to reserve your place in advance.
Baptistery in Pisa
The baptistery in Pisa is where the majority of residents in medieval Pisa would have been baptised into the Christian faith. The original structure of the baptistery in Pisa dates back to the 12th century although it was not fully completed until two hundred years later. As a consequence this piece of architecture in Pisa is quite fascinating as it embraces both Romanesque and Gothic influences. Once inside the baptistery one can see the pool-like shape carved out in the middle of the building which would have been filled with water and into which people would have been submerged as part of the baptism process.
Pisa Cathedral
The Cathedral in Pisa is an excellent example of Romanesque architecture that is so typical of the Tuscany region of Italy. The building dates back to the 11th century and the grandiose interior is held up by 68 columns. Aesthetic highlights of a visit to Pisa Cathedral include the green and white marble interiors. Admission to this sightseeing spot in Pisa costs €2.
Pisa Boat Tours
For those wanting to do some sightseeing in Pisa at a more leisurely pace, there are boat tours available that travel down the River Arno from which many of Pisa’s sights can be seen. Tickets cost about €5.
