20 Must-See Tourist Attractions in Pisa

Once a powerful maritime state rivaling Genoa and Venice, Pisa today draws its fame from an architectural project whose construction did not go as planned. However, the world-famous Leaning Tower is just one of the many remarkable attractions in the city of Pisa.

The city center, with its lively cafes and bars, perfectly balances the enviable legacy of well-preserved Romanesque buildings, Gothic churches, and Renaissance squares with a vibrant street life dominated by locals rather than tourists.

One of the iconic landmarks of Italy, the Leaning Tower truly lives up to its name, leaning at an angle of 5.5 degrees from the vertical axis. The 58-meter tower, officially the bell tower of the Duomo, took nearly two centuries to construct and was completed in 1372.

Over time, the tilt caused by the layers of soft soil beneath it gradually increased until it was finally halted by a stabilization project in the 1990s.

Italian architect Bonanno Pisano began building the tower, which was originally just a bell tower for the neighboring cathedral, in 1173, but almost immediately his plans spectacularly failed due to the shifting soil under its foundation.

Only three of the seven stories of the tower were completed before it began to tilt at a rate of about 1 mm per year. By 1990, its lean had reached 5.5 degrees, which was 10 degrees below the critical point established by computer models.

Stability was finally secured only after work in 1998, using a combination of counterweights and soil stabilization, which allowed the tower to take a safer position. Today, the lean is nearly 4.1 m from the perpendicular.

Address: Torre di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.

Pisans assert that the Campo dei Miracoli is one of the most beautiful urban squares in the world.

Its enclosed lawns create a photogenic backdrop for the candy-striped Duomo, with its elegant multi-tiered facade and extraordinary interior decoration, whose construction began in 1063. It also houses the Baptistery, started in 1153 and completed in 1260 by Niccolò and Giovanni Pisano, featuring a magnificent pulpit created by Niccolò Pisano inside.

And also for the beautiful Campo Santo cemetery, which is said to contain soil brought back during the Crusades from Golgotha. But all eyes are drawn to the Leaning Tower.

Address: Piazza dei Miracoli, Piazza del Duomo, Pisa, Italy.

The magnificent Romanesque Cathedral of Pisa was founded in 1064 and consecrated in 1118. Its stunning multi-level exterior, clad in greenish-cream striped marble, opens into a vast nave topped with a wooden coffered ceiling.

The elliptical dome, the first of its kind in Europe at that time, was added in 1380. Before entering the cathedral, take a moment to admire the three pairs of 16th-century bronze doors at the main entrance.

Designed by the school of Giambologna to replace the wooden originals destroyed along with much of the cathedral's interior in a fire in 1596, the doors are breathtaking - you could spend hours decoding the biblical scenes illustrating the immaculate conception of the Virgin and the birth of Christ on the central doors, along with the journey to Golgotha, the crucifixion, and the ministry of Christ.

Inside the north aisle, don't miss the extraordinary octagonal pulpit dating from the early 14th century. A sculpture by Giovanni Pisano, made of Carrara marble, featuring bare heroic figures with deep detail and heightened emotions, brought a new pictorial expressionism and life to Gothic sculpture.

Pisano's work stands in striking contrast to the scandalous pulpit and altar completed in 2001 by Italian sculptor Giuliano Vangi.

Address: Cattedrale di Pisa, Piazza del Duomo, Pisa, Italy.

The unusual Round Baptistery has one dome set atop another pyramid-like structure, with one side of the building covered in gleaming lead tiles and the other clad in shingles, topped with a gilded bronze statue of John the Baptist created in 1395.

Construction began in 1152, but when the project was continued by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, the original style of the Baptistery was modified slightly, and its construction was only completed in the 14th century.

The highlight of the Baptistery is the six-sided marble pulpit by Niccolò Pisano, dating back to 1260. The lower arcades are in the Pisan-Romanesque style, while the upper part, including the dome, is Gothic.

Pisan scholar Galileo Galilei, who, according to history, invented the laws of the pendulum while observing a lamp on a chain in the cathedral of Pisa, was baptized in the octagonal font in 1246.

Make sure not to leave without climbing to the upper gallery to listen to the caretaker demonstrate the remarkable acoustics and echo effects of the double dome of the Baptistery.

Address: Battistero di Pisa, Piazza del Duomo, Pisa, Italy.

It is said that the soil brought back during the Crusades from Golgotha lies within the white walls of this incredibly beautiful final resting place for many of the city's notable inhabitants, surrounded by a garden in a secluded quadrangle.

During World War II, Allied artillery destroyed many monastery frescoes; nevertheless, you will find much to see in Pisa. A couple of ancient frescoes were saved and are now displayed in the Sala Affreschi or Fresco Room.

The most notable is 'The Triumph of Death' - a remarkable illustration of hell, attributed to the 14th-century painter Buonamico Buffalmacco, dating from 1336-1341.

Fortunately, the mirrors that once stood beside the graphic depictions of the damned, roasted alive on a spit, were removed because initially viewers could see their own faces reflected in the horrific scene. In the same room, 'The Last Judgment and Hell' by Buffalmacco, dating from 1333-1341, is equally gruesome.

Address: Campo Santo, Piazza del Duomo, Pisa, Italy.

In the halls of this museum, along with amazing frescoes, several sinopias are stored, which represent a kind of preliminary sketches drawn by artists using red pigment on the walls of Camposanto in the 14th - 15th centuries, before the frescoes were painted over.

Head to the museum and explore the fresco painting through short informational videos and large models filling the space.

Address: Museo Delle Sinopie, Pisa, Italy.

This impressive repository of medieval masterpieces is housed in a 13th-century Benedictine monastery on the northern embankment of the Arno.

Noteworthy is the collection of 12th - 14th-century Tuscan school paintings, including works by Lippo Memmi, Taddeo Gaddi, Gentile da Fabriano, and Ghirlandaio. Don't miss Masaccio's 'Saint Paul', Fra Angelico's 'Madonna of Humility', and Simone Martini's 'Polyptych of Saint Catherine'.

Equally interesting is the collection of Pisan sculptures from the 14th and 15th centuries, including works by Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, Andrea and Nino Pisano, Francesco di Valdambrino, Donatello, Michelozzo, and Andrea della Robbia.

Address: Museo Nazionale di San Matteo, Piazza San Matteo In Soarta, Pisa, Italy.

This beautifully restored 14th-century building features an impressive dusty blue facade overlooking the river.

Its lavish 19th-century interiors provide the perfect backdrop for the magnificent collection of artworks from the Fondazione Pisa - predominantly Pisan works from the 14th to the 20th century on the second floor, alongside some temporary exhibitions on the first level.

Additionally, the basement of the museum houses an archaeological area, and on the first floor, an aristocratic palace residence is furnished as it would have been in the 19th century.

Address: Palazzo Blu, Lungarno Gambacorti, Pisa, Italy.

To escape the crowds at Piazza dei Miracoli, head to this quiet enclosed garden featuring palm trees, flora typical of the Apuan Alps, a picturesque garden with fragrant herbs, and ancient greenhouses home to 35 species of orchids.

This botanical garden, showcasing the botanical collection of the University of Pisa, dates back to 1543 and is, besides that, the first university botanical garden in Europe.

It was cared for by the prominent botanist Luca Ghini (1490-1556). The museum in Palazzo della Conchiglia tells the history of the garden through exquisite botanical illustrations, catalogs, and models.

Address: L'Orto Botanico dell'Università di Pisa, Via Luca Ghini, Pisa, Italy.

Do not miss this riverside church with its triple spires, an exquisite gem of Pisan-Gothic style, elegantly adorned with skins and statues. It was built between 1230 and 1233 as a reliquary for a thorn from the crown of Christ.

Address: Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina, Lungarno Gambacorti, Pisa, Italy.

Recently opened to the public, the 2 km of city walls are now one of Pisa's most popular attractions. Climbing the battlements for free provides you with stunning views of the city.

Address: Antiche Mura di Pisa, Via Contessa Matilde, Pisa, Italy.

Piazza delle Vettovaglie, which literally means supply square, is one of the oldest squares in Pisa and also the heart of the city's nightlife.

It is formed by a series of distinctive arcades housing numerous shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes. Nearby is the Vettovaglie market, where you can shop for essentials each morning.

Address: Piazza delle Vettovaglie, Pisa, Italy.

The popular graffiti art style of Keith Haring is recognizable worldwide, but you will still be surprised to find a huge mural by this American artist in Pisa.

Haring fell in love with the city during his visit in 1989, and he painted this public artwork on the wall of the Church of Sant'Antonio, located near the central train station.

Address: Tuttomondo by Keith Haring, Via Riccardo Zandonai, Pisa, Italy.

This red tower, built in 1406 to oversee the river route into the city, holds a collection of weapons from prominent Pisan families, which might be of interest.

However, the best reason to come here is the stunning view from the top of the tower overlooking the coastline and the San Rossore Natural Park.

Address: Torre Guelfa, Pisa, Italy.

Loggia dei Bianchi is a building designed by architect Bernardo Buontalenti, currently used for hosting shopping rows, especially during the Christmas season.

The Loggia is located at the end of Corso Italia, the main shopping street in Pisa, so be prepared to empty your wallet.

Address: Logge Dei Banchi, Via di Banchi, Pisa, Italy.

This church at Piazza dei Cavalieri was designed by Giorgio Vasari, one of Italy's greatest architects.

Originally built between 1565 - 1569, additional architectural elements were added a few years later.

Once you're here, you won't miss the richly decorated high altar with the throne of Saint Stephen the Martyr and a magnificent baroque organ.

Address: Chiesa di Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri, Knights' Square, Pisa, Italy.

In Pisa, as in many Italian cities, there are many beautiful churches worth visiting.

The Church of San Paolo is one of the oldest in the city, founded in 805 AD, and was enlarged in the 11th and 12th centuries. It houses a Roman sarcophagus, but it's its Pisan-Romanesque facade that captures the most attention.

Address: Parrocchia di San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno, Piazza San Paolo a Ripa D'Arno, Pisa, Italy.

One of the most beautiful and least touristy squares in Pisa is Piazza Dante, a lovely spot located near the law faculty in the center of Pisa.

Only a few tourists come here for coffee, while students often visit to relax between classes.

Address: Piazza Dante Alighieri, Pisa, Italy.

The most beautiful palace in Pisa is Palazzo Agostini, built in the 14th century and well-preserved to this day.

With its red brick facade, it is one of the most unusual palaces in the city.

The main reason this building is famous is the Caffè dell'Ussero, founded in 1794 and very popular among Italian patriots and intellectuals.

Address: Palazzo Agostini or dell'Ussero or Red, Lungarno Antonio Pacinotti, Pisa, Italy.