12 Must-See Things to Discover in Tuscany

Known throughout the world for its leaning towerPisa is also a city in Tuscany which offers numerous historical and cultural attractions. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the piazza dei Miracoli is indeed home to exceptional monuments which remind us that Pisa was a major site of the Renaissance in Italy. From the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa to the cathedral and the different museums, we suggest you discover our selection of 12 must-sees for visiting Pisa.

#1 The Tower of Pisa

The first must-see for visiting Pisa, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is the attraction that many visitors come to admire in the famous Italian city. World famous, this leaning tower indeed contributes greatly to the reputation of Pisa. Located in Piazza dei Miracolithe Tower of Pisa began to lean only 5 years after the start of its construction when the building still had only three floors.

After various consolidation works, the tower is still inclined today but you can climb at the top of the building. You will then have to climb the 293 steps and eight floors of the spiral staircase which leads to the top of the monument. Arriving at the top, you will have the chance to benefit from the most beautiful view of Pisa when the climate in Italy is pleasant. You will also be able to become even more aware of the inclination of the tower. You can also admire the bells of the cathedral since the tower constitutes the bell tower of the religious building.

On the Square of Miracles, don't forget to find the best angle to immortalize your stay in Pisa with a fun photo while pushing the famous Tower.

#2 Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Cathedral

In Piazza dei Miracoli, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is also among the unmissable places to visit Pisa. Romanesque in style, this religious building is perfectly representative of local architecture with its alternation of white marble and darker shades. Built between the 11^e and 12^e centuries, the cathedral of Pisa is made up of five naves. During your visit, we advise you not to miss the mosaic representing Christ as well as the pulpit of Giovanni Pisano. Note that entry to the cathedral is free but you must have a ticket. If you have purchased other tickets for the monuments of the Square of Miracles, access to the cathedral is included. Otherwise, you can collect your ticket for free in the museum opposite the building.

#3 The Baptistery of Saint John of Pisa

Also located in Piazza dei Miracoli opposite the cathedral, the Baptistery of Saint John of Pisa is the largest baptistery in Italy. Built between the 12^e and 14^e centuries, the building presents an architecture which perfectly illustrates the transition between the Romanesque style and the Gothic style. To discover the building, we suggest you take a complete tour of the baptistery, taking the time to admire all the architectural details. Then enter the monument known for its fantastic acoustics.

#4 The Monumental Campisanto

Another visit that we suggest to you in Piazza dei Miracoli, the Camisanto Monumentale is a cemetery designed in the form of a cloister. At the heart of this monumental cemetery which houses numerous tombs of city personalities on the ground, you will discover a garden surrounded by arcades. You will also be able to admire magnificent frescoes from the 14^e century on the walls.

#5 The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo

Among the must-sees for visiting Pisa, the museum of works of the Duomo exhibits as its name suggests part of the works of the cathedral. Between statues and paintings, you can discover many major works in this museum organized on two floors. A little extra to your visit, it allows you to treat yourself to a magnificent view of the Tower of Pisa.

#6 The Piazza dei Cavalieri

Another place not to be missed in Pisa, the Piazza dei Cavalieri was the center of power during the Medici era. Pisa being one of the major cities of the Renaissance in Italy, there are still magnificent palaces to discover in the Piazza dei Cavalieri. Among these architectural gems, the Palazzo della Carovana was the seat of the order of chivalry of Saint-Etienne. This superb palace decorated with busts now houses the Scuola Normale Superiore, the higher normal school founded by Napoleon. On the square, don't also miss the Palazzo dell'Orologio and the Palazzo della Canonica.

#7 The Church of Santa Maria della Spina

Although the church of Santa Maria della Spina is very small, it is nevertheless worth the detour as much for its exterior as for its interior. Of Gothic styleits facade is in fact decorated with different sculptures and statues. Upon entering the building, you will then discover very rich ornaments. Note that the church houses a thorn from Christ's crown, hence the origin of its name.

#8 The walls of Pisa

To visit Pisa, we also recommend walking along the city walls. On 3 kilometersthis walk allows you to gain height over Pisa and benefit from unique views of the famous buildings of Piazza dei Miracoli. The start of the walk is ideally in this Square of Miracles at the Torre Santa Maria. Not very busy, this promenade of the ramparts is also inexpensive to offer you a great visit even on a small budget in Pisa. If you don't want to walk the three kilometers, know that you can stop at different gates of the city. If you go to the end of the walk, you will exit Torre di Legno in the immediate vicinity of Giardino Scotto.

#9 The Giardino Scotto

On a day when the weather in Pisa is pleasant, the Giardino Scotto is a pleasant shaded garden to offer you a break during your visit to Tuscany. Located in the heart of the Cittadella Nuovathis garden allows you to benefit from the magnificent setting of this ancient fortress. Please note that there is another older fortress in Pisa, the Citadella Vecchia, which you can discover on the north bank of the Arno.

#10 The Borgo Stretto

If you are looking for a authentic atmosphere and traditional in Pisa, we advise you to take a stroll in the Borgo Stretto district. Located between the banks of the Arno and Piazza dei Cavalieri, this area is home to a multitude of typical shops, restaurants and bars. To discover the old town of Pisathe ideal is to stroll through the small pedestrian streets. So, take your time to get lost in the streets of Pisa and stop whenever you want.

#11 Palazzo Blu

The Palazzo Blu is a magnificent palace of Pisa who has a blue facade as its name suggests. In this palace you can admire interesting art collections of the Fondazione Pisa as well as temporary exhibitions. Don't miss also discovering the first floor of the Palazzo Blu which allows you to visit a reconstruction of an apartment of an aristocratic family from the end of the 19th century.^e century.

#12 An excursion to Florence

About an hour from Pisa, Florence is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Whether you set out on your own by train or join a tour from Pisa, you'll find plenty of ways to visit the cradle of the Renaissance. Sublime Florence Duomo At Ponte Vecchio passing through the impressive art museumsmany essential places to visit Florence are simply among the gems to discover in Europe.

And you, what are the must-sees for visiting Pisa that you plan to discover beyond the famous leaning tower? If you are thinking about your next trip to Tuscany, we suggest you read our must-sees in Tuscany. You can also discover our ideas for family activities in Tuscany or our selection of places to see in Italy.