About this experience
You will see all the iconic places of Pisa: the majestic Cathedral, the cylindrical Baptistery, the legendary Leaning Tower, and the monumental Campo Santo cemetery. You will stroll along the picturesque waterfront and medieval streets. And all this - accompanied by stories about the city's history.
What to expect
Masterpieces of the main square
You will enter the Duomo square through the "Maria gate", built in the medieval wall. I will tell you why the central city square is called the "Field of Miracles" and show you its main attractions:
- Baptistery of San Giovanni - built in 1153, it will impress you with its correct form and harmonious proportions. The Baptistery of Pisa is the largest in the world. I will tell you the story of the medieval architect Diotisalvi, who devoted his whole life to this masterpiece and died from a love for a Genoese lady. You will also hear who Nicola Pisano was, why he surrounded the Baptistery with an elegant loggia and adorned it with magnificent Gothic decoration of columns, triangles, edicules, and sculptures.
- Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta - you will see its magnificent doors with bronze panels, miraculously preserved after the fire of 1595. And also - the amazing facade with six loggias, blind arches, and marble columns, creating mysterious vibrations. Optionally, you can go inside and see the cathedral's main treasure - the famous pulpit by Giovanni Pisano.
- Campo Santo Cemetery - you will admire the tall loggias guarding the peace of great Pisans. And you will hear where and under what circumstances Bishop Ubaldo Lanfranchi brought soil here in the 12th century.
- Campanile - the most famous building in the square. I will tell you why the Pisans were initially ashamed of the crooked tower, what caused its unintentional lean, whether Galileo conducted experiments here, and how many "leaning" towers there are in the city in total. Optionally, you can climb to a height of 54 meters to enjoy the city's panorama.
Arno Embankment and ancient palaces
Pisa is not just the "Field of Miracles". You will walk along the picturesque Arno river embankment and admire the charming palaces of local dynasties and the "guest" Medici that have preserved their charm. You will visit the Borgo Stretto district and feel the medieval spirit prevailing there. In conclusion, I will tell you why Pisa's fame is closely linked to the Order of the Knights of Saint Stephen, founded by Duke Cosimo I to protect the coastal possessions from pirate raids. I will show you the Palazzo Cavallieri, Orologio, and ancient arches by Giorgio Vasari.
Organizational details
- Entrance tickets are not included in the tour price (visiting all facilities is optional): Campo Santo or Baptistery - 5 euros, Campo Santo and Baptistery (combined ticket) - 7 euros. A ticket to Campo Santo and/or Baptistery automatically grants free admission to the Cathedral. Climb to the Pisa Tower - 18 euros.
- If you are planning a tour during the peak season (summer), I recommend buying tickets online in advance to avoid long lines at the ticket office.
- Optionally, we can combine this tour with a trip to Lucca. The surcharge will be 69 euros, duration - 2 hours.
