Pisa

Every year thousands of tourists flock to the city of Pisa to visit the world famous leaning tower. The majority of visitors are very surprised at how much else the city has to offer. Pisa is a small but charming city full of beautiful Renaissance architecture, fine museums, art galleries and open green areas.

Synonymous with Pisa and Italy for over 700 years, the Leaning Tower is one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks. Actually built as the bell tower for Pisa Cathedral, the tower has leaned almost from the start of construction, although it has now been stabilised with one side five metres closer to the ground than the other.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is just one of several masterpieces of medieval architecture that make up the main square (Piazza del Duomo). The square is also home to Pisa Cathedral, a beautiful Romanesque Baptistery and the 800-year-old cemetery called Camposanto.

Visitors looking for a refuge from the crowds should head to Pisa’s botanical gardens, just a short walk from the tower. Founded in 1540, the Orto Botanico di Pisa is the oldest botanical garden in Europe. There are guided tours available and outdoor theatre is performed in the summer.

Visitors wishing to see more of the area can hire a car and head out into the beautiful Tuscan countryside. There are many places of interest within an easy drive of Pisa, including the Carthusian Monastery of Calci (Certosa di Calci), the 12^th century Nozanno Castle and the city of Lucca. Alternatively, the peace and tranquility of the surrounding countryside is enjoyment in itself.