Pisa

Leaning Tower, also referred to as Tower of Pisa or Leaning Tower of Pisa, is a freestanding campanile in Pisa, Italy. The famous stone bell tower is widely known for its tilt, an unintentional architectural curiosity. In fact, its famous lean has garnered a place among the Seven Wonders of the World. Seven bells, the largest weighing 3.5 tons, has kept time in Pisa since at least 1655, with each bell having a singular musical note. The architectural wonder is made even more spectacular because of its location on famed Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles). Visitors can purchase tickets to climb the tower.

Piazza del Duomo, 56126 Pisa, Italy, Phone: +39-050-83-20-11

Other than the Tiber, the Arno River is central Italy’s most important river, flowing through both Florence and Pisa. Pisa was built along either side of the waterway, making it appear to cut through the city. A stroll along the river offers visitors a tranquil and picturesque experience. Photography buffs can capture the essence of Pisa architecture, plus the five stunning bridges that span the water. A guided walking tour of Pisa includes a stretch along the river. Another way to experience the beauty of Arno River is by ferry boat. Capture images of Renaissance palaces reflected in the water.

Attractions for Couples

Bagno Tirrenia, founded in 1932, is situated between Calambrone and the Marina di Pisa. It’s the oldest bathhouse on the Tuscan coast, located on the southern end of Migliarino Natural Park. This coastal resort offers guests endless activities like beach games and sports, singing competitions, group dances, live music, and prize lotteries. Guests can lounge on the beach under the shade of an umbrella, or get out on the water with a paddle board. Acquamarina Restaurant provides a banquet of local traditional dishes either inside or on the 200-square-meter outdoor terrace. Visitors can take in an evening performance of the symphony orchestra, or enjoy other genres like rock, soul, progressive, and blues.

Viale del Tirreno, 18, 56128 Tirrenia, Pisa, Italy, Phone: +39-05-03-70-61

Built in 1278, Camposanto Monumentale, or Holy Field, is Pisa’s Monumental Cemetery commissioned by Archibishop Federico Visconti. It’s among the oldest Christian medieval structures dedicated to the dead, and is the resting place of early upper-class Pisans. Built around a central quadrant, the inner walls were once adorned with frescoes depicting Life and Death. Many frescoes have been restored and are displayed in the north gallery. The Triumph of Death frescoe was fully restored and returned to its original location in 2018. Sepulchers in Camposanto Monumentale honor local families and the city’s Medieval past. Corridors, turned galleries, established a museum of archaeological objects.

Piazza del Duomo, 17, 56126 Pisa, Italy, Phone: +39-050-83-50-11/12

Many travelers have discovered La Staffetta Tap Room in Pisa on their way to or from another attraction. Word of mouth has made this one of the most popular places in Pisa for refreshing craft beer. From hoppy Italian beers to session IPA to hemp ale, there are surprisingly tasty choices. Although not a restaurant, they do offer light bites like meats and cheeses, and sandwiches. Most of the beers here are local, either from La Staffetta, or from other local breweries. The tap room has a modern urban edge and offers views of Arno River from the sidewalk patio.

Lugarno Antonio Pacinotti, 24, 56126, Pisa, Italy, Phone: +39-32-87-47-84-43

Le Dune Beach is a waterfront luxury resort located in Calambrone, not far from Pisa. This seaside getaway is famous for its Tuscan hospitality, comfort, and elegance. Guests can relax on the beach, indulge in a fine dining experience, lounge by a pool with a sea view, or enjoy panoramic views from the American-style bar. Accommodations include beachfront apartments, or two styles of luxury cabins. The property also features gazebos with cots, deck chairs, beach towels, and a bar and restaurant. For family-friendly outdoor fun, there is a children’s playground, plus a beach volleyball field, and canoe, paddle board, and pedaló rentals.

Viale del Tirreno, 66, 56128 Pisa, Italy, Phone: +39-32-40-45-09-36

Unique Museums

Museo delle Sinopie is one of the few places on earth where visitors can view sinopie (preliminary sketches) of frescoes that provide a glimpse into the fresco painting process. The museum safeguards numerous sinopias, done by 14th and 15th century artists in red earth pigment. Sinopias were painted over into frescoes. After fire damage during WWII, frescoes were peeled from the walls in an effort to restore and preserve them, revealing the sinopias beneath. The sinopias were also then removed and moved to the museum. Visitors can see beautiful frescoes, numerous sinopias, short films about fresco painting, and scale models at Museo delle Sinopie.

Piazza Arcivescovado 1, 56126 Pisa, Italy, Phone: +39-050-83-50-11/12

The Museum of Calculating Machines is housed in the town’s renovated slaughterhouse, now repurposed as a museum. This fascinating museum contains a historical collection of scientific instruments, including a geometrical compass that was invented and used by Galileo Galilei. Over 2000 items spanning 500 years are arranged into groups – large calculators, calculators, and scientific instruments. Visitors will want to look out for the Pisan Electronic Calculator, one of the world’s first large computers, built in Italy in 1961. Additionally, guests will find an archive of letters, notes, and manuscripts from notable scholars like Enrico Fermi and Antonio Pacinotti.

Via Bonanno Pisano, 2, 56126 Pisa, Italy, Phone: +39-057-14-27-45

Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, or Museum of Cathedral Works, is located in what was once an Episcopal seminary. Open to the public in 1986, the museum is the result of a lengthy project designed to present the medieval sculptures and art of Pisa. Many pieces are from the Piazza del Duomo reflecting the classical, Byzantine, and Islamic art of Pisa, or the three spirits. There are sculptures from the Baptistery, remains of Emperor Henry VII’s tomb, and an alterpiece from the St. Rainerius altar. Numerous medieval liturgical items like Giovanni Pisano’s Ivory Madonna to Pierre Ballin’s 17th century gold table service to a neo-Gothic chalice from Louis Phillippe, King of France.

Piazza del Duomo, 23, 56126 Pisa, Italy, Phone: +39-050-83-50-12

The Museum of Human Anatomy, opened by Tommaso Biancini in 1832, displays a collection of over 1,600 specimens. Visitors can expect to see anatomical statues, skulls, fetal skeletons, wax models, and prepared specimens. There are also Egyptian and Colombian mummies, and a wax death mask by Paolo Mascagni. Pisa, a university town since 1343, is home to other collections, such as the Pathological Anatomy Museum next door. It displays examples of how nature can sometimes go wrong – a two-headed baby chick with four legs, a six-legged dog, and other curiosities. The Veterinary Anatomy Museum displays anatomical models of animals. Similar examples are scattered throughout Pisa.

Via Roma, 57, 56126 Pisa, Italy, Phone: +39-05-02-21-86-01