Four of Italy's most iconic edifices converge at the Piazza del Miracoli, or the Piazza Del Duomo, in Pisa. The name was coined by poet Gabriele D'Annunzio, and the square is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The startling bent of the Tower of Pisa invites exclamations of surprise alongside the awe-inspiring magnificence of the majestic Duomo, the ornate Baptistry and the sculpture-rich Cemetery nearby. Together, these form one of the country's most revered collections of Medieval architecture, their influence visible across Italy in the various works of master artists. Richly embellished with sculpted niches, exquisite artwork and detailed ornamentation, delicate columns and graceful arches abound. Beloved by art lovers, history buffs and the average tourist alike, the Piazza Del Duomo is the epitome of monumental architecture that has captured the imagination of people across the globe.
Built durning the XIII Century, this little church represents a wonderful sample of Pisan Gothic architecture. Since 1333 the church kept a spine of Jesus Christ's Crown and for this reason has been added Della Spina to the original name of the abbey. Now that spine is guarded in the Santa Chiara's Church, but this did not tilt the importance of this religious meeting point.
Tier upon tier of arches and columns, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or Torre pendente, is one of the world's most recognizable landmarks. Located in Pisa's magnificent Piazza del Duomo, the Tower is a campanile that belongs to the cathedral nearby, complete with seven bells, one for each note of the musical scale. Shortly after construction began, the structure began to lean to one side due to an inadequate foundation. Over time, the angle of the tilt grew more extreme until conservation efforts in the early 2000s stabilized the foundation to prevent collapse. Today, the Tower leans at an angle of 3.99-degrees, a minor tilt yet unmistakable and obvious given the monument's magnanimous size. Having survived centuries without correction, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is deemed by many to be a miracle; an icon that attracts thousands to its base. The view from the top is reputed to be one of spectacular beauty and well worth the climb up its 296 steps.
The Baptistery of St. John (Battistero di San Giovanni) is the largest Baptistery in the country with its construction spanning over two centuries beginning from 1152. Due to the lengthy duration of its construction, the Baptistery comprises of elements of transition from Romanesque style to the Gothic style of architecture. The structure towers at a height of 53 meters, its circumference is 107 meters and is completely made of marble. The statue of St. John the Baptist is situated on the top of the tower and the interior of the Baptistery comprises examples of Italian Renaissance artworks made by medieval artists such as Nicola Pisano, Italo Griselli and Guido Bigarelli da Como. Apart from the Leaning Tower and the Cathedral, the Battistero di San Giovanni of Pisa is another important architectural landmark in the city of Pisa.
Piazza dei Cavalieri represented the heart of the city during the Republican Age and Cosimo I de Medici wanted to erect here the main base of the Saint Stephen's Knights. In the middle of the square there is a statue dedicated to the Noblemen of the city and local people still consider this place the center of their city. These days the square is one of the main education hubs in the province, housing the Scuola Normale di Pisa- one of the most renowned universities in Europe and the Alma mater of many prominent personalities.
Borgo Stretto is a Gothic looking street in Pisa, Italy. The famous street is lined with small shops and cute cafes to fancy restaurants and bars. The street has several beautiful arches, is a very popular tourist attraction and is an ideal place to stroll along and satisfy your shopping itch.
Santuario di Santa Maria della Fontenuova was built in the 17th Century, and till date stands tall as an eclectic architectural and historical structure. The facades of this sanctuary are in a beautiful Tuscan baroque style and it is counted amongst fine architectural examples. The sanctuary is ornamented with idyllic murals, relics, paintings and more. There are also carved friezes, altars and stenciled ceilings that will leave you in awe. A great spectacle that peeps into the history of Italy.
Who says that children don't like theater doesn't know the Teatrino del Sole. This funny company uses puppets and marionettes as characters of their simple and traditional tales. Fun is assured for youngers and, really often, for their parents as well that will be involved by the wonderful atmosphere of a fantasy world.
Savor the flavor that dominates among cuisines around the world, and pick up a cooking trick or two. Under the guidance of Masterchef Paolo Monti, enthusiasts learn the art of Italian cooking at the Cusina Italiana Cooking School. By taking a class or two, familiarize yourself with the local ingredients, home-traded secrets and delicious dishes. Money well spent, as the experience is priceless.
A one of a kind institute, built to honor the great Pisan scientist Galileo Galilei and his followers, Domus Galilaeana has been for years been engaged in the promotion of the rich historical, scientific, artistic and environmental heritage of Pisa. The Domus was established in 1942 with the aim of promoting studies and research on modern and contemporary science, with an open outlook to the relations with the logic, methodology and philosophy of scientific thought. Located in Palazzo della Observatory of Pisa, the intriguing structure is also home to a rich library containing more than 40,000 books and important files appertaining to scientists of the 20th Century. Along with Galileo, the Domus also preserves manuscripts of other physicists such as Enrico Fermi and Antonio Pacinotti.