The Leaning Tower and grand architecture

Pisa is best known for its Leaning Tower, but there are other reasons for visiting this compact city in Tuscany. Pisa is brimming with historical buildings and monuments and has a charming medieval appearance; it is also an extremely vibrant place thanks to its University, which is one of Italy’s finest. The university has 60,000 students, which in a city of around 100,000 people has a huge impact on the demographic. The Leaning Tower is part of an ensemble of four beautiful buildings, collectively known as the Campo dei Miracoli or the Piazza dei Miracoli (square of Miracles). Explore the stunning Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral that was built almost 1,000 years ago, the Cathedral’s bell tower (the Leaning Tower), the baptistery and the Camposanto cemetery.

Why Go?
Pisa is a charming, compact city with lots of ancient Italian attractions. The Leaning Tower and the architecture of Piazza dei Miracoli is a delightful and historic site. At night unwind in the energetic but relaxed atmosphere of the bars and restaurants in Pisa.

When to Go?
Pisa has a sunny, Mediterranean climate with hot summers, mild temperatures in spring and autumn and cold damp winters. July and August are peak times in Pisa both in terms of the very hot temperatures of around 30°C and due to the volume of tourists. Pisa’s low season is from April to June, and September to October. These are considered the best months to visit when the weather is warm and pleasant and there are fewer tourists in town.

How to get there?
Low cost direct flights are available to Pisa from a number of airports across the UK including Edinburgh and Glasgow. Pisa’s Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) is the main airport in Tuscany. It is very close to Pisa’s centre, and only takes a few minutes to reach by bus, train or taxi. In fact, it’s even possible to walk which takes about 20 minutes.

Must see
Discover the Piazza dei Miracoli and stroll around the medieval heart of Pisa with plenty of restaurants and bars as well as the vegetable market. It’s usually better to eat away from the Leaning Tower as the restaurants there tend to be more expensive. If you’re in Pisa on 16th of June join in on the celebrations at the Luminara festival. At sunset the lights around the Arno River are dimmed and thousands of candles are lit, it’s a wonderful sight from the Ponte di Mezzo. Try a pizza at Hostaria Le Repubbliche Marinare.