Holiday in Pisa

What makes Pisa special as a destination?

Pisa is much more than the Leaning Tower — although this naturally remains the highlight. The Torre Pendente has been leaning at an angle of 3.97 degrees since its completion in the 14th century and offers a surreal view from a slanted perspective after climbing the 251 steps. The entire Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) with the marble-white cathedral, the baptistery with its legendary acoustics, and the Camposanto (cemetery with Roman sarcophagi and medieval frescoes) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Away from the tourist square, the real Pisa reveals itself: a vibrant university city (founded in 1343), whose 50,000 students enliven the bars along the Arno and the Piazza dei Cavalieri. The Borgo Stretto with its arcades is the elegant shopping street, while the Lungarni — the waterfront promenades along the Arno — are bathed in golden light at sunset. Every year on June 16, the Luminara di San Ranieri transforms the city into a sea of lights: over 70,000 candles illuminate the buildings along the Arno, followed by a grand fireworks display. The Gioco del Ponte (Bridge Battle) in June is a medieval strength game between the districts. Culinary delights in Pisa include Cecina (chickpea flatbread), Mucco Pisano (local beef breed), and Cantucci with Vin Santo. From Pisa, you can reach the Cinque Terre, Lucca, and Florence in under an hour.