10 Must-See Sights in Pisa Beyond the Leaning Tower
Pisa’s Leaning Tower draws the crowds, but the city offers much more: medieval streets, surprising art, riverside charm, and flavorsome cuisine. Here are 10 must-see sights that give a fuller picture of Pisa’s history, culture, and everyday life.
1. Piazza dei Miracoli (beyond the tower)
Piazza dei Miracoli is the complex that houses the Leaning Tower, but don’t stop at the tower itself. Visit the Cathedral (Duomo di Pisa) with its ornate façade and impressive bronze doors, and the Baptistery—an architectural blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles with notable acoustics. Climb the Baptistery’s upper gallery for different views of the piazza.
2. Camposanto Monumentale
This monumental cemetery on the piazza’s northern side features a cloistered courtyard and remnants of medieval frescoes. Though parts were damaged in World War II, the Camposanto still offers a contemplative atmosphere and important examples of funerary sculpture.
3. Museo dell’Opera del Duomo
Directly adjacent to the cathedral, this museum displays original sculptures, mosaics, and liturgical objects removed from the Duomo and Baptistery for preservation. Highlights include medieval works and pieces by local masters that illuminate Pisa’s artistic past.
4. Palazzo della Carovana (Piazza dei Cavalieri)
Once the political center of Pisa and later the headquarters of the Knights of St. Stephen, this grand palace lines the elegant Piazza dei Cavalieri. The façade, decorated by Giorgio Vasari, and the square’s geometric layout reflect Pisa’s Renaissance transformation. Nearby, spot the Scuola Normale Superiore for its historic academic pedigree.
5. Church of Santa Maria della Spina
Perched on the Arno’s banks, this small Gothic church is exquisitely detailed despite its size. Named after a thorn relic once kept there, the church’s delicate marble carvings and riverside setting make it a photographer’s favorite.
6. Borgo Stretto and Via Santa Maria
For everyday Pisan life, stroll Borgo Stretto and Via Santa Maria—two connected streets lined with shops, cafés, and historic porticoes. Look for medieval towers tucked among buildings and pause at a caffè for an espresso or a slice of schiacciata (Tuscan flatbread).
7. Palazzo Blu
This restored palazzo on Lungarno Gambacorti houses rotating art exhibitions, often featuring classical, modern, and local artists. The building itself is attractive, and exhibitions frequently provide insight into regional art and history.
8. Museo Nazionale di San Matteo
Housed in a former convent, San Matteo exhibits a superb collection of medieval and Renaissance painting and sculpture from Pisa and nearby areas. Works by artists such as Donatello and Simone Martini help trace artistic currents that shaped Tuscany.
9. Orto Botanico di Pisa
Founded in 1544 and one of Europe’s oldest botanical gardens, Pisa’s Orto Botanico offers a peaceful escape with historic greenhouses, specimen beds, and mature trees. It’s a pleasant place for a shaded walk and to observe plants that once played roles in medicine and teaching.
10. Walk the Arno River and Bridges
Spend time along the Arno—especially at sunset. Ponte di Mezzo and the smaller medieval bridges offer views up and down the river, while riverside restaurants and gelaterie invite you to linger. Cross to the left bank for quieter neighborhoods and local life.
Practical tips
- Buy combined tickets for the Duomo complex (cathedral, baptistery, Camposanto, and museum) to save time and money.
- Early morning or late afternoon visits beat peak crowds at major sites.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Pisa’s historic center is best explored on foot.
Explore beyond the tower and you’ll discover Pisa’s layered history—from maritime republic to university town—alongside intimate streets, art-filled museums, and riverside charm.
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