Pisa Beyond the Leaning Tower Walking Tour

Pisa , Italy

Pisa Beyond the Leaning Tower Walking Tour

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About this experience

Pisa is known for its famous leaning Tower but the city has a rich artistic and historical heritage.
We start our guided tour from Piazza del Duomo - better known as Miracles Square - the religious soul of Pisa where the famous leaning Tower, Cathedral, Bapistery and monumental Cemetery are located. All together they show Pisa's power during Middle Age.
Walking through Saint Mary street, full of touristic shops and restaurants, we arrive to Piazza dei Cavalieri, the former political and administrative heart of the city. Here we can admire the Church of Cavalieri built using the prestigious Carrara marble, the Palazzo della Carovana that nowadays hosts the Scuola Normale Superiore - the eight university in the entire world - and its library too.
We finish our visit in front of the river Arno, the main one in Tuscany, that separates Pisa in two areas: northern and southern. Along the river we see a beautiful panorama given by its palaces painted with various colours.

Available options

Pisa Beyond the Leaning Tower Walking Tour

What's included

Tourist Guide

Detailed itinerary

We'll see the magnificence of this square and we'll narrate the story and the anecdotes of its four monuments: Cathedral, Baptistery, Cemetery and leaning Tower.

Stop 2

The leaning Tower had to be Cathedral's bell tower and its construction started on 9th August 1173: to complete its realization, were necessary 199 years!
We'll discover the real reason about its inclination and some stories about its life connected to science and modern history.

Saint Mary Cathedral is the most important religious building of the city and represents Pisa's prosperity during Middle Age. Its construction started in 1063 and once its realization was finished, it was restored several times.
Its façade shows very well Pisa's artistic riches when the city was a Maritime Republic and traded along the Mediterranean Sea and Asia.
Its interior it's a mix between more artistic styles, a very good testimony about the passage of centuries in Pisa.
On demand, it's possible to get inside.

Entitled to Saint John the Baptist, is the biggest one in Italy with a height of 54 metres. About its construction were necessary more than 200 years!
Thanks to its height it was a reference point for all the people who arrived to Pisa from north.
This is also the edifice where the great scientist Galileo Galilei was baptised in 1564.
On demand it's possible to get inside.

Stop 5

During Roman Age this was the old Roman forum and after was the political and administrative centre in medieval Pisa. After the middle of 16th century the square became the headquarters of the Order of the Knights of St. Stephen.
Nowadays the former Town Hall called "Palazzo della Carovana" houses the main building of the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, a university founded by Napoleon Bonaparte and modeled after the Ecole Normale Superieure of Paris.
Pisa's citizens consider it as the true square of the city because is less touristic than Piazza del Duomo.

These are the riverbanks of Arno, the fifth longest river in Italy and the main one in Tuscany.
They offer a gorgeous look about the panorama offered by all the palaces painted with various colours along the northern and southern districts of Pisa.

What's not included

Private transportation

Lunch

Entrance to the Cathedral, Baptistery and to Cemetery is on demand

Entrance to the leaning Tower will be possibly done by your own: price 20 euros

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meeting point in front of Infopoint (Tourist office) entrance.

About Pisa

Pisa is a city in the Tuscany region of Italy, renowned for its iconic Leaning Tower. This historic city offers a blend of medieval architecture, vibrant student life, and rich cultural heritage. Pisa's compact size makes it easy to explore, with many attractions within walking distance.

Top Attractions

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa is a freestanding bell tower known for its unintended tilt. It is part of the Pisa Cathedral complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €18-€20

Pisa Cathedral

The Pisa Cathedral is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and a key part of the Piazza dei Miracoli complex. It is known for its intricate marble facade and stunning interior.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours €5-€7

Baptistery of St. John

The Baptistery of St. John is the largest baptistery in Italy and is known for its stunning acoustics and beautiful architecture. It is also part of the Piazza dei Miracoli complex.

Historical/Religious 30-45 minutes €5-€7

Pisa Botanic Garden

The Pisa Botanic Garden is a beautiful green space with a variety of plant species, including exotic and medicinal plants. It is a great place for a relaxing stroll.

Nature 1-2 hours €5-€7

Knights Square (Piazza dei Cavalieri)

Knights Square is a historic square in Pisa, known for its medieval buildings and the iconic Palazzo della Carovana. It was once the center of the Knights of St. Stephen.

Historical 30-45 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cecina

A savory chickpea flour pancake, similar to a thin pizza, often served as a street food.

Snack Vegetarian, gluten-free option available

Ribollita

A hearty bread and vegetable soup, often made with cannellini beans and kale.

Dinner Vegetarian, can be made vegan

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

A large, thick-cut T-bone steak, typically from the Chianina cattle breed, grilled and seasoned simply with salt and olive oil.

Dinner Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Tiramisu

A classic Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.

Dessert Contains dairy and coffee

Popular Activities

Biking on Lucca's city walls Hiking in the nearby Tuscan countryside Strolling through Pisa's historic neighborhoods Enjoying gelato at a local gelateria Visiting museums and historic sites Attending local festivals and events Boating on the Arno River Visiting Christmas markets in December

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Pisa for warm weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with tourists and events.

20°C to 32°C 68°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Pisa is generally safe for tourists, but common precautions should be taken to avoid pickpocketing and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting the journey.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests.

Getting there

By air

Pisa International Airport • 1 km from city center

By train

Pisa Centrale

By bus

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Pisa. The system is efficient and covers most of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Piazza dei Miracoli Santa Maria San Martino

Day trips

Lucca

20 km • Half day

Lucca is a charming medieval city known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls, beautiful churches, and historic buildings. It offers a glimpse into Italy's rich history and culture.

Florence

80 km • Full day

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is a city renowned for its art, architecture, and history. It is home to iconic landmarks like the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio.

San Gimignano

60 km • Full day

San Gimignano is a medieval hilltop town known for its towering houses, vineyards, and stunning views of the Tuscan countryside. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique glimpse into Italy's past.

Festivals

Luminara di San Ranieri • September 16 Pisa Jazz Festival • July

Pro tips

Visit the Leaning Tower early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Explore the city on foot to discover hidden gems and local neighborhoods.
Try local specialties like Cecina and Ribollita at traditional osterias.
Use the Pisa Card for discounted entry to major attractions and unlimited public transport.
Take a day trip to Lucca or Florence for a deeper dive into Tuscany's history and culture.