5 Most Notable Tourist Attractions In Pisa

Pisa is a city situated in the Tuscany region of central Italy which was once used as the major Roman Port. The city is globally popular for the famous Leaning Tower but it has so much to explore beyond that. There are many other tourist attractions in Pisa that will surely gain your attention including some medieval architecture, museums and ever welcoming city squares.

The city rose to fame during the 11th century and became one of the most powerful naval republics. Pisa is one of the smallest cities in the Tuscany region but historically one of the most significant and influential cities in the country. Apart from having several historical sites, the magnificent city of Pisa houses more the 20 historical churches and cathedrals.

Before planning a trip to Pisa, Let’s have a look at these top 5 tourist attractions in Pisa that are worthy of your attention.

Top 5 Places To Visit And Tourist Attractions In Pisa

1. The Leaning Tower Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the most famous tower in the world that everyone must have heard of, thus one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pisa. The construction of the tower began in 1172 during the time when Pisa served as the most popular marine republic of Italy. The tower started to sink towards the south soon after the third floor was built due to which the construction was halted.

The construction resumed after 100 years and the workers attempt to prevent the tilt by building upper floors at vertical angles. Due to its uneven angle, the tilt was increasing every by one millimeter and was likely to fall by 2000. After numerous restorations, the workers got succeeded in reducing the tilt by 5.5 degrees to 3.99 degrees.

Visiting Hours:

April to June - 9:00 to 8:00 PM
June To September - 8:30 to 10:00 PM

Entry Fee: 18 Euros

Location: Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa

2. Santa Maria Della Spina

Santa Maria Della Spina is one of the well-known small churches in Pisa and arguably the most beautiful. The church witnessed frequent damages over the centuries and it was rebuilt in the year 1871 stone by stone. Being a perfect symbol of finely decorated gothic architecture, the church was named after Christ’s crown of thorns.

The Church was initially built as a chapel for the holy relic “thorn”. The thorn or Spina was presented in the same crown which Christ wore during the crucifixion. The church equips marble statues and sculptures like Andrea Pisano which are top highlights of Pisa. The interior is simple in terms of features meanwhile the exterior is quite appealing.

Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entry Fee: 2 Euros

Location: Lungarno Gambacorti, Pisa

3. Basilica Romanica di San Piero a Grado

A little distance away from the busy city life of Pisa stands Basilica Romanica which dates back to the 10th century. It is believed that St. Peter landed right on the place in 44 AD. If you love visiting medieval castles and churches, then this is the place that you should not miss. Basilica Romanica is a perfect symbol of the Romanesque architecture style.

The church you are seeing today took around 200 years to build and is still one of the well preserved historical sites in Pisa. However, various transformations and reconstructions took place within this church over the last few centuries. The first place of worship situated in this Basilica is believed exists since the 4th century AD.

Visiting Hours: 24 Hours

Entry Fee: 10 Euros

Location: Via Livornese, Pisa

4. Baptistery

Situated just in front of Santa Maria Della Spina is the mid-12th century Baptistry, that was built around 100 years after the church. The design of this Baptistry is very similar to that of Santa Maria as the same building material was used and the only difference is the patterns of those stones. Baptisteries is considered the symbolic architects among Christians.

What attracts the tourists the most is the free-standing marble pulpit that was designed by Nicola Pisano in the mid 13th century. While on your visit to Baptistery, don't forget to see the figures of saints and some fonts by Guido Da Como. You can also take advantage of the audio guide to learn more about its history.

Visiting Hours:

November to February - 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
March to October - 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
April to September - 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Entry Fee: 5 Euros

Location: Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa

5. Palazzo Dei Cavalieri

Palazzo Dei Cavalieri is one of the major squares in the city and offers several other remarkable tourist attractions in Pisa. It is basically a royal residence built in the 16th century and was used as the headquarters of St. Stephen’s Knights, thus named after the knight's training course “Cavalieri”.

Another notable landmark on this square is the Piazza Dei Miracoli, which is decorated by cutting parts of layers, coats of arms, and various others. Facing the front gate of Palazzo is the statue of Cosimo I “The Grand Duke of Tuscany” and the north side features a Palazzo dell’ Orologio dating back to the early 17th century.

Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Location: Piazza dei Cavalieri, Pisa