Attractions in Pisa
Pisa, Italy's history has led to a number of wonderful sites and attractions for visiting tourists. These attractions include several architectural wonders, museums, churches, and cathedrals. Its most famous architectural attraction is the well-known Leaning Tower. Most of the popular sites in Pisa are near the Leaning Tower and in a centralized location in the center of the city, making a walking tour an ideal way to see the beauty of Pisa.
The famous Leaning Tower is located in the Piazzo de Duomo just a little north of the Arno River. This plaza is also known as the Piazzo dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles). The tower's construction began 1173 and was to be a bell tower for Pisa's cathedral. When the third floor was complete, it began to tilt because it had been constructed on top of clay soil. One hundred years later, four more floors were added and those, too leaned precariously. Two more misguided attempts to add onto and enhance the tower over the centuries did nothing but make things worse. Fortunately, today measures have been taken to stabilize the building.
Another structure within the square is the Pisa Duomo itself. This Cathedral is the central point of the square and is dedicated to St. Mary of the Assumption. The cathedral is a beautiful example of Romanesque medieval architecture. Inside are five naves and fine examples of artwork, including an ornately carved pulpit.
The Camposanto Pisa, also in the Square of Miracles, was built in 1278. It is also called the Monumental Cemetery in Pisa. The name means "holy field" and was built on top of sacred soil that was shipped from Golgotha in Jerusalem during the Crusades. For hundreds of years Camposanto was the burial ground for wealthy and important citizens of Pisa. Inside is what remains of original elaborate frescoes. Many were destroyed during World War II.
Just a few blocks from the Piazzo de Duomo is the Piazza di Cavalieri, known as Knight's Square. Here you will find the magnificent palace of Carovana. The square also includes several smaller palaces.
Pisa also offers a number of museums like the National museum and the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.