The leaning tower rightly attracts visitors to Pisa, but many don’t venture into the town. This is a pity because it has a lot to offer.
The city is divided by the Arno River, which flows into the sea nearby. I arrived by train and walked through the newer part of the town towards the river.
The wide pedestrian street from the station is a great shopping area. There are well known labels and some smaller boutiques as well, in old and new buildings.
Looking back towards the station.
The Arno is lined with lovely old buildings.
On the tower side of the river is the historical centre. Garibaldi stands guard.
This stunning carving is above one of the porticoes of Borgo Stretto, the main street.
Porticoes line Borgo Stretto. Underneath are shops, cafes and restaurants, traditional and modern.
Galileo keeps watch in the centre.
A church is squeezed in.
Away from Borgo Stretto there are lovely old streets to wander in with lots of interesting things to discover.
A colourful street market full of excellent produce is near the centre.
Of course if you visit Pisa you need to go to the magnificent Piazza Dei Miracoli to see the tower, the church, the baptistery and the cemetery.
To climb the tower, look for the ticket office. You can nominate a time to climb and come back 5 minutes before to wait for the previous group to come down. It is well organised.
You can buy a combination ticket to see the church, baptistery and cemetery as well as the tower. If you don’t wish to climb the tower you can buy a ticket for the other things.
Pisa is an interesting city, much more than just the leaning tower…don’t miss it.