Pisa is a charming city in Tuscany, Italy, famous for its iconic Leaning Tower. We spent a morning exploring its streets, getting a glimpse of the tower from the Botanical Gardens.
Leaning Tower: An Upright Challenge
From the distance, the tower’s lean was exaggerated, with people striking silly poses for photos. But up close, the leaning effect was less dramatic than imagined. Despite its sinking base, the tower’s unique charm persisted. Completed in 1399, it stands at 56.67 meters on its highest side and 55.86 meters on its lowest.
The tower’s stability was a concern until 1990, when stabilization efforts were implemented. Today, the tower is open to visitors, but tickets must be booked in advance to avoid the long queues, especially during peak season.
Ascend the Tower of Bells
Jerome, eager to climb the tower, was thrilled to get a spot in the next tour group. We spent a few moments admiring the tower and taking photos before entering its base.
The tower’s interior is a circular space with winding stairs leading up to the top. Our guide shared historical facts in both Italian and English as we noticed the light filtering through a hole at the tower’s peak.
The 294 steps up the tower’s exterior were well-worn and slippery. The leaning angle added to the unique feeling of the ascent, which was slightly unsettling.
Jerome’s enthusiasm made us urge him to slow down and avoid overtaking other visitors. Finally, we reached the eighth floor, where seven bells, representing the musical scale, awaited us.
The glass-covered hole we saw from below was in the center of the floor. We explored the bells and enjoyed the panoramic view of Pisa, the other buildings of the complex, and the Tuscan hills in the distance.
The Square of Miracles: A Journey Through Time
After our descent, we explored the Square of Miracles, home to the Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto (cemetery).
Composanto: A Peaceful Place of Remembrance
Our interest in cemeteries led us to the Composanto. This enclosed cemetery was once a secluded area before an archbishop decided to build upon it. The cloister design was breathtaking, with marble walls, gothic arches, and a green courtyard.
We admired the frescoes covering the walls, many of which were unfortunately destroyed during World War II. The surviving frescoes are being restored or kept in a nearby museum.
Tombstones, sarcophagi, and Roman and Etruscan sculptures filled the space. It was a peaceful and thought-provoking place.
Baptistery: A Place of Baptism and Acoustics
The Baptistery, built in 1185, was a place for Christian baptism. We found the structure imposing for its purpose, but its circular shape, striped marble walls and floors, and columns were impressive.
Jerome, more interested in exploration than architecture, loved climbing the women’s gallery, which offered a fantastic view of the Baptistery’s interior and the cathedral with its leaning tower peeking over the roof.
The double dome’s acoustics were a highlight. Every thirty minutes, an attendant sang a few notes, demonstrating the reverberation.
Duomo II: A Cathedral of Splendor
The Duomo II, or Cathedral, stood at the center of the square. Its layered arches and columns made it a significant architectural monument. We noticed the uniqueness of each column as we examined them.
Jerome was initially hesitant, but we convinced him to enter the cathedral. We were awestruck by the stunning ceiling, carved wooden angels and flowers gilded with gold, the black background, the impressive mural in the dome, and the nave lined with columns and arches.
A Final Ice Cream and Lego Tower
Leaving the square, we treated ourselves to ice cream and a change of scenery. We strolled along Pisa’s medieval wall and ended up in Via Guglielmo Oberdan, a street lined with shops and restaurants.
Jerome, enjoying his second gelato of the day, spotted a toy shop with a Lego tower in the window. We spent a long time admiring it.
A Day Filled with Leaning Towers and History
Our day in Pisa was filled with adventure, history, and architectural wonders. Jerome enjoyed climbing the Leaning Tower, while Chris and I loved exploring the city and its gardens. We left Pisa feeling satisfied, having experienced the unique charm of this iconic Italian city.
