24 Hours in Pisa
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Set in the Italian region of Tuscany, on the west coast of Central Italy, the city of Pisa is a world-renowned destination thanks to its calamitous piece of architectural brilliance. However, there is so much more to this grand old city. Once a powerful port competing with Venice for maritime glories, this artistic city is full of Italian style and flair, from the Renaissance all the way to its nationally-acclaimed university. With the rising popularity of cultural holidays, Pisa is becoming more popular than ever for people looking to explore Italy through its cities.
With so much on offer, planning an itinerary of how you’ll spend your time is essential. So, whether you’ve booked a stay in one of our holiday villas in Tuscany with a pool or are looking for more information about what you can expect from this Tuscan delight, we’ve included a run-down of how we would spend 24 hours in Pisa!
Morning in Tuscany
Watching the sunrise over the Tuscan landscape is the perfect beginning to your day. No matter the location of your holiday accommodation, you’ll be welcomed by the beautiful morning sun casting a golden glow over the fields and towns nearby. Although early risers will find this easier, waking up before your alarm will allow you longer to explore the wonderful city of Pisa, so it comes with many positives!
After watching the sunset, either from the comfort of your bed or from a terrace or veranda, it is time to head inside. If you have to travel to get to Pisa, you should have looked at transportation links the night before, or, if you have hired a car from a dealership, you should have already forecasted which route you’ll be taking. If your journey time is a little shorter, you could leave breakfast until you reach your destination. However, we would recommend diving into your favourite breakfast foods prior to leaving in order to allow you longer to explore while in Pisa. Once you have finished it’s time to get ready for the day, making sure that you’re wearing a pair of shoes that are comfortable to walk in.
The Tower
When you arrive in Pisa, head towards one of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The freestanding bell tower’s tilt was unintentional and comes as a result of an inadequate foundation. As the ground was too soft on one side, the tower now has a tilt for its weight to be supported. This is a haven for tourists who come to take a photo with the glorious landmark, so we recommend getting there early to avoid the rush!
The Square of Miracles
Unknown to many of the tourists that visit the tower is that it is actually only one of four components that make up the Square of Miracles. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, it is seen by many as one of the finest medieval architectural sites in the world. Considered a sacred religious area, its three buildings represent the stages of life: the baptistry for birth, the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta – for which the Leaning Tower was built – representing life and the cemetery representing death.
Lunchtime in Pisa
After visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it is likely that you’ll be ready for an indulgent lunch. There is nothing better than authentic Italian cuisine, so head towards one of the back streets rather than a commercial restaurant if you’re looking for the best food. These local hotspots are sometimes cheaper than going for the most obvious option, so if you’re looking for a rich, hearty meal that’s bursting with flavour, then these are the places for you. If you’re looking for a classic Italian pizza, why not check out the Pizzeria Il Montino, hugely popular with the locals and renowned for its easy eating food.
Art and Architecture in Pisa
After lunch, there are still plenty of things for you to see and do. Quite often, other cultural sites are overlooked due to the Leaning Tower. Pisa does, in fact, have many other notable places for you to visit to make your afternoon memorable. For those who are into art, the Centro Arte Moderna is a contemporary art gallery located in the centre of the city, close to the river, while the Palazzo Blu is the place to go for people looking for a taste of the Italian classics, such as Modigliani.
In addition to the art gallery is the Piazza dei Cavalieri, which can be found at The Knights’ Square. Once the centre of the city, today it is one of the most important landmarks due to its lengthy history, which began with it being the seat of the Roman Forum.
Evening in Pisa
If you’re heading back to your villa for the evening, why not stroll around the Piazza delle Vettovaglie, an Italian market where you can pick up ingredients to create an Italian feast in the comfort of your own villa. Once you’ve decided on what you’re having for your evening meal, take one last walk along the River Arno before hopping on your transport back home. When you get back, open a bottle of Italian fine wine, whip up a quick buffet-style dinner and watch the stars light up the Tuscan sky while allowing each member of your party to sample some of the region’s beautiful food.
Of course, what you do during your 24 hours in Pisa is up to you. Whatever you are planning, this city has a wealth of opportunities for everyone to discover!