How to Travel to Piazza dei Miracoli,
Pisa, Italy
In Pisa, travelling to the Piazza dei Miracoli,
a UNESCO World Heritage Site, brings people to view the Leaning Tower,
the cathedral, the baptistery, and the monumental cemetery. This cluster of
landmarks, often called the “Square of Miracles,” is the main attraction in
Pisa, admired for its remarkable ancient historic medieval architecture.
Driving is not allowed on the main road leading to the Piazza. Instead, transport services like the open-air shuttle drop people at the main road outside the Piazza. From there, it’s a walk towards the square, with stalls and vendors lining both sides of the path (HOKKAIDO JAPAN TOP SITES).
Leaning Tower
of Pisa
Upon entering
through the main gate, the tall Leaning Tower instantly captures attention and
draws people closer. It is the top attraction in Pisa, the legendary bell tower
that leans due to an unstable foundation and took almost 200 years to complete.
The tower
stands about 56 metres tall and leans at an angle of roughly 4 degrees. The 294
steps inside lead to panoramic views of the Piazza dei Miracoli and the
surrounding area. Advance booking is required to enter the tower, as entry is
limited.
For most people, the experience is equally satisfying from outside - posing for photos and capturing the iconic view, often creating the classic illusion of holding the Leaning Tower of Pisa in their palms.
Duomo of Pisa
(Pisa Cathedral)
Located in the Piazza
dei Miracoli in Pisa, Italy, the Duomo of Pisa, or Pisa Cathedral, is a
must-see attraction along with the Leaning Tower, baptistery, and monumental
cemetery. Its white marble façade shimmers even from a distance, making it one
of the most striking sights in Pisa.
The exterior
also features striped marble patterns, rows of blind arches, columns, and
intricate carvings, all characteristic of Pisan Romanesque architecture, and is
topped with statues and decorative elements.
The cathedral
is the main active Roman Catholic church in Pisa, consecrated in 1118. Inside,
it houses marble columns, a gilded coffered ceiling, detailed mosaics, and the
famous marble pulpit carved by Giovanni Pisano between 1302 and 1310.
For a moment of quiet away from the crowd, sitting in the cathedral for a few minutes provides a meaningful experience and a deeper appreciation of this top Pisa attraction.
Baptistery of
Pisa
Just behind the
Leaning Tower of Pisa stands the Pisa Baptistery, or Baptistery of St. John
(Battistero di San Giovanni). It is the largest baptistery in Italy, built
centuries ago, showcasing a mix of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.
Its circular double-dome structure houses a large baptismal font and a pulpit
carved by Nicola Pisano.
Climbing to the upper gallery provides a broad view of the baptistery and highlights its famous echo effect. The Baptistery of Pisa may remind one of the famous domes in Rome, such as St. Peter’s Basilica or the Pantheon, yet each of these monuments remains unique in its history and style.
Camposanto
Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery)
Not for the
faint-hearted or those who avoid quiet cemeteries. Which may be the reason why
the Camposanto Monumentale is even quieter. With hardly anyone around, those
who still venture into this cemetery, built in 1277 as a walled enclosure,
usually do so briefly.
Inside, there
were once colourful wall paintings, many damaged during WWII, though some have
been restored. The cemetery also contains ancient Roman stone coffins and religious
sculptures.
On the outside,
the white marble façade stands out with pointed spires and statues above the
arches, often featuring the Virgin Mary with Child in the center, with other
saints or angels on the sides.
Museo
dell’Opera del Duomo
Often
overlooked, the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo is easy to miss, overshadowed by the
Leaning Tower and Pisa Cathedral. Perhaps this is because it is quieter and
less flashy. Still, it is worth stepping inside to see the original sculptures,
religious relics, and artwork that once belonged to the cathedral and
baptistery.
The arched windows also frame unique views of the Leaning Tower. Most visitors spend no more than 20 minutes at the museum, but it offers a meaningful glimpse into Pisa’s artistic history.
Other Things to
Do in Pisa, Italy
Piazza dei
Miracoli is not just about the top sights in Pisa. There are also cafés and
restaurants for what to eat in Pisa, ranging from small, simple cafés to more
exclusive spots, offering Italian meals, snacks, and drinks. Some of these
eateries also have Italian products for purchase, and other shops sell similar
Italian items.
For shopping or street shopping in Pisa, whether along the main road, the pathway to the piazza, or inside the piazza itself, there is no shortage of options. It is wise to convert prices to the home currency before making a purchase. This is especially important for items like olive oil, to determine whether buying in Pisa is worthwhile or if it is better to purchase at home.
