Begin with a stroll through the medieval streets where the contradictions begin: you’ll see a massive street art mural by Keith Haring, the delicate church “Santa Maria della Spina” perched on the banks of the Arno river and the house where Galileo was born not far from where he’d later perform his gravitational experiments. Medieval porticoes and churches contrast with the bustle of Pisans shopping at casual outdoor markets in the morning or heading for aperitivo with friends in the evening.
You’ll always find students in the Square of the Knights with its famous university founded by Napoleon and the tower of Count Ugolino, found in the furthest reaches of hell in Dante’s Divine Comedy. Numerous Popes, Galileo, the 20th century physicist Enrico Fermi and even singer Andrea Bocelli received their educations in Pisa. This square speaks to the Academic tradition of thinkers and scholars that have made Pisa a center of innovation for centuries.
No visit to Pisa is complete without a thorough exploration of the square of miracles. The grand cathedral is a magnificent example of the perfection and grandeur of Romanesque architecture. If we time our entry to the baptistry just right, you’ll hear the ethereal echo effect of singing voices before visiting the tomb of the great scientist Fibonacci in the monumental Camposanto cemetery full of beautiful statues and frescoes. (This is also the location of the famous swinging lamp that inspired Galileo’s experiments.) Last, but certainly not least, you’ll learn the secrets and circumstances behind how the tower of Pisa got its lean and how engineers have worked for centuries to maintain it before climbing its 297 steps for a spectacular view over the Square of Miracles.
- 4 hour private tour with a professional, licensed guide
- Timed Entry to climb the leaning tower of Pisa
- Square of Miracles: Entry to Cathedral of Pisa, Baptistry and Camposanto
- Tomb of Fibonacci
- The swinging lamp that inspired Galileo’s experiments
- Arno River views
- Keith Haring Mural
- Santa Maria della Spina Church
- Square of the Knights
- Numerous hidden gems along Pisa’s medieval streets
- Meeting Point: At the fountain in front of the Pisa Centrale train station located in the center of “Piazza della Stazione”
- Your guide will reserve timed entry to the leaning tower as well as entry tickets to the baptistry and Camposanto. These tickets are subject to availability so don’t wait to book!
- There are 297 stone steps to the top of the leaning tower and no elevator.
- It is possible to enter most locations on this tour with either strollers or wheelchairs but NOT the leaning tower – the only way up to the top are the stairs.
- Design and creation of the tour
- Authorized Guide service
- Archaeologist/Art Historian
- Insurance
- Admission tickets
- Personal expenses