Pisa - Italy - A Medieval City in Tuscany
The Leaning Tower, 12th Century Baptistry, Miracle Square
May 21, 2007
The first view is through a large arch by which you enter the Square. If this doesn’t knock your socks off, then nothing will. It really is a miracle - a miracle of architecture. The three buildings - the Bapistry, Pisa Cathedral and the Tower are an astonishing group and they have a much greater impact than the Tower would have if it were standing alone - as some visitors seem to expect.
Pisa: The Leaning Tower of Pisa
It’s proper name is the Bell Tower and to climb its narrow winding staircase is a ‘must do’. It has been leaning for a very long time. The foundation stone was laid 834 years ago, in 1173. Only twelve years later it began to subside when it had reached only three of its eight stories and it has been known as the Leaning Tower ever since.
The Tower continued to incline and over the next 180 years or so various architects continued to build up the tiers. Finally, continuation of the work was undertaken by the great Italian architect Giovanni de Simone who managed to limit the subsidence and work resumed. But it was not until the middle of the 14th-century that the final tier was completed - a long journey of around 175 years.
Pisa: The Bapistry
Today, although thousands of people come to Pisa because of the famous Tower, the Bapistry is also a marvel in its own right. It is the largest Bapistry in Italy and was designed by the 13th-century artist, Pisano, who was the first artist in the Western world to represent Christ on the cross.
Pisa: The Duomo (Cathedral)
The Duomo was begun a century before the Bell Tower, in 1064. Its impressive bronze door is the original, which was cast around 1180. If you don't have time to see everything in the Cathedral, choose the beautiful pulpit, sculpted by Pisano.
Pisa: Explore the Town
When exploring the town of Pisa itself, the best place to start is Borgo Street - an historic street as well as the main shopping area. It’s an interesting street with shady shopping arcades (loggias) lined with marble columns, some dating from Roman times. Don't miss the daily morning market in Piazza delle Vettovaglie.
Wander off Borgo and explore some of the narrow streets which are lined with historic houses and small cafes. Via Rigattieri, for example, is worth a stroll. It runs parallel to the River Arno. At the end of Borgo Street, cross the bridge to Corso Italia, again, lots of lovely old buildings and loads of shops. This street is pedestrianised - no cars but lots of bicycles, so watch out as they seem to appear from nowhere.
Most of the bridges that cross the Arno look quite new compared with the old buildings in either side of the river. This freshness is a result of nearly all of the being bombed during the Second World War.
Italy: Tuscan Cuisine
Tuscan food is “cucina povera” (the food of the poor). It is based on simple recipes without elaborate ingredients. ‘Crostini’(toast) with chicken livers is a popular starter to a meal and you may be offered lots of fresh fish and shellfish - risotto with mussels is delicious - or wild boar, which is hunted in the region. For the sweet tooth there’s chestnut cake, fig cake and, of course wonderful Italian ice cream. Bon Appetitto!
Further information and tips:
- Arrive at Miracle Square before 10am or after 5pm to avoid the crowds.
- If you intend to climb the Tower and you wear prescription sunglasses, remember to change to your ordinary glasses for the climb. The staircase is narrow, in parts the light isn’t good and there are no handrails. It’s not a problem as long as you can see where you are going.
- Further information re prices, times, etc. www.opapisa.it
- Florence and Siena are within easy reach of Pisa. By road: Florence - 1 hour, Siena 2 hours.
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