The second part of our summer wine series after the visit in France’s Burgundy region is none other than Tuscany, Italy’s most famous wine regions. Tuscany is known globally for its beautiful landscape, fantastic wine and foods, and incredible culture. Our first stop in route to our lodging in Northern Tuscany is none other than Pisa!

There are so many amazing places to see, so we’ve opted to drive! I like to plan ahead, but there are so many things you can see and do here that I need the flexibility to change the plan on the fly! I highly recommend this whether you’re on a road trip or flying to a local airport such as Florence or Milan. The train system works great, but if you want ultimate flexibility, the cars are affordable, and you are on your own schedule!

Strolling through Italian streets and villages can be a relaxing and calming activity. Then there’s Pisa! The city itself can be calm. If visiting the Piazza dei Miracoli, formerly the Piazza del Duomo, expect a crowd! It’s for a good reason, and you should most definitely visit if you have the opportunity! It’s totally worth it.

There is a large parking lot near the entrance to the Piazza dei Miracoli so swinging into Pisa was incredibly easy. It was roughly a ten-minute walk to the main entrance. You’ll know you’ve arrived because of the flood of sellers of tchotchke items and faux designer handbags! Pets are allowed, so we brought our favorite furry travel mate, Wrigley, along with us!

If you a history aficionado and want to see one of the worlds finest architectural complexes, this is your thing. The Piazza dei Miracoli is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you don’t leave home without your selfie-stick and need a shot of you’ holding up the tower’, this is also your thing. I had a bit of enjoyment just watching that entire scene unfold - photo below!

The Piazza dei Miracoli

Buy Your Tickets in Advance

The Piazza dei Miracoli, or the Square of Miracles, is the star of Pisa, Italy, featuring the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistry, and the Camposanto Monumentale di Pisa.

the Campanile, the Leaning Tower of Pisa

This is undoubtedly the main draw to Pisa as it’s incredibly popular worldwide. I was honestly impressed with the degree of tilt! I knew it was ‘leaning,’ but wow that’s actually quite impressive to have lasted this long. The tower was initially constructed in the 12th century. By the time it was completed in the 14th century it was already leaning. In recent years the lean has been ‘corrected’ from 5.5 degrees (1990) to 3.97 (between 1993 and 2001).

the Duomo di Pisa, the Pisa Cathedral

Pisa’s magnificent cathedral was completed in 1092. It’s always amazing to see such masterpieces such as this that have endured so much time. At over 900-years old it’s mind-blowing to think of the time this was constructed. I can only imagine the love and precision that went into it. It has a timeless design and details at every turn.

the Pisa Baptistery of St. John

This particular baptistery is actually the largest in Italy, measuring 54.8m, and is made of marble. It has the classic Romanesque and Gothic style, similar to others in Tuscany. Construction began in 1152 and concluded 211-years later. The details are magnificent.

The Camposanto Monumetale di Pisa

This monumental cemetery is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. Its original construction began in 1278 and was intended to be a church called the Santissima Trintà, or Holy Trinity. This was later altered and it three chapels, 43 blind arches, and two doorways. In one of the three chapels, Aulla, you can find the incense lamp that was initially used by Galileo Galilei for his calculation in pendular movement.

But Wait, There’s More…

If you have the opportunity to venture into the city, it’s quite fun. Take a stroll by the River Arno, and swing by the massive mural painted by the late Keith Haring, His painting remains in good condition after 30-years and is protected from tags with a glass shield. Pop into the small church by the river, Santa Maria della Spina. It’s incredibly beautiful and has a beautiful setting!