Top 10 Attractions and World Heritage Sites to Make Your Pisa Visit Unforgettable in Italy

When people think of Pisa in Italy, the “Leaning Tower of Pisa” often comes to mind as the city’s most iconic landmark. Yet Pisa, with its rich history as a maritime republic, has a wealth of attractions beyond just the famous tower. Located in the western part of Tuscany, Italy, Pisa offers everything from popular tourist spots to hidden gems. The region’s capital, Florence, known as the birthplace of Galileo, is just a short trip away, making Pisa a popular world heritage destination for a day trip. On tours of Italy, many visitors only stop at Pisa’s Leaning Tower, but there’s so much more to see! Let’s explore Pisa’s captivating sights and world heritage sites in full and uncover the mysteries behind why the Leaning Tower leans—and why it doesn’t fall.

1. Piazza del Duomo in Pisa

Piazza del Duomo, Pisa’s iconic tourist attraction, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The square houses four major tourist spots, including the world-famous "Leaning Tower of Pisa," "Pisa Cathedral," "Baptistery," and "Camposanto Monumentale" (cemetery cloister). Representing Pisa’s prosperous history, these remarkable buildings are also known as the “Square of Miracles.”

The contrast between the white marble structures, the green grass, and the deep blue sky is stunning—every angle looks like a postcard. You can take a moment to relax on the lush green grass while admiring these magnificent buildings. Just outside the Piazza del Duomo, you’ll find shops lined up selling souvenirs like tower-shaped ornaments and olive oil bottles, which make perfect mementos of your trip to Pisa.

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2. The Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, an iconic landmark in the square, stands tilted and draws all eyes. This 56-meter-tall bell tower, built in white marble, wasn’t designed to lean originally; the ground began sinking during construction, which was then paused and resumed multiple times over 200 years. Because of adjustments during its construction, the topmost part is straight, so you may notice a slight “banana-like” curve. The Leaning Tower is now open to visitors, offering a thrilling experience of ascending to the top—a memorable adventure for sure. Reservations are recommended due to visitor limits.

3. Pisa Cathedral (Duomo)

The Pisa Cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo is a historic site that began construction in 1063. Built in the Romanesque architectural style, it’s designed in a cross shape. Admire its beautiful facade arches, columns, and intricate carvings. The interior features Islamic-style decorations and a mosaic behind the altar. A chandelier believed to have inspired Galileo’s pendulum theory also hangs here. Please avoid wearing revealing clothes as this is a sacred site.

4. The Baptistery

Situated on the western side of Pisa Cathedral, the Baptistery is a notable tourist spot. With its charming cylindrical structure, the Baptistery is adorned with arches, columns, and intricate carvings that mirror those of Pisa Cathedral. The attention to detail, which took over 200 years to complete, truly reflects the delicate beauty of this building.

The lower portion of the Baptistery is built in a Romanesque style, similar to Pisa Cathedral, while the upper section is Gothic. Inside, the high ceilings lend an atmosphere of sacredness. Notably, the Baptistery has amazing acoustics—every 30 minutes, you can experience the echo show that showcases its beautiful reverberations.

Often overlooked in favor of the Leaning Tower and Cathedral, the Baptistery is worth adding to your sightseeing itinerary.

5. Camposanto Monumentale

The Camposanto Monumentale is a large, rectangular building located to the south of Pisa Cathedral. Simpler in design compared to the other buildings in Piazza del Duomo, it has a unique beauty and atmosphere all its own.

Originally a burial site for Pisa's nobility, Camposanto’s floor is entirely composed of graves, with marble coffins and individually designed tombstones.

One of the highlights here is the collection of large frescoes. The most famous, "Triumph of Death," survived WWII bombings, retaining its powerful impact. The quiet courtyard provides a serene place for reflection.

6. The National Museum of San Matteo

Pisa's attractions aren't limited to Piazza del Duomo. Between Pisa Station and Piazza del Duomo, there are many spots worth visiting, including museums, churches, and other sites. Here are some notable picks.

The National Museum of San Matteo is a sightseeing spot located along the Arno River, about a 20-minute walk from Piazza del Duomo. It’s housed in a former San Matteo Monastery.

It features works like Ghirlandaio's "Holy Conversation" and Masaccio's "Saint Paul," along with religious paintings and sculptures. There is also a room with only crucifixes on display, offering a unique exhibition style. Its small size makes it less crowded, allowing visitors to view the art up close, which is ideal for those tired of the busy Piazza del Duomo. It is closed on Mondays.

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7. Santa Maria della Spina Church

Santa Maria della Spina Church is a small church located about a 10-minute walk along the Arno River from the National Museum of San Matteo. The exterior is unique and beautiful, captivating passersby with its charm even if they’re unfamiliar with the building. As suggested by its name, "Spina," meaning "thorn," the roof stands sharply as if thorns were raised. It’s a delicate yet compact Gothic-style structure.

The interior is simple, but the central sculpture of "Madonna of the Rose" is a must-see. Though small, the church is photogenic and worth a visit for its beauty.

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8. Piazza dei Cavalieri

Also known as the Knights' Square, Piazza dei Cavalieri was once the political center of Pisa. This beautiful Renaissance square was redesigned in the 16th century by the famous Italian architect Giorgio Vasari.

Piazza dei Cavalieri features many sightseeing spots, such as the Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri, Palazzo della Carovana, and the Clock Tower, allowing visitors to experience Pisa's history through its beautiful scenery. The square is surrounded by stunning buildings, evoking a strong sense of foreign charm. It’s a hidden gem with fewer visitors, making it a peaceful place to enjoy leisurely moments.

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9. Old Royal Palace Museum

Located along Pisa's Arno River, the Old Royal Palace Museum offers an insightful look into the history of Pisa’s royal past and the Medici family’s legacy. This museum is a top recommendation for those with an interest in royal history and palatial architecture.

One of the highlights is Raphael’s Miracle of the Gallows, attracting many visitors who come specifically to see this artwork. There are also portraits of Medici family heads and other famous paintings, making this a small but notable tourist attraction.

It’s delightful that Pisa has museums where you can learn about history, not just architectural sights. Most museums in Pisa are closed on Mondays, but the Old Royal Palace Museum is closed on Tuesdays and Sundays. So if you're sightseeing in Pisa on a Monday, this museum is worth a visit.

10. Sant’Antonio Abate Church

Just north of Pisa station, Sant'Antonio Abate Church is famous for its mural, the last work by renowned American artist Keith Haring. Created with Pisa’s university students just a year before his passing, this colorful, striking mural is both unique and photogenic, attracting many visitors for photos.

If you’re heading back from Piazza del Duomo, this is a wonderful stop. The mural is also beautifully lit at night, creating a vibrant nighttime scene. The nearby bar provides a cozy spot to relax and enjoy Pisa’s nightlife with a view of the mural.

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◎ Summary of Recommended Sightseeing Spots where you can Enjoy Pisa

Pisa’s Leaning Tower is a must-see, but there’s much more to explore! The city has a rich collection of historical buildings and captivating sites, making it ideal for sightseeing. Pisa also offers unique souvenirs, like Leaning Tower figurines and tower-shaped olive oil bottles.

The trip from Florence to Pisa takes about an hour by train or bus. For those seeking an easier trip, a day tour with transportation from Florence hotels is recommended. When visiting Florence, make sure to venture to Pisa and experience its charm!