Gorgeous Pisa

Walk to Piazza dei Miracoli, which means Square of Miracles. This place is also known as the Cathedral Square and houses the real wonders of Pisa. Four world-famous masterpieces of medieval architecture are built on the square: the Cathedral of Pisa, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Baptistery and the Camposanto cemetery. In 1987, the architectural ensemble was placed in the List of World Heritage of UNESCO. The cathedral is the heart of the square. The massive bronze doors of the main entrance were created in the workshops of Giambologna, and they replaced the original doors destroyed by fire in 1595. The interior is as good as the exterior of the building, which could be looket at for hours. The Tower of Pisa itself is distinguished not only by its “falling” profile. This is practically the only bell tower in the world, which is located in some distance from the cathedral, which is explained by the square development project. Another unusual feature is noted by cultural experts, who claim that Muslim motifs and some vague resemblance between the chapel and the minaret can be found in the external design of the bell tower. Inside the tower are many indoor galleries linked by ornate arches. The following architectural components of the bell tower should be mentioned: a spacious hall with an open ceiling, its walls are lined with bas-reliefs depicting sea creatures, three twisted staircases, and a belfry with weighty ancient bells, the oldest of which is about 400 years old.

The fact that the best pizza is Neapolitan one is common knowledge, but this does not mean that you should not taste it in other cities of Italy. Dine at Quarto Ora and enjoy the quality and taste of an inexpensive pizza prepared in a small central restaurant with friendly service and pleasant atmosphere.

A small hidden paradise almost in the centre of Pisa is worth a visit to explore the oldest botanical garden in the world. This fact is disputed by the Botanical Garden of Padua, as it has changed its location several times. Nevertheless, the oldest representatives of the flora of this region and some other unique climatic zones are growing here. In addition, you can visit a small local museum in the park and a lecture hall located nearby. Visit the garden any day of the week from 8.30 to 20.00. Admission is 4 euros per person.

Dine at a restaurant nearby, where you can indulge in high-quality home-made wine at low prices, enjoy fragrant lasagna and desserts for any taste. This small restaurant is notable for its unusual setting with Christian motifs of reproductions of paintings by Pierre et Gilles and a friendly Italian atmosphere.

To the observer the XIV-century church won't seem a small single nave construction. However, the church is characterized by many original elements of the facade decor and interior. The church was previously part of the Carmelite Monastery, but it became the only building spared. By the XV century, a number of additional chapels and altars were built in the church. The interior of the church is generously decorated, there are monumental baroque altars with numerous paintings, including "The Madonna and Child with Saint Barbara, Saint John the Baptist, Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Margaret" by Baccio Lomi, "Assumption of the Virgin" by Santi di Tito and many others. The church got an organ, which was rebuilt and restored many times, around the XVI century.

The next day you are expected to move to Rome, so get ready and have some rest and also a breakfast at the hotel or order room service. If you want to stroll around Pisa, get up early in the morning and take a walk before breakfast.