Explore Renaissance piazzas and admire Romanesque buildings and Gothic churches in this typically Tuscan city.
Then, once you’ve soaked up the atmosphere, with a rental car from Pisa Airport you have the freedom to head out and see more of this truly spectacular Italian region.
Pisa’s architectural delights
The accidental slant of Pisa’s iconic leaning tower – caused by a layer of weak subsoil – has resulted in it becoming one of Italy’s most famous sights, up there with the Colosseum and the Vatican.
Walk into the Square of Miracles and watch as people bend their bodies in weird and wonderful positions in order to get the perfect photo alongside the tower. Make your way through the crowds to marvel at the structure up close.
You can even head inside and climb the 284 steep, narrow steps. Reach the top and you’ll be rewarded with uninterrupted views across the stunning Tuscan landscape.
The Square of Miracles isn’t only home to the tower, however. It also houses three structures considered central to religious life in the region – the Baptistery, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Camposanta. All are truly magnificent.
Stroll along the River Arno
The River Arno flows peacefully down through Florence before arriving in Pisa, and parking up and taking a walking tour is a great way to see it at its best.
Start in the square of Piazza Garibaldi and head west along the north bank of the river. You’ll soon come to the University of Pisa and the white marble and stone façade of Palazzo alla Giornata that dates back to the 17th century.
Continue along the river until you come to the arched red-brick walls of the Medici Arsenal, a medieval shipyard. Just past this you’ll see the similarly red-bricked Guelph Tower of the Old Citadel. From here, cross the bridge called Ponte della Cittadella and head east. Peek through the trees and you’ll see the oldest church and former cathedral of Pisa, San Paolo a Ripa d’Arno.
Keep walking until you come to the bend in the river and you’ll arrive at Palazzo Blu, a restored 14th century building complete with a dusty-blue façade. Continue on for a few minutes and cross Ponte Di Mezzo to arrive back in Garibaldi square, where you can treat yourself to a refreshing gelato or a reviving espresso in one of the street-side cafes.
Delicious Italian cuisine
Despite the fact it’s several miles inland, Pisa’s roots extend to the coast, evident from the outstanding fish restaurants. Walk north of the tower and you’ll find Ristorante La Scaletta, which has been serving the freshest local seafood for more than 150 years.
San Miniato meanwhile is around 30 minutes by car, and this delightful little town is famous worldwide for its truffles. Before indulging, experience the excitement of hunting for them. During spring, you’ll be on the lookout for the Marzuolo truffle, while a hunt towards the end of the year will have you foraging for white truffles.
Collect your rental car from Pisa Airport and discover everything this remarkable part of Europe has to offer.