Pisa Travel Guide – Attractions & Tours

Featured Lists

Pisa Essentials

Pisa's architectural identity centers on the Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO site home to the Romanesque Cathedral, the circular Baptistery, and the iconic Leaning Tower. Beyond these white marble landmarks, the city preserves Renaissance history at the Knights’ Square and the elaborate facade of Palazzo della Carovana. Along the Arno River, the tiny Gothic jewel of Santa Maria della Spina and the views from Ponte di Mezzo offer a different perspective. The collection is rounded out by the National Museum of San Matteo and Keith Haring’s final public mural, Tuttomondo.

13 places

Steven Lek / cc-by-sa-4.0

Pisa Editor's Choice

A hand-picked mix of Pisa's best sights beyond the famous tower: Renaissance squares, museums, the botanical garden, Roman ruins and the seaside at Marina di Pisa.

13 places

Stephan M. Höhne / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Hidden Gems of Pisa

Beyond the Leaning Tower, Pisa offers a rich collection of artistic and architectural landmarks. Along the Arno River, the 13th-century Gothic church of Santa Maria della Spina stands out with its intricate facade, while the National Museum of San Matteo houses significant medieval ecclesiastical art. The city’s history is further showcased in the Renaissance-era Piazza dei Cavalieri, home to the Carovana Palace and the unique Clock Tower. Modern art is represented by Keith Haring's vibrant "Tuttomondo" mural, and historic meeting spots like Caffè dell'Ussero have hosted intellectuals since 1775.

10 places

Nicola Gronchi / CC BY-SA 3.0

Historic Churches of Pisa

Beyond the world-famous Piazza dei Miracoli—home to the Romanesque Cathedral, the Leaning Tower, and Italy's largest baptistery—Pisa contains a wealth of medieval religious architecture. The city’s spiritual heritage includes the tiny Gothic jewel of Santa Maria della Spina on the Arno riverbank and the 10th-century San Michele in Borgo. These sites showcase the distinctive Pisan Romanesque style, characterized by intricate marble facades, blind arches, and tiered loggias, alongside later Gothic and Mannerist influences.

15 places

Stephen Sommerhalter / CC BY-SA 3.0

Art and History in Pisa

Pisa’s cultural landscape is anchored by the Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Romanesque Pisa Cathedral and the Camposanto Monumentale's frescoes. Art collections range from medieval and Renaissance masterpieces at the National Museum of San Matteo to Keith Haring’s modern 'Tuttomondo' mural and rotating exhibitions at Palazzo Blu. Specialized institutions further showcase the city’s history, including the Museum of Ancient Ships, the Museum of Computing Machinery, and the National Museum of the Royal Palace.

15 places

Daderot. / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Green Spaces & Outdoors

Beyond its famous monuments, Pisa features diverse green spaces ranging from academic landmarks to historic military sites. The Orto Botanico, founded in 1544, stands as the world's oldest university botanical garden. Giardino Scotto preserves the remains of the Cittadella Nuova fortress, while the San Rossore Hippodrome hosts international horse racing tournaments. The city's outdoor landscape is completed by the expansive riverside promenade of Le Piagge and central squares like Piazza Martiri della Libertà, located adjacent to the Gothic Santa Caterina church.

6 places

Pisa Castles & Fortifications

This collection highlights Pisa’s medieval military architecture, featuring the famous Leaning Tower alongside extensive city walls, historic gates, bastions, towers, and the old citadel. These sites collectively illustrate the city's defensive strategies and architectural evolution from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance and beyond.

23 places