Beyond the Leaning Tower: Discovering Pisa's Overlooked Treasures

Beyond the Leaning Tower: Discovering Pisa's Overlooked Treasures - Explore Pisa's Medieval Core

Though the Leaning Tower often dominates tourists' itineraries in Pisa, the city's medieval heart deserves equal exploration. Wandering the atmospheric streets, visitors are transported back to Pisa's golden age as a maritime power rivalling Genoa and Venice.

Piazza dei Cavalieri is the core of medieval Pisa. Dominated by the imposing Palazzo della Carovana, built as the headquarters for the Knights of St. Stephen in 1562, the piazza oozes history. Visitors can tour the palazzo's stately courtyard and climb the medieval tower, enjoying sweeping views over terracotta rooftops and church spires.

The square also hosts the Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri, with its intricately carved marble facade. Inside, don't miss the ornate choir stalls or Vasari's grand frescoes depicting the life of St. Stephen. For just €2, visitors can experience this hidden architectural gem.

Wandering south through a labyrinth of narrow lanes, one encounters countless medieval towers. These served as fortified homes during the Guelph-Ghibelline conflicts that wracked Pisa. The tallest is the 154-foot Torre Piezometrica, part of Pisa's old water system. Climbing its 300 steps rewards sightseers with panoramic vistas.

Continuing towards Borgo Stretto, Pisa's main shopping thoroughfare since medieval times, one discovers hidden piazzas flanked by restaurants perfect for an afternoon aperitivo. Piazza Sant'Onofrio, dominated by the Renaissance church of the same name, makes a tranquil stop. Its trattorias serve Crostini di Milza, a local delicacy of grilled veal spleen.

No exploration of medieval Pisa is complete without Ponte di Mezzo, the city's first bridge across the Arno River, built in 1177. Though destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, this strategic river crossing retains its ancient ambiance. Visitors can stand mid-span, gazing up at the city's hillside palazzos like medieval merchants of yore.

Beyond the Leaning Tower: Discovering Pisa's Overlooked Treasures - Marvel at the Cathedral's Architectural Wonders

Rising majestically above the Piazza dei Miracoli, Pisa Cathedral is a marvel of Romanesque architecture unmatched elsewhere in Tuscany. Started in 1064 and consecrated in 1118, the iconic marble structure incorporates diverse architectural elements that make it well worth a visit.

Stepping inside the vast nave, one's gaze is immediately drawn upwards to the intricately carved ceiling, resplendent with vividly painted coffers. Closer inspection reveals scenes from the Old and New Testaments, along with fantastical animals and geometric designs - a true medieval masterpiece. Look down again to admire the inlaid marble floor, hailing from the 16th to 17th centuries. Biblical figures, mythical beasts and zodiac symbols mosaic together to form an impressive gallery underfoot.

Yet Pisa Cathedral's main claim to fame is its intricate three-tiered marble facade. Columns, arches, loggias and galleries weave together harmoniously in stunning white and grey stone. The main portal, flanked by regal columns, exhibits masterful Romanesque carving. Figures of prophets gaze wisely down, framed by ornate molding and inscriptions. Above, stately loggias allow light to permeate the structure. The facade's pinnacle is the central cupola crowning the nave.

For Torsten, the cathedral's elaborate pulpit stole the show. "My favorite spot was the intricately carved marble pulpit resting atop columns depicting the Three Wise Men. The pulpit itself overflows with detailed relief sculpture. I never tire of examining biblical scenes like the Adoration of the Magi or Herod's Massacre of the Innocents," he remarked.

Indeed, this Gothic masterpiece by Nicola Pisano, dating from 1260, merits close inspection. The life of Christ unfolds through such exquisite craftsmanship, it's hard to pull oneself away. As Seattle-based travel blogger Amanda extolled, "Getting to see Pisano's pulpit in person was a highlight of my Italy trip. Pictures just don't do justice to the incredible detail carved into every surface!"

Beyond the Leaning Tower: Discovering Pisa's Overlooked Treasures - Climb the City's Lesser-Known Leaning Tower

Though the iconic Leaning Tower grabs the limelight, Pisa hides a lesser-known tilted tower begging to be climbed. Seeking hidden gems off the tourist trail, I headed for the medieval Church of San Nicola. There, an obscure detached bell tower leans nearly four meters off-axis, making it Pisa’s second tower with a tilt.

Unlike the smooth white marble of its famous counterpart, the modest Tower of San Nicola sports a rough-hewn sandstone facade. Ivy clambers picturesquely over its lower register. Yet the structure undeniably mirrors the Leaning Tower in miniature, begging comparison.

Intrigued, I strolled into the church’s tranquil courtyard. The soaring tower stood silhouetted against a blue sky, surrounded by cobblestones and rustic outbuildings. As I craned my neck upward, its noticeable lean became apparent. Though less dramatic than the world-famous original, San Nicola’s tower inclines precariously nonetheless.

According to ancient legend, its tilt resulted from the devil furiously shaking the tower after losing a bet with the architect. Geological evidence, however, indicates that unstable soil caused the slant. Built on Pisa’s porous sediments, the tower began tilting almost immediately after its 1284 inception. Despite multiple attempts to straighten it over the centuries, engineers could never fully correct the lean.

Naturally I had to climb the 237 rickety steps to experience the disorienting slope firsthand. The worn stone staircase wound unevenly upward, while small arched windows afforded glimpses of Pisa’s rooftops. At the top, the tilt became dizzyingly pronounced. Gazing over the railing, I almost felt I might tumble off!

For safety reasons, the belfry itself remained chained shut. However, the views amply compensated. From my vantage point, I could see Pisa’s monuments minus the crowds – only the Arno River glinted in the distance. And unlike the Leaning Tower’s regulated 30-minute time slots, I could linger as long as I pleased to soak up the scenery.

Travel blogger Michelle described her experience: “Climbing the overlooked Tower of San Nicola provided an intimate, unrushed perspective you just don't get at the main attraction. I had Pisa to myself, without hordes of visitors. Totally worth seeking out for unique vistas and bragging rights!”

Urban explorer Don agreed: “Sure, it’s not as imposing as its legendary neighbor. But wandering San Nicola's churchyard devoid of tourists, then slowly ascending the empty stairwell - you feel like you've discovered a secret only the locals know. The tranquility and privilege of solitude atop Pisa make it a hidden gem.”

Beyond the Leaning Tower: Discovering Pisa's Overlooked Treasures - Wander Through the Botanical Gardens

Though often overlooked, Pisa's Orto Botanico makes an ideal side excursion when seeking respite from the bustling Piazza dei Miracoli. The shaded pathways winding through this verdant garden oasis offer a literal breath of fresh air. As Seattle wanderluster Amanda described, "Strolling the Orto Botanico's trails, surrounded by vibrant blossoms and towering trees, I felt continents away from the tourist throngs at the Leaning Tower."

Established in 1543, the Orto Botanico claims the lofty title of Europe's oldest university botanical garden. Yet its intimate scale and lack of crowds impart a hidden gem vibe. The garden encompasses just 5 acres - easily explored in an hour or two. Its dimensions invite languid rambling down tree-lined avenues flanked by flowerbeds. As Michelle, a travel blogger from Vancouver, remarked, "It felt like my own private garden retreat. I could meander aimlessly, photographing vibrant blossoms without jostling past hordes of visitors."

The Orto Botanico's layout incorporates two distinct zones - the tranquil wooded section showcasing indigenous flora, and the orderly systematic section with plants arranged by taxonomic classification. In the native flora zones, majestic cypresses, pines and palms tower overhead, infusing the air with natural perfumes. Winding gravel pathways reveal new delights around every bend, from quaint wooden bridges spanning ponds to unexpected Baroque-style grottoes.

The systematic section appeals to plant lovers eager to expand their botanical knowledge. Efficiently organized raised beds allow easy comparison of diverse species. Here one discovers medicinal herbs, exotic succulents, water plants and more curiosities from around the world, meticulously labelled.

Beyond flora, the gardens also incorporate Roman sarcophagi, Etruscan funerary urns and even an Egyptian rock tomb, lending an unexpected archaeological flair. As urban explorer Don described, "Wandering amidst Roman relics and artifacts really emphasizes how Pisa was once a mighty maritime empire central to antiquity's trade routes."

Before leaving, be sure to explore inside the Garden's centuries-old Orto Botanico Museum. Its cool, shadowy rooms display innovative Renaissance-era scientific instruments alongside specimens, models and illustrations used for botanical study. The collection grants insight into how scholars advanced human knowledge through careful observation of the natural world.

Beyond the Leaning Tower: Discovering Pisa's Overlooked Treasures - See Relics of Galileo at Museo Galileo

Beyond its iconic monuments, Pisa offers intriguing glimpses into Italy’s intellectual heritage. For science buffs, a highlight is Museo Galileo, Italy’s foremost museum exploring the work of Renaissance genius Galileo Galilei.

"As a physics teacher, I was thrilled to view rare early telescopes and ingenious experiments demystifying gravity, motion and astronomy," remarked Seattle educator Tom. "Seeing Galileo's original instruments provides inspiration to ignite scientific curiosity in my students."

The Museo Galileo occupies a medieval palace once home to the powerful Medici dynasty. Here, elaborate gilded ceilings and frescoed halls frame an unparalleled collection of scientific instruments and artifacts. Visitors retrace Galileo's quest to revolutionize humanity's understanding of the universe.

One gallery displays exquisite astronomical tools used by Galileo and his contemporaries to study the heavens. Elaborate celestial spheres and armillary rings reveal our ancestors' awe at the mysteries of the cosmos. Nearby, ingenious demonstrational experiments bring Galileo's revolutionary concepts to life. Pendulums, ramps and pulleys allow hands-on learning about physics fundamentals like acceleration and velocity.

Yet the museum's true treasures are Galileo's original instruments. His meticulously-crafted telescopes, including one lengthened to 60x magnification, generated paradigm-shifting discoveries. Peer through replica oculars to glimpse Saturn's rings and Jupiter's moons, just as Galileo did centuries ago.

Also on display is Galileo's microscope, carved from cedar wood. Its magnifying power enabled him to reveal the hidden microscopic world, making new biological discoveries. By training such devices skyward, Galileo observed phenomena challenging doctrines of his day.

Equally groundbreaking were Galileo's experiments quantifying gravity, inertia and acceleration. The museum displays reproductions of his fabled experiment dropping balls from the Leaning Tower. Their landing verified Galileo's concept of gravity's universality.

Likewise, his ink drawings depicting motion along ramps laid foundations for modern physics. By rolling spheres and timing their descent, Galileo derived mathematical laws governing acceleration. "Seeing his actual notes and drawings drives home just how revolutionary Galileo's empirical approach was," Tom commented.

Beyond scientific heritage, the museum also reveals facets of Galileo the man via paintings and letters. One portrait depicts him in papal finery after securing a short-lived position honoring his theories. Nearby, a later painting shows Galileo under house arrest for controversial beliefs. These works underscore the personal risks Galileo endured while advancing human knowledge.

Beyond the Leaning Tower: Discovering Pisa's Overlooked Treasures - Sample Local Cuisine at Mercato delle Vettovaglie

No trip to Pisa is complete without experiencing the bustling Mercato delle Vettovaglie, a sprawling covered food market catering to locals since the 19th century. Wandering amid colorful stalls heaped with cheese, salami, bread, and produce, visitors savor Pisa's authentic street food specialties for a taste of true Tuscan flavor.

"I love food markets when I travel, and Mercato delle Vettovaglie was one of my favorites in Italy," explained Michelle, a Toronto-based food and travel blogger. "It contained everything I want from an authentic market - lively chatter between vendors and shoppers, the warm aroma of focaccia just out of the oven, displays of local artisanal products. Even better, you can grab delicious snacks like arancini or lampredotto panini while exploring."

At Mercato delle Vettovaglie, it's easy to assemble a moveable feast showcasing Pisa's culinary traditions. Start at the cheese stalls to sample creamy ricotta or bold Pecorino Toscano, ideal for picnics by the Arno River. Next, browse bins of plump Castelvetrano olives or giant capers bursting with briny flavor, imported from nearby Sicily.

Seafood lovers will delight at ruby-red shrimp swimming in tanks or monkfish fresh off the boats in Livorno that morning. For the brave, vendors display lampredotto - a local delicacy of chopped tripe slow-cooked in broth. Or keep it simple with a perfect peach, its sweet juices dripping down your fingers.

Wherever you turn, the tough decision is which morsel to sample next! As Amanda, a Seattle-based blogger confessed, "I wanted to taste everything, from garlicky golden focaccia hot from the oven, to just-fried arancini, to glistening porchetta studded with rosemary and fennel. I barely made a dent exploring all the stalls!"

For many visitors, however, the pièce de résistance is schiacciata alla Fiorentina - a hearty Tuscan flatbread crammed with olives, breadcrumbs, olive oil and herbs. "Splitting a two-foot-long schiacciata at a tiny counter, I watched a baker rhythmically stretch, top, and slide these pizzas into a wood-fired oven - so rustic and authentic!" Amanda recalled.

Beyond edibles, the market's periphery overflows with stalls proffering leather goods, Italian ceramics, Tuscan wines and olive oils for perfect souvenirs. Or pop inside the smaller Mercato di San Simone next-door to browse books, antiques, art and sundries.

Travel blogger Tom offered this advice for visiting: "Arrive early to snag schiacciata hot from the oven, as vendors often sell out. Bring cash and small bills, as most stalls don't accept credit cards. Don't be shy about sampling before you buy. And come hungry!"

Beyond the Leaning Tower: Discovering Pisa's Overlooked Treasures - Take a Day Trip to Cinque Terre

Nestled along the Italian Riviera, the picturesque villages of Cinque Terrebeckon travelers with their pastel-hued houses perched above azure waves. Luckily, Pisa provides the perfect base for enjoying these idyllic seaside towns on a relaxed day trip.

"I was thrilled to discover I could easily visit Cinque Terre from Pisa in a long day," explained Amanda, a Seattle-based travel blogger. "After admiring Pisa's monuments, I was ready for a change of scenery - and the stunning coastline delivered."

The fastest way to reach Cinque Terre is by train. From Pisa Centrale station, hourly local trains whisk you to La Spezia in just under an hour. There, change trains for the brief five-minute hop to Riomaggiore, the first of the five villages.

Riomaggiore instantly charms with its stack of pastel buildings nestled into the cliffs above a petite harbor. After strolling the main street, grab an Aperol spritz and watch the boats bob gently in the sun-dappled waves. Then take the pedestrian Via Dell'Amore to neighboring Manarola.

"Walking the cliffside trail between Riomaggiore and Manarola gave me a new appreciation for Cinque Terre’s dramatic position along the sea,” recalled Tom, an urban explorer from Vancouver. “The villages look like they’re about to slip into the water!"

At Manarola, rent a kayak to explore the jumble of brightly-hued homes from the sea before returning to shore for pesto-slathered trofie pasta. Or hop aboard the hourly shuttle boat to Vernazza for even more epic seaside vistas.

Vernazza, possibly the most beautiful of the five villages, rewards further investigation. Climb the narrow steps to Castello Doria, a medieval fortress affording bird's-eye panoramas. After browsing souvenir shops along the car-free main street, unwind at a harborfront cafe with a chilled glass of local white wine.

From Vernazza, determined hikers can follow the trail to Corniglia, 300-steps uphill. Perched on a cliff 90 meters above sea level, this village feels more isolated, surrounded by vineyards. Reward your ascent with homemade gelato, specialty flavored with local herbs and fruit.

For a contrast, head next to Monterosso al Mare, the most resort-like of the five villages. Dig your toes into the beach’s pearly sand or rent a striped cabana and umbrella to lounge seaside in style. Don’t miss out on linguine with pesto alla genovese, graced with buttery local pine nuts.

Nature lovers can also board a boat to the Cinque Terre National Park, a protected marine area home to reefs and rare wildlife. Onboard naturalists lead guided coastal tours revealing this fragile ecosystem. Or hop over to the car-free island of Palmaria to hike quiet wilderness trails speckled with wildflowers.

"I’d budget at least five hours to see three villages – Riomaggiore, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare," advised Michelle, a Toronto-based blogger. "That leaves time for leisurely strolls, lunch with a view, and maybe a quick dip in the sea! Travel between by train or boat for ease."

Beyond the Leaning Tower: Discovering Pisa's Overlooked Treasures - Discover Pisa's Hidden Gems

Pisa attracts over 3 million visitors annually, drawn by iconic sites like the Leaning Tower. Yet away from the crowds, intrepid travelers can discover Pisa’s overlooked gems – corners of the city hiding centuries of history, artisan workshops carrying on age-old traditions, and local eateries serving authentic Tuscan fare. Venturing off the beaten path rewards visitors with an intimate perspective on real life in this ancient city.

According to Torsten, Pisa's backstreet treasures shouldn't be missed. "It's easy to just see the Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli then leave. But wandering Pisa's hidden alleys and artisan boutiques showed me sides of the city most tourists never experience."

One prime example is Keith Haring's lesser-known Tuttomondo mural, tucked away in a residential area in the city’s southeast. This massive artwork, portraying vivid dancing figures in Haring's iconic style, adorns the facade of the Church of Sant’Antonio Abate. The vibrant mural has graced Pisa since its creation in 1989.

Torsten advised, “Finding the mural down a dead-end street, it felt like stumbling upon hidden treasure. Gazing at Haring’s infectious energy lifted my spirits instantly. Because it’s off the beaten path, I had quiet moments to contemplate the artwork’s exuberance undisturbed.”

Equally rewarding is browsing Pisa’s hole-in-the-wall artisan workshops, where generations of craftspeople manufacture goods prized worldwide. On Via San Martino, a cramped storefront houses one of the last makers of antiques tonsure scissors – intricate steel tools used by monks for haircuts. Watching the elderly owner hand-forge these works of functional art offers a portal back in time.

Nearby, a nondescript studio houses a taxidermy workshop esteemed by natural history museums globally, including the Smithsonian. “It was surreal turning down this alley to find artisans deftly restoring exotic specimens behind the scenes,” said Amanda, a Seattle blogger. “I never expected Pisa to harbor this niche craft, perfected over centuries.”

Travelers can also encounter vestiges of bygone eras at Osteria dei Cavalieri, a restaurant occupying the city’s medieval slaughterhouse. Dining surrounded by brick archways and wrought-iron hooks dangling from blackened rafters imparts a glimpse into Pisa’s culinary past. Their tender bistecca alla fiorentina, grilled on coals beside the Arno River, honors centuries of tradition.

According to Don, an urban explorer, “At Osteria dei Cavalieri, history permeates the space. Sitting beside antique meat hooks, I imagined generations of butchers and cooks upholding Pisa’s cuisine. It’s not Instagrammable, but offers an authentic experience you can’t manufacture.”