Pisa’s Square of Miracles is a stunning must-see Italian masterpiece and has much more than just the Leaning Tower.
A UNESCO site since 1987
For many visitors, Pisa means one thing: the Leaning Tower. Yet the famous tower is only one part of an extraordinary ensemble that makes Piazza dei Miracoli, or the Square of Miracles, an absolute must-see when travelling through Italy. Set on a vast green lawn just outside Pisa’s medieval centre, the square brings together four masterpieces of medieval architecture: the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, the Baptistery and the Monumental Cemetery. Together, they form one of Italy’s most remarkable artistic landscapes and have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
The Leaning Tower
The Leaning Tower is, of course, the star. Its famous tilt began during construction because of unstable ground beneath its foundations, but what could have been an architectural disaster became one of the world’s most famous landmarks. And it is a genuinely memorable experience, especially when viewed alongside the dazzling white marble of the surrounding monuments.
The Cathedral, Baptistry and Cemetery
Just as important is the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, begun in the 11th century as Pisa was rising to prominence as a powerful Maritime Republic. Its richly decorated façade and distinctive Pisan Romanesque style reflect the wealth, ambition and international connections of medieval Pisa. Do not skip the Baptistery, famous for its remarkable architecture and extraordinary acoustics, or the Camposanto Monumentale cemetery whose cloisters and artistic treasures are a real contrast to the crowds around the Tower.
Pisa is a beautiful historic city
But Pisa is far more than its most famous square. In the historic centre the Piazza dei Cavalieri square, once the political heart of medieval Pisa, today is home to the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore. The Lungarni are the atmospheric streets that follow the River Arno, where historic palaces create some of Pisa’s most beautiful views. For something completely different, Keith Haring’s enormous Tuttomondo mural is a colourful reminder that Pisa’s artistic story did not end in the Middle Ages.
Sophisticated beaches like Forte dei Marmi
Pisa is perfectly placed for exploring northern Tuscany. The beautiful walled city of Lucca, with its Renaissance walls, elegant piazzas and relaxed atmosphere, makes an easy and rewarding excursion. Visitors should also consider heading towards the celebrated Versilia Coast with long stretches of sandy beach and the dramatic backdrop of the Apuan Alps. Among the most iconic destinations is Forte dei Marmi, famous for its sophisticated atmosphere, and fashionable beach clubs. Long associated with Italian style and summer glamour, it is an ideal place to combine a day by the sea with shopping, strolling and excellent Tuscan cuisine. Other resorts along the Versilia coast offer a more relaxed seaside experience, making the area perfect for visitors who want to add sunshine and Mediterranean life to a trip filled with art and history.
Villa Costanza has 16 rooms and a beach club
To overnight on the coast an interesting new addition to Forte dei Marmi’s facilities is Villa Costanza, which opened at Easter and feels like an elegant private residence with bright interiors Carrara marble, brass, velvet, bespoke furnishings and contemporary art. Its 16 rooms and exclusive terrace suite offer elegant neutral tones and views of the Apuan Alps or the peaceful front garden where the Maison Bistrot serves refined Tuscan cuisine. Guests can also enjoy privileged access to the nearby Federico II Beach Club, embodying Forte dei Marmi’s timeless seaside elegance.
Pasta with rich meat sauces and seafood
And then there is the food. Pisa offers a delicious introduction to Tuscan cooking, where simple local ingredients are transformed into memorable dishes. Do not miss “Cecina,” a thin savoury flatbread made from chickpea flour and one of the area's most popular specialties. Try traditional pasta dishes with rich meat sauces, as well as “Ribollita,” the hearty vegetable and bread soup that is one of Tuscany’s great comfort foods. Local cured meats and cheeses are perfect for a casual lunch, while Tuscan olive oil, beans and seasonal vegetables feature prominently on traditional menus. And of course the star of the show is very often fish, from grilled seafood to stews and carpaccios.
