Pisa Walking Tour: Leaning Tower & Historic Squares

Highlights

• Guided Walking Tour
• Piazza dei Miracoli
• Piazza dei Cavalieri

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   Piazza dei Miracoli

   30min

   Piazza dei Miracoli ("Square of Miracles"), is called also Piazza del Duomo ("Cathedral Square"). This name was created by the poet Gabriele D'Annunzio, who, observing it from above on a plane, called it "Prato dei Miracoli" (Meadow of Miracles), because of the beautiful marble monuments which stand out on the surrounding green garden. The Square lies in a northern area of the city, that once was a graveyard and the seat of an Early Christian cathedral. Differently from other cities, Pisa's Cathedral Square is not inside the walls nor in the old town. The Duomo was the first monument to be built, followed by the construction of the Baptistery and of the Leaning Tower/the famous Pisa's Tower. Two sides of the square are enclosed in walls that date back to 1154.

2. 2

   Piazza dei Cavalieri

   30min

   Piazza dei Cavalieri, also known as Kings Square, is an important landmark within Pisa, home to an ancient history that goes all the way back to medical times. Back in ancient times, Piazza dei Cavalieri was once the political centre of Pisa. Used as the Roman Forum in this region. Later on in history, however, this square became the headquarters of the Order of the Knights, also known as the Knights of St. Stephen. This society began in the 16th century by Cosimo I de’ Medici, with the aim of the group to defend the Tuscan and Mediterranean coast from any invading Turkish fleets and pirates. n the very centre of the piazza lies an incredible statue, known as the Grand Duke of Tuscany. It was created in 1596 by sculptor Francavilla.

3. 3

   Piazza Delle Vettovaglie

   30min

   Piazza delle Vettovaglie, a 16th century square is very popular amongst locals. From the eighteenth century, the square took the name of Vettovaglie, from the sale of various foods, and it was equipped with a fountain. The marble panel with the units of measurement for the sale of products is still visible under the southern loggia. Today, the square is the centre of the university's nightlife. The square was the set of some scenes from Paolo Virzì's Ovosodo (Hardboiled egg) (1997). The film is mainly set in Livorno, but some scenes were shot in Pisa, in Piazza delle Vettovaglie, where a party takes place and is the meeting point between the two protagonists, played by Marco Cocci and Edoardo Gabriellini.

Before you go

Location