Pisa is a lively medieval university town in the Tuscan region of Italy. Although the Leaning Tower (known as the Torre Pendente by locals) is one of the main attractions and the symbol of the city, it is only one of the many beautiful treasures of Pisa.
The tower is one of the monuments on the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles). The square is situated right by the oldest early-medieval city walls, built in 1155 and still perfectly preserved. The medieval buildings of the Duomo di Pisa, the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Camposanto are all constructed completely from white marble, forming a beautiful, thematic whole in the square.
Pisa is very compact, with many narrow streets and a great ambience. To make the most of your trip, take a walk along the Arno River promenade, taking in the towers, bridges and buildings dating from the Middle Ages, or along the Ponte della Fortezza.
Pisa is only 40 mi/65 km (an hour by train) from Florence, making an easy day trip, but it is worthwhile to spend at least two days exploring Pisa's sights. Other towns in the area that are well worth a visit are the medieval walled hill-town of Lucca, just 20 minutes north of Pisa, as well as the hill towns of Volterra and San Gimignano (about an hour south) with their Etruscan ruins, castles and towers.
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