Things to do in Pisa for self travelers

Welcome to the immersive in-app audio tour of the Pisa Tower! Step aboard the medieval Pisan fleet as you embark on a captivating journey through history. Note! This tour DOES NOT include an entrance ticket! Buy it in advance at towerofpisa.org Before you lies a magnificent sight: the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, accompanied by the Leaning Tower and other ancient structures. As you explore, you'll encounter the cathedral, adorned with the Baptistery and its bell tower. On the northern side, fragments of the ancient walls grace the landscape, along with the Monumental gate known as Porta del Leone. Keep an eye out for the Camposanto and the Ospedale of Santo Spirito, which complete this remarkable setting. On the opposite side, discover the Sinopie Museum and the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. The tour commences at the tower, the focal point of our expedition, and continues towards the cathedral and other notable monuments. From the tower's summit, take a moment to immerse yourself in the realms of the past and explore the lesser-known cultural intricacies.

Imagine we suddenly found ourselves sailing on the medieval Pisan fleet — about to be captivated by history. On the horizon: the breathtaking view of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with the Leaning Tower and other ancient buildings. With this in-app audio tour with a ticket to Pisa Tower, you'll be able to get to the top of the tower and get lost in time to venture into the lesser-known meanders of culture. (!) Note! While the ticket to the Pisa Tower is included and available in the app, the audio tour inside the tower is not provided. After you visit the Pisa Tower on your own, continue the tour around the tower with the audio guide. You will see the cathedral with the Baptistery and its bell tower. On the north side, there are parts of the ancient walls, the Monumental gate (called Porta del Leone) and the buildings of the Camposanto and the Ospedale of Santo Spirito. On the opposite side you'll find the Sinopie Museum and the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. In this tour, we will go into details of the buildings of the square to frame the construction in the historical vision of the square itself.

This self-guided audio tour invites you to explore the rich cultural and historical highlights of Pisa, ideal for travelers eager to experience both lively local life and iconic landmarks. The route begins at the vibrant Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, a bustling square framed by elegant architecture and filled with lively cafés where you can enjoy true Pisan atmosphere. From there, the path leads you through charming squares and significant sites, including the colorful Piazzetta Keith Haring, the medieval Logge di Banchi, and the impressive Ponte di Mezzo with scenic views over the Arno River. Along the way, admire sculptures, Gothic churches, and bustling markets, walking past the University of Pisa and historic palaces in Piazza dei Cavalieri. The tour concludes at the world-famous Square of Miracles, home to Pisa's most celebrated landmarks: the Cathedral, Baptistery, Campo Santo, and the iconic Leaning Tower. Here, the radiant white marble and expansive open space offer an unforgettable sight. This journey promises enriching experiences blending artistic heritage, architectural splendor, and vibrant street scenes, giving you a profound appreciation of Pisa's multifaceted charm.

Once you step out of the vibrant streets of Pisa and catch sight of the Leaning Tower, a renowned symbol portrayed in movies, cartoons, and countless tourist snapshots, you'll comprehend its iconic status. This peculiar structure serves as the bell tower for the nearby Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale di Santa Maria Assunta. To make the most of your visit to Piazza dei Miracoli, ensure you explore both attractions! Upon entering the piazza, your gaze immediately fixates on the unmistakable tower. However, that's just the beginning of what this place has to offer. Unsurprisingly dubbed the 'Square of Miracles', it has witnessed numerous adversities throughout the history of the Leaning Tower. From its infamously flawed foundation to being utilized as a lookout by the Nazis, the tower's continued existence truly feels miraculous. Once you've marveled at the striking marble façade of the Torre di Pisa, capturing a few playful 'Look at me, I'm holding up the tower!' snapshots, make use of our expedited tickets to ascend the inclined campanile. At its pinnacle, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas and perhaps even the melodic tolling of its seven bells, each representing a musical note. In 1944, the tower narrowly escaped destruction, saved by its captivating beauty. An American soldier named Sergeant Leon Weckstein was so captivated by its splendor that he resisted calling for an artillery strike on the Nazis using the tower as an observation post.

Explore Pisa's top landmarks, the Leaning Tower and Cathedral. Skip the lines with a pre-booked, timed entry to the Leaning Tower and enjoy VIP access to the Pisa Cathedral. Begin at the Sinopie Museum to collect your tickets. Then, climb the 55-meter-tall Leaning Tower for great views of the city, cathedral, and Tuscan hills. Next, visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, an example of Pisan Romanesque architecture. Notice the subtle signs of its gradual sinking.