If you have found a luxury villa in Pisa, a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa is, for many, a must, of course. However, there is lots more to see and do in this beautiful and historic Tuscan city.
We have compiled a list of other key attractions and things to see and do in Pisa so you don't miss out on the rest of this wonderful city, just because of the long shadow cast by the Tower.
1. Tuttomondo
While Italy might be more famous for her ancient, medieval and Renaissance artworks, the lineage of the production of great works of art in Italy continues right up to the present day. Pisa may be known for its medieval architecture but it is also home to Keith Haring's “Tuttomondo” mural, his last public work.
We have compiled a list of other key attractions and things to see and do in Pisa so you don't miss out on the rest of this wonderful city, just because of the long shadow cast by the Tower.
1. Tuttomondo
While Italy might be more famous for her ancient, medieval and Renaissance artworks, the lineage of the production of great works of art in Italy continues right up to the present day. Pisa may be known for its medieval architecture but it is also home to Keith Haring's “Tuttomondo” mural, his last public work.
Painted in 1989, before the artist died prematurely in 1990. Executed when Haring was already beginning to fall sick due to HIV-related complications, it was produced in collaboration with the students of Caparol Center, the suppliers of the acrylic tempera paint used. The work is based around a theme of peace and harmony in the world, it is expressed in thirty interconnected and divided colourful and characteristically Haring figures. Painted on the side of the old convent of S. Antonio, it sees a merging of past and present and is also always available to visit and admire for free. In fact, the Keith Café across the road serves as the perfect place to sit, grab a bite and examine the work more closely.
2. Botanic Gardens of Pisa
The Orto Botanico di Pisa, or Botanical Gardens of Pisa, makes for a welcome oasis of calm at the centre of this popular tourist-heavy city.
2. Botanic Gardens of Pisa
The Orto Botanico di Pisa, or Botanical Gardens of Pisa, makes for a welcome oasis of calm at the centre of this popular tourist-heavy city.
Just minutes from the Leaning Tower, it is the oldest botanic garden in Italy and Europe and among the oldest in the entire world. Founded in 1543 by the famous Pisan physician and botanist, Luca Ghini, it was established with the construction of a medicinal herb garden for Cosimo I de' Medici. With a large variety of plants from all over the world, it is open Monday to Saturday and entry costs just €2.50 (with reduced rates being lower).
Pisa is a city that is steeped in history and tradition and it only makes sense that there would be more to it than one tower with a dodgy foundation. Read on to the following posts in this series for more our Pisa's other must-see attractions.
Pisa is a city that is steeped in history and tradition and it only makes sense that there would be more to it than one tower with a dodgy foundation. Read on to the following posts in this series for more our Pisa's other must-see attractions.
Photo credits
picture 1: Sailko / CC BY 2.5;
picture 2: Daderot / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Sailko / CC BY 2.5;
picture 2: Daderot / CC BY-SA 3.0
