What Else Is There To Do In Pisa III?

In the last post in this series, we are discussing even more things to see and do in Pisa that don't involve posing next to, or scaling, a leaning tower. Just find a luxury villa in Pisa and begin exploring this stunning Tuscan city for yourself.

5. Knight's Square

The Knight's Square, or Piazza dei Cavalieri, is a town square in the city but is a beautiful landmark that holds particular historical importance. Located in the University Quarter, at the edge of the medieval city centre, just a short walk from the Piazza dei Miracoli, the square is thought to have Roman origins, became a political centre during the Middle Ages and is now a cultural and physical hub for the University of Pisa. The appearance of many of the buildings in the piazza that we see today dates to the 16th century and was created in a project headed by famous Renaissance architect Giorgio Vasari.

One of the most striking buildings in the piazza is the Palazzo dell'Orologio, which sees a bridge unite the two crumbling towers of the Count della Gherardeschi. Distinctive and photogenic, it became famous due to its mention in Dante's “Inferno” with the story of Ugolino, a suspected traitor is told. It is said to have been in one of those towers that he was left to die of starvation, along with the other males of his family whose corpses he eventually fed upon. Gruesome as this may sound, the piazza is actually a bright, beautiful bustling part of the city, filled with locals and often passed over by tourists.

6. Santa Maria della Spina

The Church of Santa Maria della Spina, is a tiny church but a strong candidate for the loveliest in Pisa. Originally a small oratory sitting right on the river, it was badly damaged and taken down, brick by brick, and rebuilt higher up in the 19th century.

Named for the “spina” or thorn from Christ's crown of thorns, supposedly brought to Pisa from the Holy Land, that is housed inside, it is an incredibly pretty and ornate Gothic church – like a little treasure box.

While Pisa's Leaning Tower may draw you to the city, be sure to look beyond it and you will find a charming and historic cultural city that has lots more to offer.