Top Things To Do In Pisa Italy While Backpacking
Synopsis: Europe is easily one of the most toured continents by Backpackers. It boasts of rich history, diverse culture and various languages. All this makes up for a must-visit place, and Italy is one of the most visited countries in Europe. The article will discuss the tourist attractions of the city Pisa in Italy
Italy is famous for its delicious food, fabulous wine, beautiful countryside, and long history making it a must-visit country for backpackers. Rome, Milan, and Vince are the cities that come to your mind when Italy comes up while Pisa is restricted to its leaning tower. Today we will discuss the things to do in Pisa and make sure to make Pisa your hot destination for your next backpacking travels.
- Taking a photo with the Leaning tower
The word synonymous with Pisa is leaning. It’s the most famous tourist attraction in Pisa, and thousands of travelers visit Pisa to observe the leaning tower. So take your camera out and start getting those goofy and crazy pictures with the leaning.
As far as the history of the tower, the 17 storey white marble tower goes, its construction started way back in 1173. The construction went on for 2 centuries due to various reasons. The tower leans because its build on unstable sand and many architects have tried to correct the lean but to no avail.
The cost to enter and climb to the top is 18 euros, which I feel the backpackers should spend and don’t miss this opportunity. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Figure 1 The Iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
Alt-txt: A view of leaning tower of Pisa
Photo credit: By Daniel Dimitrov – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=82149097
- Walk along River Arno
If you are planning to have some peaceful time, then walk along the banks of River Arno is a perfect choice. The river provides a beautiful landscape as the houses and buildings along with it with their architecture is a sight to watch.
Figure 2 View from River Arno
Alt-txt: Majestic view from the banks of River Arno
Photo credit: By Gary Ashley – Flickr: Pisa, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15617106
- Visit the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
The medieval building of Europe is a sight to watch due to the history behind them their architecture. The cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta provides just that. The popularity of the Leaning Tower of Pisa eclipses by the cathedral, but it’s a site to watch for the visitors.
Built-in the 11th century, the cathedral’s front façade is beautifully decorated with stones, marble arches, and bronze doors. The interior of the cathedral is as magnificent as its exterior and is a must-visit place for backpackers having an interest in history and architecture.
Figure 3 The Cathedral under the sun
Alt-txt: The cathedral of Santa Maria Asssunta in its full glory
Photo credit: Going to RIO (Rock in Rio 2019). on Visualhunt.com / CC BY-NC-SA
- Visit the Baptistery of St. John and Piazza dei Miracoli
The Baptistery is located right next to the Leaning Tower and visited on the same day when planning on watching the leaning tower. Baptistery was built in the 12th century and like other architectural structures of that time, the exterior is beautifully carved and is highly ornamental. Its another excellent visit for the backpackers interested in architecture.
Piazza dei Miracoli is also in the same vicinity and is named after the famous Italian poet Gabriele D’Anunzio. The square was first constructed in 1064, beginning with the Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta. The plazas allow visitors to move marvel at the intricate designs, which in some cases even include Arabic influences on the loggias
Figure 4 A view of Pisa Baptistery
Alt-txt: The beautiful Baptistery of St. John
Photo credit: By Daniel Dimitrov – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=82149338
- See the Piazza dei Cavaleiri
The knights square was once the center of medieval Pisa and was the central hub of political activity in the city. Palazzo dei Cavalieri is a lovely Palace that is the central attraction within the square. This building was built in the middle of the 16th century and was formerly the headquarter of the Knights of St. Stephen/ The stonework on the building is a sight to marvel at. One more famous building, Palazzo dell’Orologio “Clock Palace,” is also lying on the square and was once the government’s seat in medieval times, which has now been converted to a university library.
Figure 5 The famous clock palace on Piazza dei Cavaleiri
Alt-txt: Tourists of the Knights square
Photo credit: By User:Stephen Sommerhalter – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10879268
- A history fix with National Museum of San Matteo
Backpackers who are art lover, must visit this museum. The famous gallery is located inside the Benedictine Monastery and is home to paintings of 12th to 18th-century paintings and sculptures, the most notables being the works of San Matteo. The museum containing some timeless pieces of art and marbled sculptures genuinely make it a treasure of history and Italian culture. The museum can be visited with a small entry fee of only €5.
Figure 6 National museum in Pisa
Alt-txt: The entrance of National Museum of San Matteo
Photo credit: By Taccolamat – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2713115
- View the eye-catching Guelph Tower
The attractive and eye-catching structure lies on the banks of the Arno River and is part of the old citadel complex. This ancient complex of buildings once served as the main ship-building area in Pisa in the 13th and 14th centuries. The real reason the tower was constructed during the 15th century the tower was part of the cities defensive fortifications.
Nowadays, the tower has been renovated and is now open to the public. Once at the top, you are granted with fantastic panoramic views of Pisa – you can see even across to the Leaning Tower and Cathedral.
Figure 7 The tower across the river
Alt-txt: A view of the historic Guelph Tower
Photo credit: © José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro
- Wander on Borgo Stretto
Tired of visiting all the iconic tourist attractions in Pisa, then head out on a stroll in Borgo Stretto. It’s a perfect place if you are looking for a combination of fantastic architecture and high-end retail shopping. The delightful street is located in the heart of the city and starts from Piazza Garibaldi adjacent to the Ponte di Mezzo.
The street hosts a range of designer stores, boutique shops, and quaint cafes. For backpackers who aren’t interested in shopping and are on a budget, the beautiful architecture of the buildings is still a must-see attraction.
Figure 8: Borgo stretto in Pisa
Alt txt: A medieval street in Pisa
Photo credit:By Sailko – Own work, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1793705
- Check out the University of Pisa and its Botanical garden.
It is one of the oldest universities in Italy, founded in 1343 and one of the most respected in Europe. The campus is lovely, with lots of impressive architecture. The oldest academic botanical garden, “Orto Botanico di Pisa,” can also be found here and dates back to 1544. The garden is located in the heart of the historic old town and is easily accessible. The garden contains a beautiful array of plants, trees, flowers, and fauna; You can visit the gardens for €4.
Figure 9 Inside the Botanical garden of Pisa
Alt-txt: The lush greenery of the botanical garden
Photo credit: bill anderson on Visual Hunt / CC BY-NC-ND
- Attend Gioco del Ponte and Luminara Festival
It’s a cultural event, which is a historical reenactment where a team of 20 attempts to battle on Ponte di Mezzo. People dress up in 16th-century Spanish costume and plays out fighting scenes, including the march of the troops and a “call to arms.”
Luminara Festival is celebrated on 16th June when all the lights along the river are dimmed, and numerous candles are lit in honor of patron Saint San Renieri.
Figure 10 The event of Gioco del Ponte
Troops preparing for the Battle of the bridges
Photo credit: TheTrident on Visual hunt / CC BY-NC
Finding cheap accommodation in Pisa.
To make your travel even more comfortable, we calculated how much, on average, you would spend each day based on your budget. On a backpacker’s budget, you’ll spend about EUR 50 day in Pisa. The budget covers the hostel dorm, cooking most of your meals, some wine, public transportation, and any free activities in the city.
On a more mid-range budget of about EUR 100, one can stay in a two-star budget hotel/private hostel room/AirBnB, enjoy a few cheap meals and drinks, public transportation, and a couple of paid museums, tours, and few Ubers. The most significant amount of this budget will be the accommodation as it’s a bit pricey in the city. For those who are on a spending spree and have a high budget, then the sky is your limit (just kidding).
Getting around in Pisa
Pisa is a small city, so it’s easy to get around on foot. Major attractions and the ones mentioned above are within walking distance. As a result, transportation options are limited; they include Buses that will take you just about everywhere you need to go. The bus fare is 1.50 EUR for a single ride ticket and is purchased on the bus. Taxis are also present but are quite expensive here; it’s best to avoid the taxis and walk through the city instead. When taking a taxi becomes a must then the base rates are from 3.15 EUR and then 1.05 EUR per kilometer.