Exploring Pisa Italy Family Style
Discover the best family-friendly activities in Pisa, Italy! From the iconic Leaning Tower to interactive museums and scenic parks, explore top attractions perfect for kids and adults alike
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 1/8/2025
This was a day trip we took while we were visiting Florence, where our condo rental was located. Our goal for this
day trip was to visit the Leaning Tower area and then to move on to the Livorno area where we wanted to spend some quality
time at Calambrone Beach.
Driving to Pisa was straightforward, however the final miles were on city streets and conditions were very crowded. Parking was a major challenge, as the tourists had already taken up every available parking place for blocks surrounding the Piazza del Duomo. You will need a good source of information about where to go and you should have your mobile mapping device set - or you might wind up driving aimlessly around Pisa!
WARNING: Do yourself a favor and do some research about driving & parking in the vicinity of the Leaning Tower,
that area is now auto restricted and parking is available but most are not located nearby. Your research will also reveal that
cars are sometimes broken into, so you need to be careful where you park and what you leave in your car.
Click here to read information about parking in Pisa.
Pisa, Italy
The Tower of Pisa
La Pasquereccia Bell
The Tower of PisaTower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa or simply the Tower of Pisa (Torre di Pisa [ˈtorre di ˈpiːza]) is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa, known worldwide for its unintended tilt. The tower is situated behind the Pisa Cathedral and is the third oldest structure in the city's Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo), after the cathedral and the Pisa Baptistry.
The construction of the tower began in 1173 and lasted for almost 200 years due to various interruptions and corrections. The tower was designed to be a freestanding bell tower for the adjacent cathedral, but its tilt began during its construction, leading to numerous attempts to correct it.
The tower is 183.27 feet on the "low side" and 185.93 feet on the "high side". There are 294 steps from the base to the top, where there is a fantastic panoramic of Pisa and its surroundings.
Prior to restoration work performed between 1990 and 2001, the tower leaned at an angle of 5.5 degrees, but the tower now leans at about 3.99 degrees. This means the top of the tower is displaced horizontally 3.9 metres (12 ft 10 in) from the centre.
There is a limit of 45 people on the tower at any point in time, due obviously to their desire not to stress
the "leaning" anymore than they need to. So the tickets (which are expensive) are issued for a specific
date and time. You have to amuse yourself until your time comes up.
You can purchase your tickets in advance from
this site.
Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption
Battistero di San Giovanni
Cthedral View from the TowerPisa Cathedral
Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption is a medieval Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, in the Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa, Italy, the oldest of the three structures in the plaza followed by the Battistero di San Giovanni and the Campanile known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The cathedral is a notable example of Romanesque architecture, in particular the style known as Pisan Romanesque.[1] Consecrated in 1118, it is the seat of the Archbishop of Pisa. Construction began in 1063 and was completed in 1092. Additional enlargements and a new facade were built in the 12th century and the roof was replaced after damage from a fire in 1595.
The above information is from Wikipedia,
click here to view the full Pisa article.
View from the Tower of Pisa
View from the Tower of PisaThe views from the Leaning Tower of Pisa are breathtaking, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding area. As you ascend the tower’s spiral staircase, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic sights of Pisa’s historic center, the Piazza dei Miracoli, and the lush Tuscan countryside. The higher you climb, the more expansive the views become, with the horizon stretching up to 16.6 miles (26.7 kilometers) in clear weather. The nearby Pisa Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto Monumentale are beautifully framed from the tower’s height, creating a stunning scene of medieval architecture.
However, standing on the “downhill” side of the Leaning Tower is a nerve-wracking experience for many visitors. The tilt of the tower is remarkably noticeable, and the sensation of standing at an angle can feel both thrilling and unsettling. The gentle lean, combined with the open railing, reminds visitors just how iconic and unique this architectural wonder is.
From the top, you can also see the Arno River, which runs through Pisa, as well as red-roofed buildings and bustling piazzas that make up the charming cityscape. The experience of climbing the tower and taking in the views from its tilted perch is truly one of a kind, combining history, engineering marvel, and natural beauty into an unforgettable adventure.
Pisa Baptistery of St. John
Pisa Baptistery of St. JohnA Roman Catholic ecclesiastical building in Pisa, Italy. Construction started in 1152 to replace an older baptistery, and when it was completed in 1363, it became the second building, in chronological order, in the Piazza dei Miracoli, near the Duomo di Pisa and the cathedral's free-standing campanile, the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. The baptistery was designed by Diotisalvi, whose signature can be read on two pillars inside the building, with the date 1153.
The largest baptistery in Italy, it is 54.86 meters high, with a diameter of 34.13 meters. The Pisa Baptistery is an example of the transition from the Romanesque style to the Gothic style: the lower section is in the Romanesque style, with rounded arches, while the upper sections are in the Gothic style, with pointed arches. The Baptistery is constructed of marble, as is common in Italian architecture.
The Top of the Tower of Pisa
The Top of the Tower of PisaThe Leaning Tower of Pisa stands 183.3 feet tall, a height that might not seem particularly impressive when you first hear it. However, once you climb the narrow spiral staircase and step out onto the top level, the view from the tower is anything but ordinary. Looking down from the top of the tower is a dizzying experience — the height feels far greater when you're standing on a platform that leans noticeably to one side! The sensation is amplified by the tower’s tilt, making you acutely aware of the centuries-old engineering marvel beneath your feet.
Looking outward from the top, you’re rewarded with stunning views of Pisa’s red-tiled rooftops, medieval landmarks, and surrounding Tuscan countryside. The sight of the Piazza dei Miracoli, with the cathedral and baptistery below, is truly breathtaking. The contrast between the historic architecture and the modern city beyond creates a unique visual experience — one that cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the world.
A Roman Aqueduct Recreation
A Roman Aqueduct RecreationDuring our return journey from Pisa to Florence along the Italian highways E80/A11/E76, a remarkable sight caught our attention: a majestic aqueduct gracefully spanning the Autostrada! While initially mistaken for a Roman artifact, this impressive structure is actually the Nottolini Aqueduct, a testament to Renaissance engineering.
The Nottolini Aqueduct is a 19th-century Neoclassical masterpiece near Lucca, Italy. Built between 1823 and 1851, it spans over 3 kilometers with over 400 arches, carrying water from the mountains to the city. Designed by Lorenzo Nottolini, it features a distinctive temple-cistern and a circular temple-tank at San Concordio.
A visually stunning and historically significant aqueduct showcasing 19th-century engineering and architectural prowess in Lucca, Italy.
Some Useful Links for Pisa
- Google Search Results list for "best places to eat in Pisa"
- Google Search Results list for "Accomodations in Pisa"
- Google list of places for "shopping in Pisa"
- Just Traveling Thru European Travel Tips
- Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
- Pisa: Reserved Entrance to the Leaning Tower & Cathedral from the "Get Your Guide" site
- Youtube Search Results list for "Pisa Italy"
- Amazon Search Results list for "Pisa"
- Visit our Youtube Channel
- Pisa Italy Wikipedia Article:
- Our Pisa Italy Image Gallery:
- Pisa Italy Google Images Set:
- Google Reviews for Pisa, Italy
- The creation of some portions of this page's narrative text were assisted by OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT [Large language model].
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