Pisa - Square of the Miracles Tour
Pisa and its Leaning Tower

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Tour Description

The Santa Maria Quarter in Pisa is located on the northern bank of the river Arno and truly is the historical and architectural heart of the city. Within it's walls you will find all the major monumental sites of ancient Pisa but also houses the city's University, hospital and Scuola Normale Superiore.

On this private tour, you will first get to see the main historical sites that make Pisa famous worldwide. Of course number one is the Leaning Tower. The architect who designed this 14,500 ton structure in the 11th Century thought he would be made famous because of the numerous columns and arches dispersing it's weight to create a stunning bell tower to compliment the other buildings around it, the cathedral and baptistery. What he didn't think of was what was going on underneath the ground. Unfortunately, the ground was made up of a dense clay mixture that infused with the soil, unable to support the weight of such a heavy building. Although this must of devastated the architect and everybody involved, it has become the primary focus for visitors in the area and put Pisa well and truly 'on the map'. On this tour you actually get to climb the tower to the top, that is if you don't get dizzy easily and it's a great work-out!!!

Then onto the oldest building in the area, the Cathedral or 'Duomo'. Built in 1093 by Buscheto, it was the first structure built in the 'Pisan Romanesque' style that influenced many others after. Many of the original artwork was destroyed in fire in 1595 but was restored beautifully by many famous Renaissance painters of that time. Look on in awe at the amazing use of marble and bronze throughout the entire interior and exterior of the building. Legend has it that Galileo was watching a lamp over the alter swaying from side to side during a mass which gave inspiration to his law of the pendulum.

Standing to the west of the Duomo is the Baptistery, dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Construction of this building took an amazing 211 years to complete! It's made entirely of marble and is the largest baptistery in Italy. It's facade is a marvel to be seen, with arches surrounding it and depictions carved into the walls of St. John's life. Both the Baptistery and the Duomo lean, just like the tower, although not as much and therefore not as noticeable.

Piazza dei Cavalieri or 'Knights Square' is, you've guessed it, where the Knights of the area were seated, the Order of the Knights of Saint Stephen. It was once the center of political power for Romans, housing the Ancient Roman Forum during the Pisan Republic era. It was also named 'The Square of the 7 streets' because of the many streets stemming from it. It was renovated in the 16th Century by the Medici family who wanted to represent it as a place of power, especially when the Knights of Saint Stephen based themselves here.

After the tour you will be in the perfect location to stroll along one of Pisa's main roads; 'Borgo Stretto'. This street not only holds the birthplace of the great Galileo Galilei but it is now full of high street boutiques, fantastic restaurants, cafe bars, and much more to keep all of the senses stimulated.

More Info....
**Children under 8 years of age are not permitted to climb the Leaning Tower.

• Entrance Fees : Leaning Tower : €20 per person, Baptistery : €7 per person.
  *Entrance fees are separate from the tour cost and payable on the day of the tour.
  
  
• Meeting Time : 9:30am or 2:00pm
  
  
• Meeting Point : As most visitors to Pisa arrive on a day trip from Florence, we will have the guide meet you directly at the Pisa Central Train Station. It is also possible to meet at a different location so please don't hesitate to ask.
  
  
• Dress Code : When visiting holy places and churches in Italy it is important to covers knees, stomachs and shoulders. Comfortable walking shoes!