Pisa: A walking tour to discover the most hated city in Tuscany

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ID: GYG843380-1334086
Category:
Country: Italy

Duration: 02:30 hours


Description

A 2 1/2-hour walking tour to discover the city that grew up around the Leaning Tower. Strolling through the historic center you will discover its history, architecture, legends and customs of the past.
A 2 1/2-hour walking tour to get to know the city of Pisa in a calm and friendly atmosphere. Strolling through the historic center you will discover its history and admire the wonder of its architecture. Immersed in the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, I will tell you fun and interesting legends and stories that have survived to the present day.
During the tour you will learn how Pisa, which began as a Roman colony turned into a powerful and wealthy maritime republic. You will hear about its glory, its decline in the Middle Ages and how it evolved during the Renaissance. A powerful but tyrannical city, by the end of our tour you will understand why Pisa in the past was hated by all the cities of Tuscany. A hatred that in a goliardic way has come down to us.
The tour starts from the Piazza dei Miracoli where we also find out how the name came about.
I will tell you about the features of Europe's largest Baptistery and the stories that arose around its two-colored roof. If you have time we can take a 20-minute tour inside the Baptistery. Entrance tickets are to be purchased on site and are not included in the price of the tour.
We will then focus on the Cathedral. I will tell you stories related to hidden details of its facade, unusual columns, inscriptions and strange signs. I will also tell you about superstitious customs that originated in the Middle Ages and are still alive among the people of Pisa.
We will also visit the interior of the cathedral, which hides works of art such as Giovanni Pisano's Pulpit and Cimabue's mosaic of Christ on the Throne. Arriving at the great chandelier, we will discuss the legends about the experiments Galilei conducted in the Duomo.
We will then move on to the Leaning Tower, one of the most famous medieval monuments in the world. I will tell you about why the tower has tilted during its nine centuries of life, how it has been in danger of collapsing in recent decades, and what interventions have been done to stop the fall. The tower is actually a bell tower with seven bells; I will tell you about the Traitor's bell and when it last rang.
After Piazza dei Miracoli we move to the Renaissance part of the city, we are going to see the beautiful Piazza dei Cavalieri, the legacy that the Medici dynasty left behind. Now home to the important Scuola Normale Superiore, many famous figures in contemporary Italian history have studied here.
Next, we will walk through the narrow streets of Borgo Stretto, I will show you the house where Galileo Galilei was born and tell you the story of his life.
We will also pass by Piazza delle Vettovaglie, an ancient market square, renovated by the Medici into a Renaissance cloister, now home to the stalls of the street market and bars and restaurants ideal for an aperitif or dinner with typical Pisan cuisine.
For those with a sweet tooth, here you can also taste Torta coi Bischeri, a typical Pisan dessert made with shortcrust pastry and dried fruit.
We finish our tour on the Ponte di Mezzo where we admire the extraordinary panorama of the Pisan Lungarno.

Highlights

  • Discover unusual details about the Square of Miracles
  • Go beyond the Leaning Tower and discover the history and legends of the historic center
  • Enjoy an aperitif or a typical dessert in a Renaissance cloister

Guiding languages

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Short pants and bare shoulders are not allowed for visiting the cathedral. Entry controls are very strict.
The guide waits under the arch of the Porta Nuova. The Guide wears the Tuscany Region Authorized Guide badge prominently.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED

When should I book?

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.


Cancellations

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.