While the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a truly global tourist phenomenon known to one and all, there are various queer oddities about the structure which even some of the locals themselves are not really aware of! Let us delve into some of them here which will help you appreciate your tour Toscana even more!

It took nearly 200 years to build!
Yes, the structure that you look at today on your Tuscany tour as the Leaning Tower of Pisa took as many as 200 years to build, with groundbreaking occurring in 1173 while the tower itself was completed in 1372, i.e. 199 years!

It started leaning just 5 years into construction!
In spite of the lengthy construction time span, the Leaning Tower of Pisa actually started leaning merely 5 years into its construction! This leaning is largely attributed to the weak and unstable subsoil which is characteristic of this region.

Galileo dropped two cannon balls from the tower!
Somewhat mythical in nature, without definite confirmation of authenticity, it is believed that Galileo dropped two cannon balls of varying masses from atop the tower in order to prove that speed of descent is in fact independent of mass.

The actual architect of the Leaning Tower of Pisa remains a mystery! It is not known for sure as to who was the real architect of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Over the course of your Toscana tour you will realize that there are various attributions made for the tower’s primary architect, especially to Bonanno Pisano as well as to Guglielmo, but none of these attributions can be confirmed with affirmation.

The current lean is somewhat on purpose!
Over the years, various restoration efforts have meant that the Leaning Tower of Pisa remains fairly stable, without any additional leaning likely, for centuries. However, the current angle of 3.99 degrees at which the tower leans is somewhat on purpose as that is exactly what makes the structure such an attraction for Tuscany travel visitors in the first place! The idea of the Italian administration has essentially been to retain the fact that the tower leans, while preventing further leaning which may eventually lead to the tower toppling off completely.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa in fact a bell tower!
Not many on their holiday Tuscany would know that the Leaning Tower of Pisa is in fact a bell tower or campanile of the cathedral complex of Pisa.
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If you are planning of visiting Tuscany, for sure you will make you way to view the Leaning Tower of Pisa. However, you should now that there are also many other things to see in Pisa, making this town one of the most interesting sites in the region.Today, I will present some of the many other things you could do, and sites you could visit in Pisa:

THE BAPTISTERY:
Whilst in Miracle’s Square (the complex where the Leaning Tower is also located), you should most definitely make your way to the Baptistery. This is a monument of incredible value, it dates back to the 12th century and is the largest baptistery in the whole of Italy. The architect is Diotisalvi, whilst Nicola Pisano and his son made all sculptures. You will also notice that the top dome, due to lack of money during its construction, is in a different material than the rest of the building. Nonetheless, the Baptistery is a monument of incredible value and I strongly recomment you visit it when in Pisa.

THE DUOMO:
The Duomo, a vast cathedral dating back to the 11th century, is the focal point of the square and should definitely be on your list of of things to see in Pisa. Whilst the exterior of the cathedral is in typical Romanesque style, the interior presents strong byzantine influences. Unfortunately, in 1595 the cathedral was damaged by a fire; on the same year it was redecorated and were placed the bronze doors and, it is believed, also the internal ceiling as you can see them now. It is also interesting to know that it is believed that Galileo formulated in this cathedral his theory about the movement of the Pendulum, watching a incense lamp that was hanging from the ceiling.

A WALK ALONG THE ARNO RIVER:
One the most relaxing, as well as interesting thing to do in Pisa is a walk along the river. Doing this, you will be able to appreciate all the different streets, bridges, towers and building of great historical value. The most famous streets alongside the river are Lungarno Mediceo and Lungarno Pacinotti; if you are planning of visiting Tuscany during the Summer, a walk here in the evening is a truly magical experience. Amongs the things to see in Pisa there is also a Botanical Garden. During your time in Pisa, you will be able to visit the first, university botanical garden in Europe. It dates back to the 16th century. On its grounds there are several areas dedicated to different specimens; for example, there is an arboretum, a section dedicated to myrtus and an entire greenhouse for succulents. If you are interested in going to this garden, you should plan your visit during a weekday morning. Today, I have talked briefly about some of the interesting things to see in Pisa once you have finished your visit to the Leaning Tower. Have you already been to Pisa? Have visited any of these sites? Let me know leaving a comment below. If instead you have not yet been to Pisa, visit the page of our Private Excursion to Florence and Pisa .

Tourtime: 3 – 6 hours.
Discover: Tuscan region.
Features: English Speaking Driver, Private Guided Excursion
Pick Up Locations: Civitavecchia Sea Port, Hotel, Livorno Sea Port.
Tour Duration: 3 – 6hrs.

The private excursion to Florence and Pisa is a fine opportunity to admire the Gothic art of the greatest monuments inside the medieval wall of Pisa to see Piazza dei Miracoli, Leaning Tower (reservation required to climb up) the Romanesque Baptistery and the Duomo . The private excursion to Florence continues to the capital of Renaissance, city of art and culture and good food. To feel the past, walking over Pontevecchio or in Via dei Calzaiuoli where Michelangelo to stroll relaxing at the end of a busy day, another step and you can see Giotto‘s Bell Tower and the Duomo , about two minutes we reach Santa Croce Church to see Tomb of Michelangelo and the Univeristy of leather where the best products of Florentine’s artisans are produced, five minutes to the Accademy to see the David (reservation required) and Piazza della Signoria (Medici medieval Palace). I will find for you a typical Trattoria Toscana and before the private excursion to Florence and Pisa ends you can have a breathtaking view of the city up the hill of Piazzale Michelangelo.

This year, autumn is unusually mild: why not take advantage of the climate with a day trip to Pisa. Pisa is a very pretty town in Tuscany, with some good food as well as numerous cultural events. Until February 2014 it will be possible to visit the Andy Warhol exhibition at The Palazzo Blu, presenting about 150 works that trace the life and works of the artist, presented in collaboration with the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, and with the support of other collections from different museums in Europe and the United States. However, the beauty of Pisa doesn’t end here: in addition to the classic artworks, churches and museums, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Piazza dei Miracoli, which is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Duomo, Pisa is the hometown of many interesting exhibitions. For example, those of you who had a day trip to Pisa in the first week of November, probably had the chance to attend “Navigarte 2013,” with various dance performances and art workshops. Those travelling with children also couldn’t miss the exhibition and the workshops on medieval art, to discover the techniques and materials used in the past.

And for the lovers of technology, the Faculty of Engineering opened the exhibition “From the treatise to the e-book”, displaying texts from the nineteenth to the twenty-first century on specializations in engineering, as well as modern ones about electrical, nuclear, biomedical engineering, and energy.

In addition, between the cultural visits on your day trip to Pisa you could take advantage of the excellent local cuisine, maybe at the Ostellino, close to Piazza dei Miracoli, with its sandwiches with bacon, cheese and tomatoes, perhaps accompanied by a glass of Chianti!

If the weather allows, you can also have a dinner on the terrace of Osteria San Paolo, with its seafood dishes such as lobster noodles and fried fish or the most classic cut of meat, named “tagliata”. But Pisa is not only about enjoying the Tuscan cuisine; for example, you could eat at the pub Gusto Giusto, where you can taste the sandwich sausage and broccoli or meatloaf, and maybe end the lunch with a dessert, like the coccoro (a truffle of Nutella and coconut) or a tiramisu. Don’t hesitate to Contact us now to request a special, PERSONALISED QUOTE for a day trip to Pisa and a visit to the Warhol exhibition.

Duration: 9 hrs.
Location: Lucca and Pisa

TOUR DESCRIPTION:
Your tour start from Ship side , where a comfortable minivan driven by a fluent English speaking driving guide is waiting for you. With my vehicles the tours in every Italian town are without restriction through ZTL (Zone Traffic Limited) thus your group is driven few steps beside the sites of interest to see, no long walking.
Also each minivan is equipped to accommodate a minimum of 2 max 8 people.
This is a nice tour in Western Tuscany, the driving to Lucca is through the most enjoyable, classic Tuscany country side, this little town is an authentic example of medieval time as well as its original walls. Lucca is a little town easy to walk to discover the secret aspect of this little gem like the main square built around the ancient Roman amphitheater, with one of my private guide it is even more enjoyable and easy to walk.
Day tour continue to see Pisa, Piazza dei Miracoli with The Leaning Tower, The Baptistery and the fantastic Duomo.
To avoid line to climb up the leaning tower i provide necessary information. Shore excursion is of 9 hour from pick up to drop off at ship side, cost is according to people on tour.

NOTE:
The price of day tour, shore excursion or transfer includes the cost of the private vehicle, driver, gas, road tolls, parking fees and taxes. It does not includes entrance fees to sites, private guides for museums or archaeological sites or walking tours, the cost of lunch, gratuity for your driver and for the guide. The tour sequence may be changed due to clients need, local problem or traffic problem, always covering the sights mentioned with tour description and time frame. Your driving guide assist you for the location to see , but he does not enter the sites with you. Please understand we receive several request and the tour is sold to the first customer that buy it after filling up properly the reservation form sent to you. The request via email does not entitle priority for booking.
MAP:

Duration: 9 hrs.
Location: Florence and Pisa:

TOUR DESCRIPTION:
The private excursion to Florence and Pisa is a fine opportunity to admire the Gothic art of the greatest monuments inside the medieval wall of Pisa to see Piazza dei Miracoli, Leaning Tower (reservation required to climb up) the Romanesque Baptistery and the Duomo. The private excursion to Florence continues to the capital of Renaissance, city of art and culture and good food.

To feel the past, walking over Pontevecchio or in Via dei Calzaiuoli where Michelangelo to stroll relaxing at the end of a busy day, another step and you can see Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Duomo, about two minutes we reach Santa Croce Church to see Tomb of Michelangelo and the University of leather where the best products of Florentine’s artisans are produced, five minutes to the Academy to see the David (reservation required) and Piazza della Signoria (Medici medieval Palace).

I will find for you a typical Trattoria Toscana and before the private excursion to Florence and Pisa ends you can have a breathtaking view of the city up the hill of Piazzale Michelangelo.

MORE INFO:
Your tour start from Ship side, where a comfortable minivan driven by a fluent English speaking driving guide is waiting for you.
With my vehicles the tours in every Italian town are without restriction through ZTL (Zone Traffic Limited) thus your group is driven few steps beside the sites of interest to see, no long walk. Also each minivan is equipped to accommodate a minimum of 2 max to 8 people.
Pisa leaning Tower, Piazza dei Miracoli, Baptistery and Duomo – a drive along the way to Florence to see Tuscany country side – When in Florence a breath-taking view of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo, then hilites like Duomo, Campanile Bell of Giotto, Pontevecchio, St. Lorenzo area, St. Croce church to see monument to Michelangelo, its typical flee market, Piazza della Signoria and other sites of interest you need to see.
Day tour includes also Academia (David) or Uffizi Gallery. A stop by a local place for lunch, pizza slice or gelato can be considered.
To avoid line at Academia or Uffizi i make reservation for you. Shore excursion is of 9 hour from pick up to drop off ship side, cost is according to people on tour. Payment is cash in euro to the driver at the end of the day .

NOTE:
The price of day tour, shore excursion or transfer includes the cost of the private vehicle, driver, gas, road tolls, parking fees and taxes.
It does not includes entrance fees to sites, private guides for museums or archaeological sites or walking tours, the cost of lunch, gratuity for your driver and for the guide. The tour sequence may be changed due to clients need, local problem or traffic problem, always covering the sights mentioned with tour description and time frame.
Your driving guide assist you for the location to see, but he does not enter the sites with you.
Please understand we receive several request and the tour is sold to the first customer that buy it after filling up properly the reservation form sent to you.
The request via email does not entitle priority for booking.

MAP: