It is difficult to believe now, but there was a time when Pisa was the biggest center for art and culture, with the worlds finest art and sculpture collections, some where around the 12th century before Florence took over during renaissance. the city's fortunes had been declining ever since, specially during the world war time, and though some serious attempts made in last few decades to restore the lost glory are bearing fruit, the restoration work is still not complete.
Built around the center of the city, the tower of Pisa would have been interesting because of its historical nature, but surely not one of the most known and visited tourist attraction in the world, had it not tilted over the way it did, with out falling over. The architects wouldn't have realized that defect left in its construction was probably the only thing that made it survive for centuries, with money pored over for its conservation as a world heritage.
Climbing the tower was not allowed, i believe, til 2010, but they finally managed to stabilize and made it secure so i could go up for a beautiful 360 degree view of the city. The rest of the area is interesting too, with old sculpture museums and duomo, and i was done in around three hours, even after playing guardian to couple of American kids who weren't allowed at first to enter the tower without adult supervision
Its only an hour away from Florence by the fast Italian trains and definitely worth a half day visit, and even the train journey is enjoyable specially as the train passess through some pretty tuscan scenery. Italy is greener than i imagined and Tuscany is a picture postcard type beautiful area. I would have loved an additional day just hitch hiking through its small villages. May be next time.
Built around the center of the city, the tower of Pisa would have been interesting because of its historical nature, but surely not one of the most known and visited tourist attraction in the world, had it not tilted over the way it did, with out falling over. The architects wouldn't have realized that defect left in its construction was probably the only thing that made it survive for centuries, with money pored over for its conservation as a world heritage.
Climbing the tower was not allowed, i believe, til 2010, but they finally managed to stabilize and made it secure so i could go up for a beautiful 360 degree view of the city. The rest of the area is interesting too, with old sculpture museums and duomo, and i was done in around three hours, even after playing guardian to couple of American kids who weren't allowed at first to enter the tower without adult supervision
Its only an hour away from Florence by the fast Italian trains and definitely worth a half day visit, and even the train journey is enjoyable specially as the train passess through some pretty tuscan scenery. Italy is greener than i imagined and Tuscany is a picture postcard type beautiful area. I would have loved an additional day just hitch hiking through its small villages. May be next time.
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