Pisa, a small city in the Tuscany region of Italy, is not only famous for its ancient beauty but also a must-visit destination for travel enthusiasts and “check-in” lovers. When you think of Pisa, the iconic Leaning Tower immediately comes to mind, a unique architectural symbol and the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos. But Pisa offers more than just the tower; this city hides many other “golden” check-in spots, promising you an exciting journey of discovery and memorable experiences. Let’s explore the most famous check-in spots in Pisa with “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) to help you prepare for your upcoming trip!
Must-Visit Check-in Spots in Pisa
Pisa is not just a city, but an open-air art museum, where every street corner and every building carries historical stories and unique architectural beauty. Below is a list of the hottest check-in spots you shouldn’t miss when visiting Pisa:
1. Leaning Tower of Pisa – A Global Check-in Icon
The Leaning Tower of Pisa (Torre pendente di Pisa) is undoubtedly the number one and most iconic check-in spot in the city. More than just a unique architectural marvel with its “one-of-a-kind” tilt, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is also part of the Piazza dei Miracoli complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Leaning Tower of Pisa – Best time to visit
History and Unique Architecture: Construction began in 1173, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa was originally designed as a freestanding bell tower for the Pisa Cathedral (Duomo). However, as early as 1178, when construction reached the third floor, the tower began to lean due to the soft ground. Despite this, construction continued for nearly 200 years and was completed in 1372. The tower’s tilt has become a prominent feature, attracting millions of tourists every year to admire and check-in. The tower is 55.86 meters (183.27 feet) tall from the ground on the low side and 56.67 meters (185.93 feet) on the high side, with 8 stories and approximately 294 spiral steps leading to the top.
Classic Check-in Photo Angles: It goes without saying, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is the ultimate “background” for unique check-in photos. The most popular angle is to stand at a distance, posing as if you are supporting the tower, pushing it, or even “eating” it. With your own creativity, you can create countless “one-of-a-kind” photos here.
Leaning Tower of Pisa – Posing with the tower
Tips for Impressive Check-in Photos:
- Timing: Early morning or late afternoon is the ideal time to take photos, when the light is soft and there are fewer crowds.
- Angles: Try different angles, from straight on, side angles, to shooting from below or from above to find the best perspective.
- Creativity: Don’t be afraid to try unique and humorous poses to create “viral” photos on social media.
- Patience: As this is a very popular tourist destination, be patient and wait to get the best photo-taking space.
2. Duomo Cathedral – Check-in to Magnificent Medieval Architecture
Located right next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Duomo Cathedral (Cattedrale di Pisa) is a beautiful Romanesque architectural masterpiece and the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Pisa. The Duomo is not only an important religious building but also a valuable cultural and historical check-in spot.
Pisa Cathedral (Duomo)
Architectural Beauty and History: Built from 1064 to the 12th century, the Duomo is one of the most typical examples of Pisan Romanesque architecture. The facade of the cathedral is decorated with white and gray marble, with rows of columns and intricate arches. Inside the cathedral, you will be overwhelmed by the vast space, ancient murals, and precious religious artworks.
Check-in Outside and Inside the Cathedral: The facade of the Duomo is a wonderful “background” for check-in photos with a classic architectural style. Stand in front of the main entrance, or walk along the outer corridors to find unique photo angles. Inside the cathedral, the magnificent space with natural light shining through the stained glass windows will also create impressive check-in photos.
Unique Architectural Details for Check-in:
- Facade: Rows of columns, arches, and decorative details in white and gray marble.
- San Ranieri Door: One of the oldest bronze doors remaining in Italy, with reliefs depicting the life of Jesus Christ.
- Inside the Cathedral: The main altar, dome, murals, and sculptures.
3. Pisa Baptistery – Check-in to Amazing Acoustics
The Pisa Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni) is the largest building in the Piazza dei Miracoli complex and the largest baptistery in Italy. With its unique cylindrical architecture and special echoing sound, the baptistery is a cultural and architectural check-in spot not to be missed.
Pisa Baptistery
Unique Cylindrical Architecture: Construction began in 1152 and was completed in the 14th century. The Pisa Baptistery has a cylindrical architecture with a unique double dome. The exterior is clad in white marble, with rows of columns and intricately decorated arches. The double dome creates a special acoustic space inside the baptistery.
Check-in Outside and Experience the Sound: The cylindrical architecture of the baptistery is a unique “background” for check-in photos. Take photos from a distance to see the entire building, or take close-ups of architectural details. Inside the baptistery, don’t forget to experience the special echoing sound. About every 30 minutes, the staff will perform a short sound demonstration, creating magical reverberations in the baptistery space.
Beautiful and Unique Check-in Angles:
- Exterior: Take panoramic photos of the baptistery from the square, or close-ups of architectural details.
- Interior: Capture the vast space with the soaring dome, or take photos while experiencing the sound performance.
- Spiral Staircase: Climb the spiral staircase inside the baptistery for a panoramic view of Piazza dei Miracoli.
4. Camposanto Monumentale Cemetery – Check-in to Solemn Beauty
The Camposanto Monumentale cemetery, also known as Camposanto Santo, is a historical cemetery located on the northern edge of Piazza dei Miracoli. Unlike ordinary cemeteries, Camposanto possesses unique architectural beauty, ancient frescoes, and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a special cultural and historical check-in spot.
Camposanto Monumentale Cemetery, Pisa
Architecture and History of the Cemetery: Built from 1278, Camposanto has a long cloister architecture surrounding a large courtyard. The cloisters are decorated with 14th and 15th-century frescoes, although many were damaged during World War II. It is also the final resting place of many famous figures of Pisa.
Check-in with Frescoes and Peaceful Space: Camposanto offers a completely different atmosphere compared to other check-in spots in Pisa. Stroll along the cloisters, admire the ancient frescoes (even though they are not entirely intact), and feel the tranquility and solemnity of the cemetery. This is an ideal check-in spot for those seeking peace and exploring cultural and historical beauty.
Artistic and Meaningful Check-in Angles:
- Cloisters: Take photos along the long cloisters with stone columns and arches.
- Frescoes: Take close-ups of the ancient frescoes, capturing the marks of time.
- Courtyard Space: Capture a panoramic view of the cemetery courtyard with green space and tranquility.
5. Piazza dei Miracoli – Check-in to a Panoramic View of the Heritage Complex
Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), also known as Piazza del Duomo, is the center of Pisa and the concentration of the city’s most famous architectural works, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Duomo Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto Cemetery. The entire square was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1987. Checking in at Piazza dei Miracoli is a great way to capture a panoramic view of this unique heritage complex.
Distant view of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Importance of the Square: Piazza dei Miracoli is not just an ordinary square, but also a symbol of Pisa’s power, prosperity, and cultural essence during the Middle Ages. The name “Square of Miracles” reflects the magnificence, uniqueness, and historical and cultural value of the architectural complex here.
Check-in to a Panoramic View of the Buildings: Piazza dei Miracoli is the ideal spot for you to check-in with a panoramic view of the heritage complex. Find a beautiful location in the square, perhaps near one of the architectural works, or in the center of the square, to take panoramic photos with all the prominent buildings like the Leaning Tower, Duomo, Baptistery, and Camposanto.
Best Check-in Times of Day:
- Early Morning: Soft light and fresh air, ideal for photography and sightseeing.
- Late Afternoon: Sunset colors the architectural works golden, creating a romantic and impressive scene.
- Nighttime: The buildings are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical and magnificent beauty (however, nighttime photography may be more challenging).
Useful Pisa Check-in Tips
To have a complete and memorable Pisa check-in trip, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Ideal Time to Visit: Spring (March – June) and Autumn (September – December) are the best times to visit Pisa, when the weather is cool, pleasant, and not too crowded with tourists. Summer (June – September) can be quite hot and crowded, while winter (December – March) can be cold and rainy.
- Getting Around:
- To Pisa: Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei) is the nearest airport. You can also fly to Florence and take a train to Pisa (about 1 hour).
- Getting Around Pisa: Piazza dei Miracoli is about a 20-minute walk from Pisa Centrale train station. You can walk, take a bus, taxi, or horse-drawn carriage to the square.
- Buying Tickets and Visiting Tips:
- Entrance Tickets: It is recommended to buy tickets online in advance to save time and avoid queuing. There are various ticket types, including tickets to visit the Leaning Tower, tickets to visit the complex (including the Leaning Tower, Duomo, Baptistery, Camposanto), and tickets to visit each building individually.
- Leaning Tower Visiting Notes: The number of visitors allowed to climb the Leaning Tower at a time is limited, and the visiting time is 30 minutes. Children under 8 years old are not allowed to climb the tower. It is advisable to book tickets in advance and arrive on time.
Conclusion
Pisa is not just about the Leaning Tower, but also a city with a unique architectural heritage complex and valuable cultural and historical check-in spots. From the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, the magnificent Duomo Cathedral, the miraculously echoing Baptistery, the solemn Camposanto Cemetery, to the panoramic Piazza dei Miracoli, each destination offers unique experiences and check-in angles. Hopefully, with the above suggestions, you will have a complete and memorable journey of exploring and checking in to Pisa! Plan your Pisa trip today and don’t forget to share your beautiful check-in photos with “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World)!