Monuments of Pisa (LIV-D)
tower subsided when it had reached just three storeys in height. Over the ensuing 180 years, a succession of architects continued to extend it upwards until it was finally completed and topped with a bell-chamber in 1350. Leaving the Leaning Tower, proceed to the Duomo. The Duomo The Duomo was built in 1064, a century before the Campanile. With its four levels of variegated colonnades and subtle interplay of dark grey marble and white stone, the Duomo is the archetype of the Pisan Romanesque style; a model often imitated but never surpassed. The Baptistery A visit is then made to the Baptistery. The third building of the Miracoli ensemble, the circular Baptistery is a bizarre mix; its three storeys of Romanesque arcades peak in a crest of Gothic pinnacles and its dome is shaped like the stalk of a lemon. Piazza dei Cavalieri Leaving the Campo dei Miracoli, visit the Piazza dei Cavalieri. One of Pisa’s most interesting sites, the Piazza dei Cavalieri is a large square that opens unexpectedly from the narrow back streets, and includes the site of the Roman Forum. The central civic square of Medieval Pisa, the Roman Forum was subsequently remodelled by Vasari and became the headquarters of the Knights of St. Stephen. Palazzo dell’Orologio On the western side of the square is the Renaissance-adapted Palazzo dell’Orologio. In 1208, the military leader Ugolino della Gherardesca, along his sons and grandsons, was starved to death in its tower as punishment for his alleged duplicity with the Genoese enemy. Following your guided walking tour, some free time is made available for independent exploration before walking back to the parking area and re-boarding the coach for the approximate 45-minute drive back to the pier. Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 2.6km (1.62 miles) with some steps to climb. It is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Tour includes an exterior visit of the Leaning Tower only. Recently re-opened, admittance to the Tower is strictly limited and not possible on this excursion.
Sept 101h, Tuesday 9 am - 1:15
Discover the beauty of Pisa during this scenic, half- day tour of the city’s historic landmarks, including the world-renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa. Since the beginning of the tourist brochure, Pisa has been known for just one thing, the Leaning Tower. However, this world-renowned landmark is but one component of the city’s amazing religious core, the Campo dei Miracoli. Here, the Duomo, Baptistery and Camposanto complete an unrivalled quartet of medieval masterpieces. These and a dozen or so churches and palazzo scattered about the town belong to Pisa’s ‘Golden Age’, which took place from the 11th to the 13th centuries when the city was still a port, and one of the maritime powers of the Mediterranean. Pisa Depart the pier for the approximate 45-minute drive to Pisa. Upon arrival at the parking area, walk to the Campo dei Miracoli and commence the guided portion of your tour. Campo dei Miracoli Since it was first laid out, Pisa’s ecclesiastical centre has been known as the Campo dei Miracoli, or ‘Field of Miracles’. The sight of it is as stunning today as it must have been to medieval travellers. Nowhere in Italy are the key buildings of a city arrayed with such precision, and nowhere else is there so beautiful a contrast of stonework and surrounding meadow. Leaning Tower of Pisa Your next stop is the Leaning Tower of Pisa (outside visit only). Underneath the pavement and turf of the Campo dei Miracoli lies a platform of saturated sandy soil, whose instability accounts for the tilting of the Leaning Tower. Begun in 1173, construction of the
AFTERNOON OPEN -DINNER OPEN
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