Pisa's UNESCO Square: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Pisa's medieval glory is alive in its Piazza dei Miracoli, where four magnificent monuments tell the story of one of Italy's greatest maritime republics. On this self-guided walking tour, you'll explore every corner of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, from the world's largest baptistery to the city's famous Leaning Tower. Starting at the Porta Nuova entrance gate, you'll discover the baptistery's soaring interior, the cathedral's golden baroque ceiling, and its Gothic pulpit carved with over 350 individual figures. In the monumental cemetery, hear about restored 14th-century frescoes destroyed by Allied bombing in 1944, and learn how Pisa's medieval rivalry with Florence shaped this sacred space. The tour ends at the Tower of Pisa — the world's most famous architectural mistake — having traced the full story of a city whose maritime power during the Crusades funded one of history's most remarkable squares.

1. 1

   Porta Santa Maria

   Pass by

   Start in front of the Porta Santa Maria, also known as Porta Nuova, opened in the medieval walls in 1562. Step through this gateway into the carefully planned sacred space of the Piazza dei Miracoli beyond.

2. 2

   Piazza dei Miracoli

   Pass by

   Explore Pisa's Piazza dei Miracoli, or Square of Miracles, where four magnificent monuments tell the story of one of Italy's greatest maritime republics. Take in this UNESCO World Heritage site, where each building represents a stage of Catholic life.

3. 3

   Battistero di San Giovanni

   Pass by

   Enter Battistero di San Giovanni, and discover why the baptistry has both lead and terracotta roof tiles on its distinctive dome. Take in its soaring interior, the world's largest baptistery.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   Pass by

   Catch a glimpse of the Lion's Gate, or Porta del Leone, part of the medieval city walls framing the square. Look for the stone lion still standing guard over this historic gateway.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   Pass by

   Step through the medieval Mura di Pisa, the city walls that once protected this sacred space. Take in this rare, largely preserved stretch of medieval fortification.

6. 6

   Camposanto

   Pass by

   Enter Camposanto Monumentale, the monumental cemetery, and learn about its restored 14th-century frescoes. Discover the Roman sarcophagi that line these medieval cloisters.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   Pass by

   Marvel at Cattedrale di Pisa's 68 monolithic granite columns, transported from Sardinia and Elba in the 11th century. Take in the cathedral's golden baroque ceiling and Giovanni Pisano's Gothic pulpit masterpiece, carved from a single block of Carrara marble.

8. 8

   Stop 8

   Pass by

   You'll catch a glimpse of the Tower of Pisa, the world's most famous architectural "mistake," as your tour comes to a close. Please note that climbing the tower requires a separate ticket, not included in this tour.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.