Spotlight on Tuscany

Pisa, Italy, is more than just its world-famous Leaning Tower; it's a city where history, art, and culture intersect to create a fascinating experience for visitors. The Leaning Tower, part of the Piazza dei Miracoli or Square of Miracles, is an architectural wonder that draws millions each year. Built as a bell tower for the adjacent Pisa Cathedral, its unintended tilt has become a global icon. Climbing its 294 steps to the top rewards you with sweeping views of the city and the Tuscan landscape beyond. Nearby, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Baptistery—the largest in Italy—are masterpieces of medieval architecture that shouldn't be missed.

Pisa's charm extends beyond its famous piazza. Wander through the Borgo Stretto, a historic street lined with arcades, boutique shops, and cafes that offer a taste of local life. Here, you can explore the ancient streets where Galileo Galilei, Pisa’s most famous son, once walked. His birthplace, a modest house, is now a museum that pays homage to his revolutionary contributions to science. Pisa is also home to the University of Pisa, founded in 1343 and one of the oldest in the world, which infuses the city with a vibrant and youthful energy.

The city's Arno River offers a different perspective of Pisa's beauty. Stroll along the Lungarni, the riverbanks lined with Renaissance palaces, quaint cafes, and historical churches, including the Gothic marvel, Santa Maria della Spina. For art enthusiasts, the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo houses an impressive collection of medieval art, including works from Pisa's own school of painting, offering a deep dive into the region’s artistic heritage.

Fun fact: The Leaning Tower of Pisa began tilting during its construction in the 12th century due to unstable subsoil. Efforts to stabilize the tower over the centuries have been largely successful, and engineers now believe it will stand for at least another 200 years. Interestingly, the tower's lean has given it an unexpected advantage—it survived at least four major earthquakes in the region, as its tilt and the soft soil allow it to absorb seismic shocks better than a perfectly vertical structure would.