An amazing piazza right near the tourist piazza that everyone goes to. Well worth the 5 minute…read morewalk to see such an iconic location.

The Puazza dei Cavalieri or Knights' Square' is a landmark and the 2nd main square of Pisa. This…read moresquare was the political center in medieval ages. In the 16th century the square became the headquarters of the Order of the Knights of St. Stephen. Now it is the main house of the Scuola Normale di Pisa, part of the University founded by Napoleon. The main building on the square is Palazzo della Carovana, the palace of the Knights of St. Stephen; formerly the Palace of the Elders. It was modernised in Renaissance style & decorated with graffiti. In front of the palace is the large statue of Cosimo I de Medici, who also designed the Palace of the Priors in 1603. The Palazzo dell'Orologio, which is referred to in Dante's Inferno is in another corner.

The Piazza dei Miracoli, formally known as Piazza del Duomo, is located in central Pisa. It's…read morerecognized as an important center of medieval art and probably one of the finest architectural complexes. I'd say you won't miss this plaza if you're visiting Pisa.

A trip to Italy would not be complete without a stop in Pisa for the "Square of Miracles"!…read more We visited Pisa as a stopover on our Trenitalia trip back to Rome from Cinque Terre's Manarola. We only had about 4 hours in Pisa before we had to head back to our train, so we made our way directly toward the Piazza dei Miracoli - and it was awe inspiring! Such beauty and history to explore, in the Tower, Cathedral, the Baptistery, etc. Do not stick only to the Tower (and don't do the touristy photo op of "holding the tower up") I highly recommend going into the Cathedral and taking a walk around the inside. Beautiful artwork and architecture inside there. If you aren't able to climb the Campanile (leaning tower) - physically unable to, fear of heights, not enough time, etc - I still recommend this stop in Pisa. The Tower is beautiful from the outside too, if you aren't able to go inside/up, and the other buildings of the Piazza are worth the trip by themselves! One tip: you cannot see the Leaning Tower or any other of the Piazza dei Miracoli buildings by driving by or standing outside on the street. You have to go through a small marketplace of vendors to get to the archway entry. Once inside the entryway, that is where you will see the buildings you are looking for. Have fun!

We did a wine tasting with Laura - she was amazing. Super knowledgeable and tailored to our…read moreinterest. She is funny, friendly and her English was on point. The tasting meal was divine - it was far more elaborate - and delicious than expected. The tasting room is elegant- furnished with antiques and vintage photos. Laura made sure we were well taken care of. We loved her sense of humor and how easily she engaged with us. Well worth your time and money. Highly recommend Laura as the host /guide and the winery.

You can climb up the tower for a fee You will get a beautiful bird's eye view of the city below…read more Lots of stairs but worth it. There's some congestion getting up to the roof but that's a must. It's like a small roof garden with a handful of trees.

By the end of - actually before the end of - three weeks in Italy I'd had enough of climbing to the…read moretops of towers. So much so that I took one look at Pisa's Leaning Tower and shrugged: No need to go up there. In Lucca though, there's but one tower and if you've never seen trees growing atop something that sits up hundreds of stairs here lies that opportunity. Torre Guinigi is 230 mostly wide stairs topped by a lookout area featuring a number of mature trees. During my visit, rains made the lookout area quite puddle-filled and getting around to the each side of the lookout area was made difficult as one isn't supposed to actually get up into the dirt area of the trees. It required some gymnastics but I was able to make my way around the space to view Lucca from above in all directions. Come in dry weather and you should have no such difficulties. For about 6 euro (less for students) you'll see Lucca from above and see the trees which grow way up there. This isn't the tallest lookout tower from which I observed Italy, nor is it the best (that'd be Florence's Duomo and, in second place, the nearby Bell Tower) but it's a fun and sweet little part of your day and something worth doing while in Lucca, even if only to say you did it.

This spot is a must-see when in Lucca. It's actually an old roman amphitheatre and held up to…read more10'000 spectators back in its time. After the Roman downfall it wasn't used as such anymore and was falling apart partly. In the end being used just for salt storage. Luckily in the 19th Century it was being rebuilt to what it is today. The shape is still visible as are some parts of the old Amphitheatre. Now it's a lively spacious square with lots of restaurants and cafés and shops. Since 2006 together with the old town of Lucca part of the UNESCO world heritage. It's fun to have a walk around the Anfiteatro, sitting down and having a drink, watching the world go by. A beautiful spot.

Very pretty piazza surrounded by shops and cafes. There is even a vintage shop in the square (very…read moreoverpriced!) and places to buy traditional ceramics. Just take a rest at one of the many cafes and enjoy a glass of wine while you people watch-that's what i do!

From the Middle Ages to the present day, Piazza della Signoria, between Piazza del Duomo and the…read moreArno River, is the beating heart of the historic center of Florence with its distinctive L-shape, which my partner, our friends, family member, and I visited in mid-September. Palazzo Vecchio, the traditional seat of the Florentine government, with its distinctive tower, is yet another symbol of the city. In front stands a copy of Michelangelo's David (the original can be seen at the Accademia Gallery). One of the most impressive squares we've ever seen! The piazza looks like an outdoor museum, full of iconic statues and history in every corner. One can't miss the Fountain of Neptune that was commissioned to celebrate a Medici marriage. It is a colossal statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea and the counterpart of the Greek god Poseidon. The atmosphere is vibrant and lively with both tourists and locals, perfect to enjoy both during the day and at night. Definitely a must-see in Florence!

Nice gathering place next to Ponte Vecchio. There's a beautiful fountain here and plenty of places…read moreto gather and dine. I love these Italian palazzos!