Pisa

Pisa is a city that's way more than just the famous leaning tower. This slice of Tuscany is packed with history and influence from the Etruscan, Roman, and Renaissance eras.

The Leaning Tower sits in the Piazza dei Miracoli, or 'Square of Miracles,' alongside the stunning Cathedral, Baptistery, and Camposanto (holy field). While the tower gets all the attention, the entire square is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and showcases incredible medieval architecture. The tower's tilt isn't a design feature but actually a mistake - soft ground on one side caused it to lean during construction in the 12th century.

Beyond the main attractions, Pisa offers charming streets along the Arno River, impressive palaces, and some seriously good Tuscan food. The city also has a strong university presence that gives it a vibrant, youthful atmosphere despite its ancient roots. Fun fact: Galileo Galilei was born here and supposedly used the leaning tower for some of his gravity experiments, dropping objects from the top to prove they fall at the same rate regardless of mass.