A short ride away from Florence by train or car, Pisa was once a rival to the city in terms of influence and importance, but has dwindled over the centuries. The beautiful bell tower of the Basilica is famous the world over as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and is one of the most enduring attractions in the world.
Construction began in the 12th century and took some 200 years to complete, and even then, the tower was beginning to list over, and attempts were made to right it at the time.
Attempts have been made to straighten the tower since it was completed, and have met with varying levels of success, although the tower is apparently now finally on the right track.
The drive takes a little over an hour, but is well worth it, and is just one of the many beautiful buildings that can be seen in the so-called field of miracles in Pisa.
