Saul Schwartz, along with his wife Fern, ventured across the Atlantic for the first time since the pandemic, eager to rediscover their love for Europe, particularly Northern Italy.
They embarked on a well-planned trip through Milan, Florence, Pisa, and Venice, all within a span of two weeks.
In Pisa, the Church of Santa Maria della Spina, situated on the Arno riverbank, was a highlight of their walk from the train station to the heart of the city. Although the church was closed for tours, it stood as a charming example of Pisan Gothic architecture.
They emphasized the importance of buying advanced tickets for the Leaning Tower of Pisa to avoid long wait times. Opting for a combination ticket, they gained access to the Leaning Tower, the Duomo Cathedral, the Baptistery, two museums, and the monumental cemetery, all located close to the Piazza del Duomo and the Square of Miracles.
Their visit began with photos outside the iconic Leaning Tower, which started construction in 1173 but leaned due to unstable ground. After climbing its 297 steps, they enjoyed panoramic views of Pisa from the bell chamber. The subsequent stabilization efforts had been successful.
Next, they explored the stunning Pisa Cathedral (Duomo), a Romanesque masterpiece with multicolored marble, mosaics, and bronze decorations. Despite the rainy weather, the quiet cathedral offered a tranquil escape, showcasing its elaborate interior with a Byzantine mosaic, granite columns, a gold-leaf ceiling, and a grand dome adorned with rich decorations.
Adjacent to the Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistery of Saint John combined Gothic and Romanesque styles. Its construction began in 1153, with a dome added in 1363, making it the largest Baptistery in Italy, even taller than the Leaning Tower.
Their journey continued to the Camposanto, a monumental cemetery established in 1277 and completed in 1464. This burial ground featured early frescoes depicting religious scenes, along with several chapels and sculptures.
They also visited the Sinope Museum, which displayed preparatory drawings for the frescoes in the monumental cemetery, and the Cathedral Museum, housing original works from the Duomo, the Tower, and the Baptistery. The museum’s courtyard provided a peaceful spot for taking photos of the Tower.
After a busy day, they enjoyed a casual dinner before heading back to Florence by train. Spending three days in Florence and one in Pisa gave them ample time to appreciate Tuscany’s key attractions. Their next stop was Venice.
The high-speed train from Florence to Pisa took under an hour, with tickets purchased in advance from Italia Rail. They first walked to the Santa Maria Novella station and visited the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, claimed to be the oldest pharmacy in the world, established in 1221. After a 20-minute walk from Pisa Centrale station, they reached central Pisa.
Saul, who resides in Alexandria, Virginia, has lived in the Washington, D.C. area since 1984. He loves traveling through Europe with his wife, engaging with locals, and learning about their cultures.
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