Pisa

Pisa is far more than its famous tower. The Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) is one of Italy's greatest architectural ensembles: four medieval masterpieces — the Cathedral, Baptistery, Cemetery, and the Campanile (Leaning Tower) — grouped together in a field of impossibly green grass. The white marble gleams against the blue Tuscan sky in a way that has astonished visitors since the 12th century. The Leaning Tower began inclining during construction in 1173 due to soft ground, and despite stabilisation work it still leans at approximately 4 degrees. Climbing the 294 marble steps to the belfry offers extraordinary views. Tickets sell out weeks in advance in summer — book online. Beyond the Campo, the Lungarni (riverside embankments) are among Italy's finest urban riverside walks. Piazza dei Cavalieri was Pisa's political centre. The Borgo Stretto market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings is excellent.