Sept. 16; On to Pisa
This batch of posts will cover our vacation from Sept. 16 to Sept. 30 when we returned home.
On Sept. 16 in Vernazza, Italy we woke to a change in the weather. The hot humidity gave way to a light rain and wind. The sea was choppy and washed up on the rocks we had used as a bench last evening to relax and watch the waves reflect the moonlight. Today is a travel day, we’re heading to Pisa, just a little way down the Mediterranean coast.
The waves crashing on the jetty in Vernazza.
Waiting for the train at the Vernazza station.
The weather cleared by the time we got to Pisa. We found lodging near the train station (we didn’t want to walk too far with those backpacks!) then went for a stroll to see the sights.
We crossed the Arno river on our walk to the Piazza dei Miracoli, the Plaza of Miracles.
Our first view of 'The Leaning Tower of Pisa' at the end of Via Santa Maria.
The Piazza dei Miracoli, also known as the Piazza del Duomo (“Cathedral Square”), is the focal point for tourists, but it is also a functioning Cathedral complex.
Our 1st full view of the Tower coming onto the Piazza. The tower is leaning towards us so the angle is not as apparent.
The Leaning Tower is the campanile (a bell tower, especially one freestanding from the body of a church) of the magnificent Duomo or Cathedral.
A detail of the tower which is being restored and cleaned, hence the scaffolding near the top.
A view of the tower from the side of the Duomo showing the pronounced lean.
Everything leans in the souvenir shop!
We eventually made it around to the front of the Duomo.
Detail above the front entrance.
The Baptistry opposite the Duomo.
Detail of the elaborate carving above the main door of the Baptistry.
We continued our walk around Pisa, especially looking for the ancient walls that protected the medieval city, and which bordered 2 sides of the Piazza dei Miracoli. Another corner incorporated the Fortezza di San Gallo and encircled a beautiful park and the Giardino Scotto (Scotto Garden).
The Saint Gallo Fortress.
We returned to our room to nap before heading out for the evening, returning to the Piazza and eventually finding something to eat.
Reflections on the Arno river.
The Duomo facade at night.