Pisa

Fri 13^th 

After a bit of a cock up by Stansted Airport security and RyanAir Tina eventually flew into Pisa at 3.20pm. I had warned her about the heat (38 C ) but I don’t think she believed me until she stepped out into the open air!  Phew.  I had parked the van in the coaches space so easy to meet up. We drove all of 5km to Camping Torre Pendente (leaning tower) which was expensive but only 800m from the famous tower. Our pitch was covered by netting to provide shade – we just squeezed under it. Van set up we headed straight for the pool. Lovely. It was still 29 C at 11pm and a very hot & stuffy night. My ebay £10.99 12V fan proved very useful.

Sat 14^th

The site was very convenient but hardly inspiring due to an industrial unit whirring away next door! We decided to take advantage that they allow you to stay to 3pm on day of departure and tour Pisa then to move on the same day. 

it really does lean a bit

It was already roasting hot when we walked into Pisa – under an underpass then immediately right into Piazza Del Miracoli. I asked Tina if she was ready for how mad the leaning tower actually looked – answer no!  She was gob smacked at just how much it leans. You have to see it to really appreciate it. We bought entrance tickets for the Baptistry and the Camposanto which also gave you free entrance to the Duomo.

Baptistry - interior is HUGE

The Duomo is spectacularly way OTT inside as only churches can be. The carvings and marble inlays are true works of dedication and skill.  The Bapistry has much simpler architecture but is still very impressive due to the sheer scale of the interior space.  The acoustics are superb as demonstrated by one of the staff who gave an impromptu demonstration by singing a solo chorus and giving the effect of multiple voices using only the echoes. Brilliant!

Duomo - marble exterior is fantastically detailed

statues above main door

gold leaf and inlays

beautiful ceiling panels & pillars

The Camposanto (cemetery) is currently being restored. The first major rebuilding took place after WW2 when a grenade started a fire which destroyed one wings wooden roof completely. The frescos are being very sympathetically  reinstated. Statues installed in the late 19^th century have been moved and many original features revealed. It is a huge space with many crypts in the floor and along the 

walls.

restored wall plinth - not sure what chains are for!

interior of Camposanto

crypts in floor

We retreated to the camp swimming pool then decamped northwards to nearby Lucca. A very hot day in Pisa but immensely enjoyable.

F