Last night I was lucky enough to stay in Pisa for the night. The Tuscan city is a popular spot for day trips from Florence and I suspect many tourists don’t bother staying more than a few hours. While the city is buzzing with tourists during the day, at night, it was significantly quieter. (But don’t think it was completely quiet! There were still plenty of people milling about in the Field of Miracles.)
Like many famous monuments I’ve visited before, my first glimpse happened to be at night. And despite everyone telling me how disappointing the Leaning Tower of Pisa would be (including my tour guide!), I actually found it quite impressive.
Maybe the lack of people taking silly photos, the nearly full moon and the subtle lighting added to the mystery and grandeur.
Leaning Tower of Pisa at Night
While many of the shops in Pisa are closed at night, that doesn’t mean the city is devoid of life. With nearly 50,000 students living in the city (except at summer), there is more than enough to do.
On my short exploration stint last night, it seems most young people in Pisa hang out on the banks of the River Arno.
Even on a chilly October night, the bridges, piazzas & river bank were surprisingly full of students. Most of them drinking and talking loudly (as you do in Italy…)
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I love exploring cities at night as well. You see another side that you normally don’t. I have yet to visit Pisa and will more than likely spend a night there.
photos at night is the way to go! nice shot
I had a very similar experience (visually) when I was there, because I got there on a train at 4am in the middle of winter and had nothing better to do than wander over to the tower. It was pretty neat, because there was not a single person anywhere in sight. I waited there until the sun came up and got to be in the first group of the day to scale the tower, pretty soon after it reopened from its reconstruction way back in the day. I started mumbling the Doors’ song “Waiting for the Sun,” because that’s what I was doing. Oh, good times. Sort of. But it’s quite nice when it’s empty and tranquil, since so many people go there when it’s crowded, and it’s easy to get annoyed.
Great night shots! I’ve visited the site 4 times during the day, but never at night. What an experience! Loos like a very different place!
In the day, Pisa is probably one of the most overrated places I’ve visited. But these images of it at night and tourist free, is changing my mind!
great shot
That is a really stunning photo Adam. For some reason, I decided to leave Pisa out of our (already busy and hectic) tour of Northern and Central Italy but next time I’ll make sure I see Pisa at night.
The moon really makes the photo more dramatic. It’s lovely! Makes me want to visit Italy again.
This is cool. You usually don’t see the tower of Pisa at a angle like this and with the moon in there it just looks awesome!
Thanks Josh! It was fun to see it at night
Love that opening shot!
awesome! i’d never visit italy but one day i hope i can. it’s great to see it at night, though.
Andy really liked Pisa, but I was one of the people you mentioned only being there for a couple of hours on a day trip. I’d definitely like to go back one of these days and spend a few days exploring the city and seeing the tower at night with less people around.
Wow, these photos are stunning! You’ll have to return to Pisa for a proper visit of the tower during the day and climb all the way to the top.
Thank you! And yes, I’d definitely like to return to Pisa to climb the tower during the day.
what anice pic