As in most Italian cities, Pisa has a central square around which the daily life of the city takes place. Here this is the Piazza dei Cavalieri. However, most tourists will be more familiar with Piazza del Duomo, which is usually called Campo dei Miracoli, and where the most famous buildings of the city are located.
Squares Pisa
Campo dei Miracoli (Piazza del Duomo)
The Campo dei Miracoli (“Field of Miracles”) is the most visited square in Pisa. Of course, it may have something to do with the fact that the Leaning Tower is there, but outside this popular sight there are other attractions, including the Cathedral and the Baptistery.
Piazza dei Cavalieri
The Piazza dei Cavalieri (“Square of Knights”) is one of the most beautiful squares in Pisa and is framed by a number of stately palaces. Vasari completely redesigned the square in the middle of the 16th century. The most striking building is the Palazzo dell’Orologio.
Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
The Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II is but a short walk north of Pisa Central Station. It is at this square that the main street Corso Italia begins. Sights are the Palazzo delle Poste and the Sant’Antonio Abate Church with Keith Haring’s “Tuttomondo”.
Piazza XX Settembre
The Piazza XX Settembre is located on the south side of the famous Ponte di Mezzo bridge over the river Arno. Because of the presence of the town hall, the locals often refer to it as Piazza del Comune.
Piazza Garibaldi
Piazza Garibaldi is the square on the other side of the bridge. It is dominated by the Casino dei Nobili. The statue standing in the middle of the square depicts the freedom fighter Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Piazza Dante Alighieri
The Piazza Dante Alighieri is located behind the Palazzo della Sapienza. This 14th century square used to be the spot where merchants had their stores, but nowadays it is mainly a spot for students to hang out during lunchtime.
Piazza Cairoli
The most striking monument in the Piazza Cairoli is the central column with the statue representing the “Abundance”. The ancient name of the square is therefore Piazza dell’Abbondanza. The inhabitants of the city itself often use the name Piazza della Gogna, since criminals used to be pilloried in this square.