Italy. Pisa

 Our journey through Pisa and onward to Cinque Terre was a day filled with exploration, history, and the serenity of Italy's coastal charm. Starting with a flight from Kaunas to Pisa, we embarked on a day that unfolded with unforgettable experiences...

 Arriving early in the morning in Pisa, we were greeted by the serene beauty of this historic city. Our first destination was the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, its distinctive tilt visible from afar. Walking through the charming streets, we followed signs directing us to Piazza del Duomo, where the tower stands proudly alongside the Cathedral and Baptistry...

  Crossing the Ponte di Mezzo bridge, we enjoyed views of the Arno River, appreciating the tranquil beauty that flowed beneath us...

 Approaching Piazza del Duomo, the sight of the Leaning Tower against the clear morning sky was breathtaking. We marveled at its unique architecture and took our time exploring the intricate details of this UNESCO World Heritage site...

  View of Cathedral and Leaning Tower...

  First place which we visited was Camposanto Monumentale... Entering this magic place was like stepping into a serene oasis of history and art. The cloisters, with their graceful arches and peaceful atmosphere, immediately set the tone for a contemplative journey through time...

  The highlight of our visit was encountering the stunning frescoes that adorned the walls of the Camposanto. These masterpieces, despite the damage caused by World War II, still retained their power to captivate and inspire. Scenes from the Old Testament and depictions of the Last Judgment came alive before our eyes, painted by the skilled hands of medieval and Renaissance artists...

  One of the most memorable moments was standing before the "Dance of Death" fresco, a haunting portrayal of mortality and the inevitability of human fate. The artist's skill in capturing the expressions and movements of the figures conveyed a profound message about the transient nature of life...

  

  The "Cosmography" fresco spans a section of the Camposanto's walls, illustrating a cosmological view of the universe as understood during the medieval period. It combines elements of celestial maps, zodiac signs, and representations of planetary movements, reflecting the medieval fascination with understanding the cosmos and its influence on earthly affairs...

  The Baptistry alongside the Cathedral and the Leaning Tower, is a magnificent example of Pisan Romanesque architecture. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, it is the largest baptistry in Italy and a significant religious landmark. The Baptistry is renowned for its circular design, which symbolizes eternity and the perfection of God. Constructed with white marble and adorned with arcades of blind arches and pillars, its exterior reflects a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The upper part features a dome covered in lead tiles, adding to its grandeur...

  View from the Baptistry to the Cathedral...

  Throughout its history, the Baptistry has played a central role in the religious life of Pisa. It served as the place where newborns were welcomed into the Christian faith through baptism, symbolizing their entry into the community of believers. Today, it remains an architectural marvel and a testament to Pisa's rich cultural heritage.

  The Cathedral was built over a span of several centuries, starting in 1063 and completed around the 12th century. It showcases a harmonious blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, with a facade adorned with intricate marble columns, sculptural details, and arches. The exterior is made of white and colored marble, creating a striking contrast that catches the eye...

  Stepping inside the Cathedral, we were greeted by a spacious and light-filled interior. The nave is supported by columns and arches, leading to a magnificent apse adorned with stunning mosaics depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the Last Judgment. The coffered ceiling above adds to the grandeur of the space...

  The Cathedral of Pisa is not only a testament to the city's wealth and power during the Middle Ages but also a symbol of its artistic and architectural achievements. It served as a focal point for religious ceremonies and civic events, reflecting the importance of faith and community in Pisa's history...

   The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a freestanding bell tower of the Cathedral of Pisa, located on Piazza del Duomo. It is renowned for its unintended tilt to one side, which is the result of an unstable foundation in the soft ground beneath it. Construction of the tower began in 1173 and continued intermittently over the next two centuries. Its unique lean, caused by a mere 3.9-degree tilt, has made it famous worldwide...

  The tower stands at about 56 meters tall and consists of eight stories, including the chamber for the seven bells. It is primarily built of white marble and features a circular structure with columns, arches, and decorative elements typical of Romanesque architecture. Despite its lean, the architects and engineers over the centuries have stabilized and reinforced the tower to prevent further tilting or collapse.

  The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo located close to the tower houses a remarkable collection of sculptures, artifacts, and religious artworks that once adorned the Cathedral and Baptistry. We were marveled at exquisite pieces of medieval and Renaissance art, including intricate marble sculptures and ornate religious relics. Each exhibit tells a story of Pisa's cultural and religious heritage, reflecting the city's significance as a center of artistic innovation during its golden age...

  Visiting the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo offers a unique opportunity to appreciate Pisa beyond its famous leaning tower, allowing visitors to delve into the rich tapestry of art, history, and culture that defines this UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a place where past meets present, where every artifact and sculpture tells a story of faith, creativity, and human achievement, enriching the experience of exploring Piazza del Duomo in all its splendor...

  View from the Museo dell'Opera to Leaning Tower..

  Streets of Pisa...

  

 Continuing our exploration, we wandered through Piazza dei Cavalieri, admiring the grandeur of its historic buildings and enjoying the lively atmosphere of local cafes and shops... 

 Italian gelato...

  The view from the embankment of the River Arno in Pisa offers a picturesque panorama that captures the essence of this historic city. Standing on the riverside, one can admire the gentle flow of the Arno...

  Charmy streets of Pisa...

  In the afternoon, our adventure took us further as we boarded a train bound for Levanto, a gateway to the enchanting Cinque Terre...

  Arriving in Levanto, we settled into a camping site nestled amidst scenic coastal landscapes. The peaceful evening allowed us to unwind and reflect on the day's experiences, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ligurian coast...

 Tomorrow marks the beginning of our journey through Cinque Terre, a breathtaking stretch of the Italian Riviera known for its colorful villages nestled into rugged cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea...