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The city, is famous all over the world thanks to the architectural wonder - the Tower of Pisa, the bell tower, which every traveler must "save" from falling, well, at least in the photo. Many people come here for this, but the city is also rich in other interesting places, and we definitely recommend you visit it for a few days.
During its long history, Pisa has changed many states and rulers, but it has preserved its spirit and its treasures, and the bulk of them are cathedrals and temples, which are architectural masterpieces in themselves. The Baptistery of St. John, the Duomo, the churches of Santa Maria della Spina, Sant'Frediano, San Francesco dei Assisi, Santa Caterina and many others are mesmerizing both inside and out.
Pisa is a city of students, where tens of thousands of young people from all over Italy and beyond come to study. Together they make up more than 60% of the city's population. And as you have already guessed, life in Pisa is not boring at all, because young people regularly organize a lot of entertainment: concerts, theater performances, parties and festivals in large squares of the city, as well as along the Arno River. And if you get tired of everything, go for peace and quiet in the parks or in the famous Botanical Gardens of Pisa, which is considered the oldest in the world.
The galleries, museums and palaces of Pisa are worth taking the time and attention. For those who want to get even more into the history of temples and cathedrals of the city - the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, lovers of art and painting should definitely visit the Museo della Grafica, and admirers of science can safely go to the University of Pisa and the 5 most interesting museums that work at it. And don't forget about the Toscanelli Palace, where George Byron once wrote his Don Giovanni, as well as the Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Lanfranchi and Palazzo Agostini.
Accommodation: 3* from €50, 5* from €100.
Verona is called "Little Rome" for a reason, because if you visit this city even for a few days, you will be able to feel and understand the whole of Italy. Walking, for example, through the small cobbled streets and large squares, checking out performances in the ancient Arena di Verona and Roman Theater, seeing the incredible Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore or getting lost in the green labyrinths of the Giusti Gardens.
Thanks to Shakespeare, behind Verona Shakespeare made Verona the world capital of lovers, as it was on the streets of this city that his immortal love story of Romeo and Juliet was played out. To this day, local residents regularly organize concerts, Shakespeare readings and theater performances at Juliet's house, as well as themed tours of the city.
Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and once you're in the city, you'll see why. Be sure to visit the ancient castle-fortress of Castelvecchio, walk along the Adige River, which is decorated with ancient arched bridges, climb the Lamberti Tower and admire the city from a bird's eye view, look into the cathedrals and basilicas of the city. Oh yes, and, of course, museums. There are quite a few of them in Verona: Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Photography, Museo lapidario maffeiano, Archaeological Museum, etc. Learn more about all museums of Verona here.
Accommodation: 3* - from €50, 5* - from €180.
In Turin has the largest number of world-famous museums. There is the Egyptian Museum, which has the largest collection of Ancient Egyptian heritage in Europe (even more than in Egypt itself); and the National Museum of Cinema - with stairs in the form of a movie, with a unique cinema hall in which the chairs themselves tell you what movie to watch (if you sit down, you will see a serious movie, drama, and if you lie down, you will see love movies on the screen), and interesting interactive halls; Automobile Museum, where the exposition contains everything from old wooden carts to Formula 1 cars; as well as the Marionette Museum, the Museum of Crime, the Mining Museum, etc.
Turin is also considered to be the European capital of Baroque, as the city has preserved an impressive number of palaces, castles and buildings of that outstanding era. The Royal Palace, Palazzo Madama, Castello del Valentino, Palazzo Carignano and many others delight all visitors and residents of the city with their exterior and interior decoration.
One of the main attractions of Italy is its cuisine, and no matter which city you visit, you will have the opportunity to see it for yourself. Being in Turin, the city that gave the world risotto, you simply must try this healthy and tasty dish, and preferably in places far away from the tourist center.
If in a few days in Turin you somehow surprisingly manage to visit all the interesting places and still have time left, then make a trip to the outskirts of the city, to the famous royal residences, or go to the Alps for a day, because the city is located just at the foot of the mountains.
Accommodation: 3* - from €45, 5* - from €180.
If you're looking for a place for a nice, exciting weekend in Italy, you've already found it - go to the town of Lucca. It's small, but with an impressive history, beautiful old architecture and excellent restaurants.
To this day, Lucca has preserved ancient fortress walls that surround the central part of the city, preserving the inexpressible atmosphere of the Middle Ages. It is complemented by the city's many cathedrals and basilicas: the Cathedral Church of St. Martin, the Basilica of St. Fridian Lucca, the Basilica of San Michele in Foro, the Church of San Giovanni and many others.
Lucca is a real treat for the eyes in spring, when the trees are green, the flowers are blooming and it is a pleasure to walk around the city. And if the greenery is not enough for some people, go to the botanical gardens or to the Pfanner Palace, which, in addition to its beautiful facade, has a wonderful garden.
You will not leave Lucca hungry - dozens of restaurants beckon with the delicacies of Tuscan cuisine, and each of them has its own history. Since the town is small and provincial, you can also indulge in natural farm products.
Accommodation: 3* - from €60, 5* - from €200.
Another small but very picturesque town that you should definitely visit for a few days is Padua. It is not far from Venice and, incidentally, also has several river canals and bridges in its arsenal.
Padua is an old Italian city with narrow cobbled streets, small old houses, small gardens, stylish cafes and restaurants and large bustling squares. Padua is famous for the fact that St. Anthony, the city's patron saint, lived here (and still rests here). You can also see incredible frescoes by Giotto and admire dozens of unique architectural ensembles.
Despite the relatively modest size of the city, Padua is home to Italy's largest and also very beautiful square - Prato della Valle. It is a real green oasis in the heart of the city, surrounded by canals with bridges and 76 statues. On weekends and holidays it is always noisy and fun, with fairs and concerts.
The cathedrals and basilicas of Padua deserve special attention and are definitely worth seeing: Abbey of Santa Giustina, Chiesa di San Felice, the Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua and San Giorgio Maggiore, the Overtari Chapel, the Scuola del Santo, the Scrovegni Chapel and many others. In addition to their external beauty, they are remarkable because inside they are decorated with frescoes by famous Italian masters: Giotto, Titian, Paolo Veronese.
And don't forget to visit the University of Padua, its Botanical Gardens and the Eremitani museum complex. Days in Padua promise to be full.
Accommodation: 3* - from €45, 4* - from €75.
