In the early morning of 25th December, we caught a train from Florence towards Pisa – a city famous for its leaning tower.
Cardinal values of mortal life
While enjoying the golden sunlight, heavenly sky, sweet fresh air, and merry bell, I was thinking about the Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Indeed, the true meaning of Christmas lies in the understanding of the fact that the cardinal values of this mortal life must be mercy, forbearance, and benevolence.
The cardinal values of this mortal life must be mercy, forbearance, and benevolence.
Planning a Visit to Pisa in December
Pisa in December is calm and beautiful, with average highs of 12°C (54°F).
The early morning light makes the Leaning Tower glow softly, and the crowds are far fewer than in summer.
Most attractions, including the tower, remain open year-round except on December 25 afternoon.
During December and January the climb up the tower normally runs from about 10 am to 5 pm, but hours may shift around Christmas and New Year, so checking the official site ahead of time is a good idea.
I visited the Leaning Tower of Pisa on Christmas morning… and what I found surprised me. If you’re planning a December trip to Italy, you’ll want to read this. #Christmas #Pisa #Travel Share on XReaching the Cathedral complex of Pisa
After reaching Pisa, we took a short walk to reach the cathedral complex of Pisa.
I was excited to explore the world-famous leaning tower of this city which I read about when I was initiated into geography and the wonderful country of Italy in standard two.
We met the river Arno on our way.
River Arno!
Getting There from Florence
Frequent trains run between Florence and Pisa Centrale (about 1 hour). From the station, it’s a 20-minute walk or a 10-minute taxi ride to the Piazza dei Miracoli.
During the holidays, trains run on reduced schedules—check Trenitalia in advance.
The first glimpse of the bell tower
The first glimpse of the bell tower was breathtaking. The tilt was perfectly visible. It is one of the four buildings in the cathedral complex of the Pisa.
In front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.The first glimpse of the bell tower was breathtaking. The tilt was perfectly visible. It is one of the four buildings in the cathedral complex of the Pisa. #Travel #Italy #wanderer Share on X
At the top of the leaning tower of Pisa
Climbing up the 297 step spiral staircase.
We had our timed tickets booked to go to the top of this miraculous tower. I remember that day I had terrible knee pain but decided to take the challenge to climb the 297 step spiral staircase. I believe no space of regret can make amends for one life’s opportunity misused.
When I went up and rang the bell of the leaning tower of Pisa, I instantly forgot all the struggle of climbing up.
The sight was instant pain relief. It was my first visit to Italy and each and every corner looked as if they were ripped out of a page from a photo guidebook.
All my research for tips and tricks of visiting Italy for first-timers came in handy.
Bell Tower!
When I went up and rang the bell of the leaning tower of Pisa, I instantly forgot all the struggle of climbing up. The sight was an instant pain relief. Share on X
Tickets & Practical Tips
Book your Leaning Tower tickets online ahead, especially around Christmas week. Entry slots are timed, and only 45 people can climb at once.
Dress warmly—the marble steps can be chilly and slippery in winter.
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Under-8 children not allowed
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The climb is not accessible for wheelchairs / mobility issues
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Narrow marble steps become slippery in winter
Travel Realizations
Just below the top floor was the floor where all the bells were located.
The cathedral complex of Pisa
Time flies, but it keeps all its footprints. It is up to us to preserve it. It is up to us to spend each day remarkably so that when we look back, we will have so many things to share. Isn’t it?
The cathedral complex of Pisa
View from the top of the tower
Bright white edifices were starkly juxtaposed on the lush green ground.
When I was standing on the top of the leaning tower of Pisa, I felt that the combination of beautiful surroundings and calm atmosphere filled my Christmas morning with delight and contentment.
I was as merry as a schoolgirl.
Joy knows no age! Visiting Italy in December and spending a beautiful Christmas in the cathedral complex of Pisa was one of my best decisions as a traveler. I have only one regret though!
I wanted to visit Tuscany from Pisa but due to a change of plan, I returned to Florence that day.
The cathedral complex of Pisa
Christmas in Pisa
Beyond the tower, Pisa dresses up with festive lights along Corso Italia, a small Christmas market near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, and local nativity scenes inside the cathedral.
Most restaurants reopen for Christmas dinner—reservations recommended.
If your schedule allows, there’s more to explore around the Piazza dei Miracoli during the festive season.
Step inside the Pisa Cathedral to admire its luminous interior, or visit the Baptistery — its acoustics are enchanting, especially when the attendants demonstrate the echoing notes.
The Camposanto Monumentale is a serene place to wander on a winter day, filled with art, history, and silence. Beyond the complex, stroll along Corso Italia to see the festive lights, or stop by the small Christmas market near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.
If you’re up for a quick excursion, the medieval town of Lucca — glowing softly under holiday lights — is just a short train ride away.
Now is the time to wish all my readers and friends a very happy Christmas. May all the moments this festive season be memorable for you.
I will write more about the cathedral complex of Pisa some other day! Once again, Wish you all a very happy Christmas!
Leave a comment below if you have any questions, or DM me on Instagram @travelrealizations
The cathedral complex of Pisa
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