Italian Cities. Pisa

Upon hearing the name Pisa, the first association is undoubtedly the tower that leans quite considerably to one side. It has now been reinforced from the inside and counterbalanced with massive counterweights, so that small tourist groups (only a few dozen people per hour) are permitted, for 15 EUR, to climb the 56-metre bell tower. Winding stone steps that allow no pause for breath lead upward until you reach the viewing platform, from which the entire small city of Pisa stretches below. At the top of the tower are 4 massive bells, each facing a different cardinal direction.

It is well worth visiting the magnificent cathedral and the baptistery next door. The cathedral has impressively high ceilings covered in golden ornamentation, and a distinctive light that streams in through windows set at several levels.