Photograph Pisa
Once a maritime power to rival Genoa and Venice, Pisa now draws its fame from Leaning Tower. But it is just one of many noteworthy sights to Photograph in this compelling city. In fact you can capture the centre of town with is vibrant and affordable cafe and well-maintained Romanesque buildings. Over all the city offer amazing view of Gothic churches and Renaissance piazzas with a lively streetlife dominated by locals rather than tourists.
Location to Photograph in Pisa
Where start
It is very possible photograph Pisa in one day, it is a small city. So I wanted to create a beautiful itinerary in Pisa especially for you that includes the best location to photograph. Pisa is one of the most visited cities in Tuscany together with Florence, Siena and Lucca, however it is often underestimated. I have heard many times that Pisa has only Piazza dei Miracoli and nothing else. Anyway is absolutely not true. Walking around the city you can photographs small wonders such as Keith Haring’s mural or simply the beautiful Borgo Stretto. Surely Pisa is a city that must be visited on foot, starting from one of its two stations, Pisa San Rossore. For the return, I recommend you take the train to Pisa Centrale station instead.
- Discover Pisa and Florence with me in photograph tour
- Travel me to discover and photograph Tuscany
- Medieval villages and vineyards to capture in the countryside
- Come to photograph Italy with me
Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower
The city is know and visit for the Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower. Indeed is better going to Photograph this area later in the day or early in the morning when the light is at the best. Also the crowds have gone, the queues have disappeared, and during the late opening periods of the summer months, night adds a special enchantment to the white stone monuments. All the complex has different things to shooting, the Tower, The duomo, the Baptistery and the Camposanto.
The city is know and visit for the Piazza dei Miracoli and the Leaning Tower. Indeed is better going to Photograph this area later in the day or early in the morning when the light is at the best. Also the crowds have gone, the queues have disappeared, and during the late opening periods of the summer months, night adds a special enchantment to the white stone monuments. All the complex has different things to shooting, the Tower, The duomo, the Baptistery and the Camposanto.
You can shooting a great panoramic view from the Baptistery, but check the light and right time to avoid tourist. This monument is located next to the Duomo and is the largest baptistery in Italy and one of the most beautiful. Nearby we will also find the Camposanto, a monumental cemetery that deserve a visit for host many pieces of art and for his amazing architecture forms and lines.
Santa Maria della Spina
Along the Arno river you can make a brief stop at the Giesa di Santa Maria della Spina, in the Gothic style and with white marble walls, which seems to be born out of nowhere on the banks of the Arno. This small Gothic church was built in 1230, although it had to be dismantled and rebuilt again in 1875 due to the instability of the terrain. The exterior marvels at its ornamentation with sculptures of Christ and the Apostles and its rather sober interior stands out for the Gothic sculpture of the Virgin of the Rose.
Piazza dei Cavalieri
Piazza dei Cavalieri offers the photographer some very nice artistic details. In ancient times it was the political and civil center of the city until it became the seat of the military order of the Knights of Saint Stephen. Today it is surrounded by important buildings such as the Palazzo della Carovana, the Palazzo dell’Orologio, the Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici and the church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri. All of them has well-preserved walls.
Keith herring’s Mural
Before ending your journey I suggest you stop and photograph the Tuttomondo mural. It was made by Keith Haring in 1989 on the external wall of the rectory of the church of Sant’Antonio Abate da Pisa. The painting depicts 30 dynamic figures linked and interlocked to symbolize world peace and harmony. In the center of the mural four human figures form the symbol of Pisa. In short, this mural is a true work of art that combines modern and ancient art.
Other location if you have time
- Church di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, a small and simple church, but with a beautiful stained glass window and interior decoration.
- On the south bank of the Arno river is the Palazzo Blu which does amazing temporary exhibitions .
- From the train station on the way to the center of Pisa, before crossing the Arno on the left is the Chiesa di San Paolo a Ripa d’Arno, the ancient cathedral of Pisa dating from 952, with a beautiful façade.
- Take a walk along the river to reach the Giardino Scotto, an oasis of tranquility in Pisa.
- If you enjoy to Photograph nature and these gardens fall short, you can go to the oldest university botanical garden in the world. The Botanical Garden of Pisa.
Festival
Before the Summer, on 17 June, the Arno comes to life with the Regata Storica di San Ranieri, a rowing competition commemorating the city’s patron saint. On the night preceding this event, Pisa celebrates the Luminaria, when some 70,000 candles illuminate the streets running along the Arno river in honour of San Ranieri.
Be prepare to Photograph Pisa
Before arrive to photography in Tuscany get sure to be prepare. It’s not a big area but there are a lot of thinks to do and capture. Indeed are not easy choice to dealing with, especially if you are first timer. So find your subjects to shoot is really fundamental and then decide how do it. Usually my first step to be prepare is to look a map of the area and choose what coming first. Also search for landscape to capture and what time I have the best light to do it. Then try to read something about history and culture and costumes. Meanwhile search for works made in this region by greater photographers. Indeed from them you will be learning a lot of things. Take notes and made a checklist.
Finally, be sure you have the right traveling photography equipment. Anyway in Tuscany there are plenty of shop where you can find almost everything.
The Right Gear to Photograph Pisa
Move around to Photograph Pisa
The best way to travel for you photographic trip in Pisa is walking.In fact the town is not too big and you can explore easily the attraction in town. The railway station is in center and the train is the fastest way to get from other city, like Florence or Livorno. Once you are in town you can visit the city also by taking bus. However you want explore the countryside and the province the best way is rent a car.
Be Responsible
So when you going to photograph Tuscany respect the environment and stay away from problems. Usually the most strictly places are the church and the religious site. For having more information on responsible travel photography check my other post.
Travel Insurance to Photograph Pisa
Getting a really god insurance. Like any destination, traveling with proper travel insurance is a must. Take care of yourself in the Italy.
Usefull Information in Photograph Pisa:
Language
The main language spoken in Tuscany is Italian. During the last few years the use of the English language has become more and more widespread. Also thanks to tourism in Tuscany, you will find shops and restaurateurs who speak at least basic English. The hotel staff generally speak fluent English. However, don’t expect to be understood everywhere. Anyway, I will speak and translate for you, don’t worry. Also I can conduct the workshop in Spanish language.
Money / currency
The currency in Italy is the Euro (€). Large shops, restaurants, and hotels will accept credit and debit cards, but in general they prefer cash.
Wi-Fi / Internet coverage weeny Photograph Pisa
Cell phone coverage is good practically everywhere in Tuscany, but still slow in some areas. In the cities there are no problems and the service is fast enough, however in the countryside the network leaves something to be desired. The costs of SIM card are affordable and you can find them in many shops.
OTHER TOUR AVAILABLE
