Pisa is only about 1 hour by car from Bagni di Lucca. It is also reachable by bus and train.
Pisa is of course famous for the leaning tower. The campanile (bell tower) of the Duomo began to lean shortly after it was built in 1173 and has survived several attempts to straighten it. It has now been secured and it is possible to once again climb the tower.
Everybody knows that the tower leans, but what may come as a surprise is that it is beautiful. The Piazza dei Miracoli is one of the prettiest squares in all of Italy and the buildings there are spectacular.
It is possible to visit the Duomo, the Baptistry, the tower and the Camposanto (walled cemetery). Head straight for the ticket office where it is possible to buy a ticket for one or all of the buildings.
The Duomo was begun in 1064. It was designed by Buscheto in the Romanesque style with Byzantine influence. The magnificent bronze doors were made in the workshop of Giambologna.
The shiny bits have been lovingly rubbed by visitors.
The round Romanesque Baptistry is the largest in Italy. It was begun in the 12th century.
The interior is quite stark except for the mosaic floor.
The Camposanto was all but destroyed in WWII, but has been beautifully restored.
There are photos of the destruction, making the restored frescoes seem even more amazing.
It is worth the €15 to climb the tower. You can actually feel the lean as you climb the narrow marble stairs. Be sure to go all the way to the top, as our friends did.
Take the time to look at the beautiful detail on the tower.
The Piazza dei Miracoli is popular with tourists with good reason. Go early and book your time to climb the tower at the ticket office. Only 35 people at a time are allowed to climb because the steps are narrow. It is actually very well organised and climbing the tower is fun, don’t miss it.
Take the Lazzi bus from Bagni di Lucca and change in Lucca for Pisa. Ask the driver to let you off at the tower. Take note of the stop. The bus stop back to Lucca is on the opposite side of the road near the entrance to the Piazza dei Miracoli.
For the train, either take the bus or the train to the station in Lucca and catch the train to Pisa. There will be a walk from the station to the tower, but it is not too far.
Bella Bagni di Lucca 
My all time favorite Duomo…I love love love the Cathedral in Pisa…I am always nervous to take pictures that they will smack my hand…so glad you have some amazing pics!! thanks
The Duomo is beautiful. I saw lots of others taking photos so I did too. Some places allow them and others don’t.
Have been in Pisa, and liked it. But only for a short time, and long time ago…
Pisa is a really interesting city….apart from the tower.
It takes us some 45 minutes to go by car from Bagni to Pisa and we always park on the streets to the right of the Piazza. We go quite often and I agree with you, the Tower is a marvel to see. At this stage, and having visited the city so many times, we tend to spend more time in the area surrounding the Piazza dei Cavalieri and the University. Pisa is a wonderful city with many interesting areas to explore.
I would also recommend spending some time exploring the city. I love the city centre, it has great shopping and restaurants and it always lively and interesting. We drive too, and park in the car park beside the Piazza Miracoli.
Hi Debra, once again fabulous photos. Your info on how to travel there and what to do once you arrive is so good. I have been a few times but next time I will follow your advice, it sounds so much easier. Thank you for a great post L
Hi Debra, I have also been to Pisa it is beautiful. Please tell me who is in the glass coffin.
As my Italian is minimal I was not able to read the notice there and it is something I have tried to find out with no luck. I loved all of your wonderful photos please keep them coming they bring back such wonderful memories.
I don’t know who is in the glass coffin. I will be back there soon, so I will try to find out.
I love your perspective on Pisa Debra. Even the most well worn tourist haunts are like new in you your view finder! Great post. x
The tower really is lovely and climbing it is fun. A late afternoon stroll along the main shopping street is a lot of fun in the warmer months when everyone is out for passeggiata.
Exquisite photos, Deb. The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of the landmarks clearly etched in my mind from a trip when I was 16…
The tower is one of those things that everyone wants to see when they visit Italy….with good reason.