Early last Saturday morning we left Rome and headed north via the train up the coast of Italy...
It was hard to believe that we were looking out at the Mediterranean Sea...
This is a beautiful resort area...
We got off at the station in Pisa and took a bus to the Leaning Tower of Pisa...
On the way we crossed over the Arno River via the bridge "Ponte Solferino". Located here is a tiny Gothic white marble church called the Church of Santa Maria della Spina.
This amazing building is the baptistry...
The three buildings were beautiful...glistening white in the sunshine....
The ornate stonework and marble is so intricate it appears almost delicate....
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the free standing bell tower of the Cathedral of Pisa...it began to lean soon after the onset of construction in 1173.
We had enough time to visit the museum and saw many beautiful and wonderful antiquities, works of art and religious artifacts.
Look at those toes!
This is part of an ancient tapestry...exquisite!
Outside, street vendors sold souvenirs, Murano glass jewelry and beautiful leather bags...
My sister Lynn had a gorgeous purse picked out but the current exchange rate made guilt free shopping almost impossible.
This photograph was taken inside the baptistry....
The acoustics are amazing...
The Cathedral is a masterpiece of Romanesque - Pisa Style and was started in the year 1063 by the great architect Buschetto.
After just a few hours, we took the bus back to the station to catch the train to Lucca where we had accommodations for the night and where we would get to meet our blogging friends Vale and Paola of Les Cotrions.
Tomorrow I will share with you our meeting and how we spent our time in the ancient walled city of Lucca....
Until then....Buonasera!
:) Laura
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23 comments:
What great memories you're making. How nice of you to share!
Oh What fun! I know you are having just the most wonderful time! ENJOY!
Hugs, Lisa
The architecture is amazing to say the least. Seeing the leaning tower reminded me of the time I was there. soooo so long ago....
I can see you had gorgeous weather there on that day!!! blue skies!
Amazing photos, thanks for sharing!
I love your blog. It is well organized, and creatively designed. Your photos are beautiful, and you take joy in your life. Thank you.
Italian architecture is so beautiful. You have some great photos too! sandi
What a lucky gal you are! How exciting to see such stunningly beautiful architecture and artifacts at every turn.
Glad you're back,
Marjorie
Have just discovered your blog and really enjoyed seeing the photos of Pisa. We had a wonderful time there last time we were in Italy and hope to go back next year.
So nice to travel with you...
A bientôt. Anne
Ciao Bella!
Thank you so much for this pictures, dear Laura! Pisa is a really wonderful place - I have been there twice; first time I was a little girl, it was the year 1967 (my parents and I were on the journey to Corsica and made a "stopover" in Italy)... and we went upstairs to the leaning tower: It was soo exciting! Seeing all over the world! (But I was a little bit afraid that the tower could break in while standing on the wrong side ;-)) In the later 1990ies I returned to this place with my family. Now everything was cleaner than in the 60ies (and as bright and white as you have showed us) but - what a pitty - it wasn't allowed to "climb up the campanile" any more. Nevertheless the place with all its beautiful buildings and history is georgeous and astonishing...
I also liked Lucca very much - looking forward to your next post, warm hugs, Traude
Buon giorno Laura! Stunning photos of Pisa!
Happy new day!
Ciao
Vale
Fasinating! My husband lived there for 3yrs. (army brat)and he said "it has changed greatly by seeing your pictures" he said when he was there in the in the early 70's it was all filthy looking and crumbling. He is so glad they have restored many buildings since then. He's always wanted to take me there, since I love architecture, but I've always said no. Now I'm saying yes yes yes!
Oh Laura, isn't Italy just so beautiful ? Your photographs are lovely and tell the story of your visit to Pisa beautifully. Aren't the buildings amazing. When I go to Italy, I walk around with my mouth open all day !!!! Can't wait to see more. XXXX
merci de tes gentils messages Laura.
merci aussi de nous faire partager ton voyage en Italie.
amitiés
manon
Dear Laura,
thank you so much for all this great pictures - i love Italy!!!! Have a wonderful time and enjoy the meeting with your blogging friends!!!
Hugs Jade
Hello Laura
I am really enjoying this trip to Italy via your photos.
Italy is such a beautiful country. As a child, I used to live in the South of France and was very close to the Italian border on some Fridays, I would go over the border to Italy with my Mother & sister to go to one of the markets.
Look forward to the next post..
Isabelle x
wonderful sightseeing, so glad that you let us tag along, thank you!
Oh what beautiful pictures! Perhaps someday I can see it all:) Have a blessed day!
Oh I don't know what is more beautiful, those amazing religious pieces or the stunning architecture!
Having been where you were standing, I can remember this like it was yesterday...I love this post. Can't wait to see your next post!
Fabulous photos of your trip so far. I have spent three lovely vacations in Lucca~ it is my favorite. Can't wait to see what you share with us. Wonderful memories here!
Whow!! I couldn't get your blog loaded this morning, but I wanted to respond on this beautiful post. I was never in Pisa, but now I have the feeling I know it a little. Those ancient buildings are stunning aren't they? Love to see more of your trip. As we say: you gave them a finger, now they want your whole hand!
Absolutely beautiful...thank you for sharing your gorgeous pictures. Rose
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