The same day, we arrived at the Piazza Dei Miracoli in Pisa. Here you can see the Duomo (Cathedral) and its historic Baptistry, and in the background the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, the cathedral's freestanding bell tower.

Although intended to stand vertically, the tower began leaning to the southeast soon after the onset of construction in 1173 due to a poorly laid foundation and loose substrate that has allowed the foundation to shift direction. The height of the tower is 56 m. The width of the walls at the base is 4.09 m and at the top 2.48 m. The tower has 294 steps. The tower leans at an angle of 5.5 degrees.

 

We ended our day in Montecatini Terme, Italy's most frequented thermal spa resort, where we stayed for 4 nights. The next morning, we visited Firenze (Florence). This photo looks down at the River Arno from the Piazzale Michelango.

Also from the Piazzale Michelango, you can see the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, one of the largest in the Christian world.

 

Another view of the cathedral, with some repairs being done on the dome.

 

This is the front of the Cathedral. Notice the intricate work done on its face.

The Baptistry doors are decorated with 12 panels, each telling a biblical story.

 

Basilica di Santa Croce is the principal Franciscan church of Florence, Italy, and a minor basilica of the Roman Catholic Church. It is situated on the Piazza di Santa Croce, to the east of the Duomo. Inside are the tombs of a number of important people, the most famous being Michelangelo.

Just to the left of Santa Croce can be found the statue of Dante, said to be the founder of the modern Italian language.

 

The Ponte Vecchio is a Medieval bridge over the Arno River, noted for having shops (mainly jewellers) built along it. It is one of Europe's oldest wholly-stone arch bridges.

Just behind our hotel in Montecatini Terme, we found this beautiful park where you could go for a nice walk.