Virtually every guide bookto Italy will show you a picture of the leaning tower of Pisa, but the greatsurprise when you get there is that it is merely the belfry for the mostmagnificent cathedral complex, with a stunning baptistery and walled cemetery.Though the sea has now receded, in medieval times, Pisa was a great maritimerepublic, rivalling Genoa and Venice and this superb ensemble, known as the‘field of miracles’ was a religious hub worthy of its status. The cathedral hasa beautiful pulpit, sculpted by Giovanni Pisano and a mosaic, Christ inMajesty, completed by Cimabue in 1302. After years of work to stop the towerfrom falling down, you can once again ascend to the top and will be very awareof the ‘lean’, as you wind your way up. After lunch (not included), drive toPistoia, a beautiful town which gave its name to the pistol, not a greatsurprise considering its extremely violent history, with constantly feudingfamilies, one of which is mentioned by Dante in the ‘Inferno’. Your purposehere is far more peaceful, in fact indulgent, with a visit to a pastry shop andchocolatier, established in 1918. Traditional recipes have been followed hereever since and you will learn how they produce the special Pistoia confetti,gingerbread and other specialities such as pralines, coffee bonbons andchocolate and of course, get to taste!
