Livorno

Livorno is beautiful Italian port that was repeatedly bombed during WWII. The city has been rebuilt and has been growing rapidly. However, the port is pretty much a gateway to Tuscan wineries, Florence, and/or Pisa.

Docking in Livorno was not like Nice as the Livorno is more of a busy commercial port not known for much picturesque views. To do all the things we wanted to do, we had to get up pretty early. Another day of not much sleep but hopefully, this would be worth it.

We just purchased an excursion that would take us to Pisa and Florence without much guidance. We would basically be free to do whatever we wanted once we arrived in those cities.

It only took maybe half an hour to get to Pisa but maybe another hour and half to get to Florence. On the drive to the Florence we were able to catch views of Tuscany. We drove pretty fast but so I wasn't able to get great pictures but you can imagine mile stretches of vineyards (mostly known for Chianti). But it was a nice ride.



So the only reason people stop in Pisa is for one reason...The Leaning Tower of Pisa. The landmark is actually the bell tower of the cathedral in Pisa. The tower was not meant to lean but when it was built in the 12th century the ground it was built on was weak and unstable. The tower was built with a beautiful white marble and has stunning pillars that connect to Romanesque arches surrounding the outside of every floor.

Three floors were originally built after construction was halted because of the noticeable lean. About 100 years later, construction resumed and to compensate for the lean, the next three floors were higher and were actually curved the other way. About another hundred years later the seventh floor, the bell chamber was built. Currently, engineers continue to work hard to strengthen and restore the structure. If that tower falls there would be no reason to go back there so they are doing everything they can.

The weather was great and we didn't have much time so we had to get in take some photos, buy some souvenirs, and take it all in. This was just the beginning of a big day.

The tower with the cathedral off to the right



My wife is buffed!




There we are



Me in front of the baptistry. Can you guess what the baptistry is for? Here is a clue, there is a bronze sculpture of St John the Baptist in the middle of the building. The baptistry is also leaning but isn't anywhere near as noticeable.



I guess Italy is big on the Simpsons because the souvenir I bought for myself was a shirt of Bart Simpson holding up the tower and farting.

Well, it seemed like a blur but before we knew it, we were back on the bus. This time we were headed to FIRENZE.

to be continued