Reasons to support Italy… Pisa

 

After sampling the delights of Milan the next stop was Pisa and the precarious leaning tower. Milan seemed very much more ‘city life’ compared to Pisa. There was a more friendly and welcoming atmosphere as we arrived in the Tuscan city. We made our way from the grand train station and stopped at an Italian cafe to take a break before sampling the attractions. 

This is where we had our first taste our Italian ice cream. There were so many flavours; cherry, coconut, apple, mango and pineapple, amongst many others. Italy is most definately home to the best ice cream in the world. 

As we headed towards the main attractions in Pisa the side streets were empty but as we neared the tower the streets became more busy, eventually finding ourselves in a bustling marketplace with the tower in sight. The leaning tower is situated in the Piazza dei Miracoli, or Field of Miracles. Within this site is the famous tower, originally the bell tower for the magnificent cathedral, Duomo di Pisa. There is the Baptistry, cemetery building, Campo Santo, and two fascinating museums.

To climb the tower you buy a ticket from the ticket office, which states the time you can begin your ascent. I would recommend heading towards the ticket office early to secure your preferred time. The spiralling and slanted staircase is quite disorientating and it is important to gain your bearings once you have reached the top. The tower offers spectacular views across the city.

Pisa has many other sights, many we had already witnessed on our journey from the station. I would recommend taking one of the horse and cart tours that are very reasonably priced. Other sights include a small Gothic church, Santa Maria della Spina, built to house a thorn from Jesus’s crown, and the old town square, Piazza dei Cavalieri. We ended our brief stay with Pisa dining in one of the many fine restaurants opposite a bustling market. 

 

I wish we had more time to experience and explore this charming city further but we were due to stay in Florence that evening, so made our way back to the main station across town, taking many fond memories with us. 

 

Euro update: Italy will still progress

Despite a disappointing opening performance, i still believe the Italians will progress further. It will have to be at the expense of the French and Romanians, who provided the most dour display of the championships so far. 

It is unlikely that the Italians will come up against such a fluent attack in their remaining group games. If the Italian defence can re-group then they should take six points from their next two matches. 

The Dutch gave a confident performance and are clear favourites to top the group. I expect their form to continue in the group stages as they have an advantage playing all three group games in Zurich, almost becoming the city’s ‘home team’.