Pisa’s archetypal Leaning Tower precedes its historic significance on the world map. In its heyday, the city had a formidable maritime economy and was a medieval center of education and learning. While its status as an ancient port of call has faded with the centuries, Pisa continues to be a vibrant University town. Apart from the famous tilted bell tower and the marble cathedral (to which the tower is attached) on the Piazza dei Miracoli, there’s much more to this Italian city. The piazzas, churches, chapels and cathedral mark the city’s distinctive historical heritage through its Renaissance, Gothic and Romanesque periods. The cheerful street life and buzzing night life of present day Pisa are largely thanks to its local student crowd.