Chiesa di San Michele Degli Scalzi
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San Michele degli Scalzi Pisa

4.5
·592 reviews·Pisa, Italy

Discover Pisa's 'third' leaning tower, a tranquil Romanesque church by the Arno River, offering a peaceful escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Chiesa di San Michele Degli Scalzi

San Michele degli Scalzi Pisa

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Pisa's 'third' leaning tower, a tranquil Romanesque church by the Arno River, offering a peaceful escape.

4.5
(592 reviews)

"Pisa’s other leaning tower – more leaning, less crowds, and a beautiful riverside spot."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Worth the Stroll

It's a bit of a walk from the city center, but the peaceful riverside path is lovely. :athletic_shoe:

🧺 Riverside Picnic

Pack a picnic to enjoy by the Arno River; it's a tranquil spot away from the crowds. 🍴

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 592 reviews

Type

Church

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Third' Leaning Tower

The 'Third' Leaning Tower

Bell Tower

Pisa's lesser-known but more dramatically leaning bell tower, tilting at nearly 5 degrees.

Romanesque Architecture

Romanesque Architecture

Church Interior

A beautiful 11th-century church, restored in its original Romanesque style, offering a quiet, impressive atmosphere.

Riverside Picnic Spot

Riverside Picnic Spot

Arno Riverbank

A peaceful spot along the Arno River, perfect for a relaxing picnic with views.

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Planning Your Visit

Beyond the Famous Tower

While Pisa is known for its iconic Leaning Tower, San Michele degli Scalzi offers a unique perspective. Its bell tower leans even more, making it a fascinating, less crowded alternative. Plan for a peaceful visit away from the main tourist hustle.

Riverside Serenity

Located along the Arno River, this site offers a tranquil escape. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy by the river, a tip shared by visitors seeking a peaceful experience away from the city center's bustle.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light by the river
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Commenta con la prima parola che ti viene in mente pensando a Pisa #pisa #artepertutti #consiglidiviaggio #storiadellarte #torredipisa #artlover #arte
@blondewithstendhal
7.3K likes • 104.1K views

🚶‍♀️ Worth the Stroll

It's a bit of a walk from the city center, but the peaceful riverside path is lovely. :athletic_shoe:

🧺 Riverside Picnic

Pack a picnic to enjoy by the Arno River; it's a tranquil spot away from the crowds. 🍴

E' tutto pronto per la mostra e per il concerto.....vi aspettiamo alle 17.30 al centro espositvo SMS di San Michele degli Scalzi alle Piagge di Pisa........
ic_tongiorgi
57 likes • 1.1K views
Conosciuto come la “terza torre pendente” di Pisa (dopo quelle in Piazza dei Miracoli e della Chiesa di San Nicola), il campanile della Chiesa di San Michele degli Scalzi è inclinato verso il fiume Arno. Questo edificio, che risale al XII secolo, presenta un'evidente inclinazione causata da un cedimento del terreno, proprio come la più famosa Torre di Pisa.
lularound
19 likes • 1.1K views

😮 More Leaning Than Expected

This bell tower actually leans more than the famous one! A fun fact to impress your friends. ⭐

🤫 Quiet & Impressive

A truly quiet and impressive place, often overlooked by tourists. :camerawithflash:

San Michele Arcangelo ✨🪽🗡️ 💒 Chiesa di San Michele degli Scalzi. 🇮🇹 Pisa, Italia 🗓️ Anno: 1025 #medioevoitalia #pisa #italia #toscana #sanmichelearcangelo #sanmichele
karineaguiarmusic
23 likes • 464 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Worth the Stroll

It's a bit of a walk from the city center, but the peaceful riverside path is lovely. :athletic_shoe:

🧺 Riverside Picnic

Pack a picnic to enjoy by the Arno River; it's a tranquil spot away from the crowds. 🍴

😮 More Leaning Than Expected

This bell tower actually leans more than the famous one! A fun fact to impress your friends. ⭐

🤫 Quiet & Impressive

A truly quiet and impressive place, often overlooked by tourists. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(592 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise San Michele degli Scalzi for its tranquil atmosphere, impressive leaning bell tower (even more so than the famous one!), and picturesque riverside location. It's considered a worthwhile detour for those seeking a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience in Pisa, offering a beautiful Romanesque church and a lovely spot for a picnic.

"One of the three tilting bell towers of Pisa, after famous Leaning Tower of Pisa and bell tower of Chiesa San Nicola. Tilting is almost 5 degrees towards the river, and also church itself when you enter feels "now right" - tilting to the right. Church was build in 11th century and restored several times in the original Romanesque style.
Bell tower is build by white marble stones - lower part, and continued by red bricks - upper part.
Its quite a walk from the city center, but definitely worth it to see. Walk in the shade of the linden trees around the river Arno is very calming too."

Tomi Valny

"Little older (and more leaning) cousin of Pisa's landmark tourist attraction. Tranquil and situated next to the river Arno, perfect for a picnic."

Sonja Franke-Arnold

"A glorious church with the grandeur not like Italian Basilicas but simplistic and commanding all the same. No crowds, very quiet to walk through."

SM Barr

What People Like

More leaning tower
Peaceful riverside setting
Quiet atmosphere

What People Dislike

Church interior sometimes closed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

San Michele degli Scalzi is located along the Arno River. It's a pleasant walk from the main tourist areas, taking about 20-30 minutes. You can also consider a short bus ride or a taxi if you prefer. The walk along the river is particularly recommended for its tranquility. Reddit

Yes, while it's a walk, several bus lines pass near the area. Checking local bus routes upon arrival is advisable. The walk itself is part of the charm, offering a different perspective of Pisa. TikTok

There is parking available near the church and along the Arno River, making it accessible by car. However, be mindful of ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) in Pisa's historic center if you're driving from elsewhere. Reddit

Many visitors enjoy combining a visit to San Michele degli Scalzi with a stroll along the Arno River, perhaps even a picnic. It's a great way to see a different side of Pisa. Reddit

San Michele degli Scalzi is a considerable walk from the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but it's a worthwhile detour for those seeking less crowded, unique sights. The journey offers a chance to explore more of the city. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, visiting the exterior of the church and its bell tower, as well as the surrounding area, is free. Access to the church interior might depend on opening hours and specific events. Reddit

The church's interior opening hours can vary. It's best to check locally or look for signs upon arrival. The exterior and bell tower are always visible. Reddit

There is typically no separate entrance fee for viewing the bell tower from the outside. The focus is on appreciating its unique lean and the church's Romanesque architecture. Instagram

Yes, the Centro Espositivo SMS (San Michele degli Scalzi) hosts various events, including concerts and exhibitions. Keep an eye on local listings for performances. Instagram+1

Even if the church interior is closed, you can still admire the exterior architecture and the impressive leaning bell tower from the outside. The riverside location is also accessible. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the dramatic lean of the bell tower from various angles along the river. The church's Romanesque facade also makes for beautiful shots, especially during golden hour. Instagram

Absolutely! It's a less crowded alternative to the main tower, offering unique perspectives and a more serene backdrop for your photos. Instagram

Photography rules inside churches can vary. It's always best to be respectful and check for any signage or ask permission if unsure. Reddit

Late afternoon offers beautiful light along the Arno River, creating a warm glow on the church and bell tower. Early mornings can also be peaceful and less crowded. Instagram

The extreme lean of the bell tower is the main draw. Also, look for details in the Romanesque architecture and the scenic river views. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

It's known for being a quiet, peaceful, and impressive place, offering a stark contrast to the bustling Piazza dei Miracoli. Visitors often describe it as tranquil and off the beaten path. Reddit+1

While sometimes closed, when open, the church offers a glimpse into Romanesque architecture and a serene atmosphere. It's a simpler, more commanding grandeur than larger basilicas. Reddit

Its bell tower leans even more than the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, and it's situated along the peaceful Arno River, offering a tranquil experience. Instagram+1

Compared to the main attractions in Pisa, San Michele degli Scalzi is significantly less crowded, making it ideal for those seeking a more relaxed visit. Reddit

The Centro Espositivo SMS is an exhibition center located at San Michele degli Scalzi that hosts various cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions. Instagram+1

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