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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

San Michele degli Scalzi Pisa
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Pisa's 'third' leaning tower, a tranquil Romanesque church by the Arno River, offering a peaceful escape.
"Pisa’s other leaning tower – more leaning, less crowds, and a beautiful riverside spot."

🚶♀️ 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. 🍴

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 592 reviews
Type
Church
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 'Third' Leaning Tower
Bell Tower
Pisa's lesser-known but more dramatically leaning bell tower, tilting at nearly 5 degrees.

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

Riverside Picnic Spot
Arno Riverbank
A peaceful spot along the Arno River, perfect for a relaxing picnic with views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beyond the Famous Tower
Riverside Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ 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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
Yes, the Centro Espositivo SMS (San Michele degli Scalzi) hosts various events, including concerts and exhibitions. Keep an eye on local listings for performances.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Absolutely! It's a less crowded alternative to the main tower, offering unique perspectives and a more serene backdrop for your photos.
Photography rules inside churches can vary. It's always best to be respectful and check for any signage or ask permission if unsure.
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.
The extreme lean of the bell tower is the main draw. Also, look for details in the Romanesque architecture and the scenic river views.
🎫 🏛️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
The Centro Espositivo SMS is an exhibition center located at San Michele degli Scalzi that hosts various cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit