Memory Lane: Pisa

We arrived in Pisa early in 2016, beating the crowds before the city fully woke. It was actually my birthday, and the day came with a little surprise — a tiny replica of the Leaning Tower as a gift. Perfect souvenir for a day centred on the iconic monument itself.

The main event, naturally, was the Leaning Tower. Our group turned the visit into a fun photo contest, competing to see who could pull off the best poses. My favourite? Teaming up with another traveller to ‘steal’ the tower in our backpacks — classic travel silliness that made the moment unforgettable.

But Pisa isn’t just about that famous tilt. The real heart beats around the Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We wandered through the majestic Pisa Cathedral, admired the Baptistery’s elegant curves, and paused by the solemn Camposanto Monumentale.

Though photos were the highlight, the mix of history, art, and that unmistakable lean made Pisa a place worth remembering. It wasn’t a deep dive, but it was a birthday to smile about.