I can't think of another building that gives so much pleasure to those who behold it than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. You've seen the image of it so many times, but when you stand in front of it you simply can't take your eyes off it. It's precarious, ludicrous, delightful, and by the standards of our own rational age, shouldn't even exist. But there it is, one of the world's bona fide must-sees. I defy you not to leave without a brace of snapshots of yourself next to the symbol of Italy.

But Pisa is not just the 11th-century tower. The black-and-white Duomo and Baptistry next to the Torre, were built at the same time and are pretty spectacular in their own right. Together they make a magnificent architectural ensemble, justly named the Field of Miracles.

There's also a strong contemporary cultural scene in Pisa, which boasts Keith Haring's last ever mural. And the fact that Pisa is a university town - Galileo lectured there - gives it a real buzz. Pisan cuisine is world-class, with Tuscan seafood a speciality.

Its shops are as stylish and swish as you would expect from an Italian town, and it's great just ambling through its ancient alleyways, perhaps stopping for a coffee and watching the world go by. Being in Tuscany, Pisa is a good base for exploring the gorgeous countryside, and the transport links are excellent - its airport is near the town centre and Florence is a short train-ride away.