Colorado is known for its ski resorts

Sure, plenty of visitors rush through here to get that iconic photograph of themselves "holding up" the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

But few stick around long enough to explore the city. That's a big shame because beyond its famous architectural anomaly and veneer of faded grandeur, Pisa is actually a beautiful living city full of medieval character.

The tilting tower itself (which can be climbed for a small fee) is part of the Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles), a collection of stunning medieval religious buildings filled with fine ecclesiastical paintings.

The souvenir stores and tourist eateries end just beyond the Campo dei Miracoli and the city gives way to atmospheric narrow residential streets, pretty parks and good-value pizzerias.

Beautiful palaces line the banks of the Arno River and the city is dotted with 11th to 13th-century buildings from Pisa's so-called golden era.

Pisa is also a vibrant university town, and students have been flocking to the university since the days when Galileo was a teacher here.

Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport lies a handy 3km south of the city centre.