Pisa

History

Once a powerful naval base of the Roman empire, the city of Pisa is now one of the most famous sites of Italy. Architectural wonders in the Campo dei Miracoli, amongst them the Leaning Tower of Pisa, set a new standard and style all on their own. The Arno river cuts through this Tuscan city on its way to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Pisa lived its artistic splendor in the 12th century, but suffered. defeats by Lucca, Florence and Genoa in the following centuries. Art, however, is still outstanding. Growth and maritime prestige is restored in the 15th century under the rule of the Medici of Florence.

Sights To See

Piazza del Duomo Known as Campo dei Miracoli, it is one of the most beautiful squares of the world with its expanse lawns and the finest monuments of Pisan Romanesque art, amongst which the Campanile is a fine example.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa Began in 1173, the work was interrupted on account of the settling subsoil to which it owes its decline, and finally completed in the 14th century. One of Pisa’s most famous sons, Galileo, made his experiments on the force of gravity from top of the tower. Vertical or not, this beautful example of architecture stands on its own.

The Duomo The Duomo which became a model for Romanesque churches all over Tuscany, contains one of the most outstanding masterpieces of Italian Gothic art: Giovanni Pisano’s marble pulpit of the early 14th century. Near the pulpit is Galileo’s lamp, which helped him formulate his theory for the movement of the pendulum. The baptistery, unusual in its rounded shape, has perfect crystal-like acoustics underneath its dome.

The Ship Museum A display of relics from ships and other material recovered from the ancient port of Pisa, from one of the most important finds of the late 20th century Italian archaeology, giving important insight on Mediterranean traffic from the 5th century BC to the 5th century AD.

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Spina On the banks of the Arno stands this gem of Romanesque Gothic art, in whose well-lit interiors are statues by the Pisano and their followers.

Camposanto Vecchio This historical site dates back to 1278 and was established as a museum in the early 19th century. Camposanto Vecchio exhibits 14th and 15th century detached frescos, Roman sarcophagi, and statues, sculptures, tombstones, and Medieval and Renaissance architectural elements.

To simplify exploring Pisa as well as Lucca take our Guided Pisa & Lucca Day Tour where you can see the best of both towns as well as get local knowledge of these historical towns.

Dining

Cuisine in Pisa offers lots of variety and taste, as diverse as the lands around it. From the sea to the farm land and on to the sweet, hilly landscape dominated by grain, olives and vines which on the high-ground gives way to rugged, wooded landscape. The many restaurants in the historic center offer typical Tuscan cuisine as well as fine, protected produce such as Monte Pisano olive oil, Pecorino cheese, Parco di Migliarino lamb, Pisan beef, San Miniato truffle, pine nuts, mushrooms, Pisanello tomatoes and much more.

Shopping

Pisan craft is renowned for leather goods, shoes, terracotta, wooden furniture and of course, Tuscan food. You will find Piazza delle Vettovaglie in the heart of the medieval city. It is surrounded by an elegant sixteenth-century portico, which has always been the location of a colorful daily market. Crossing Via delle Colonne you arrive to Borgo Stretto, the heart of shopping in Pisa as well as the most beautiful street, with wonderful porticos. You can then cross Mezzo Bridge and continue on to Corso Italia, another great shopping address in the city. Each second weekend of the month, except July and August, the streets around Piazza dei Cavalieri becomes a great open market. The Antiques Market in Pisa is one of the most interesting in Italy because Pisa is home to plenty of furniture manufacturers, shops and restorers.

Where to Stay

• Castles
• Private Villas
• Country Farmhouses
• Apartments
• Bed & Breakfasts
• Luxury Hotels

Getting There

By Car Rome (232 Km), Florence (70 Km)

By Bus Rome (2 hr 47 min), Florence (1 hr 15 min) http://www.Trainspa.it

By Train Florence (2 hr 15 min) http://www.Trenitalia.com

By Plane Fly directly into Florence Airport (FLR) and catch a bus or train ride into Sienna, otherwise Pisa’s international airport ‘Galileo Galilei’ (PSA) is around an hour long bus or train ride away.