Pisa Travel Guide
More Than Just a Leaning Tower
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For most the Tuscany city of Pisa is synonymous with its famous Leaning Tower - the campanile or bell tower of the neighbouring cathedral. Whilst undoubtedly the city’s major draw there is more to discover in the town’s Piazza dei Miracoli and indeed in its historic and attractive centre.
Pisa has a history linked to the Etruscans (it was and Etruscan settlement), and Romans. It had a thriving medieval harbour, was a powerful Maritime Republic and, as was the fashion, was an enemy to the city-states of Florence, Lucca and Genoa.
First settled by the Liguri they were followed by the Etruscans of which many remains can still be seen, but it was during Roman times that the city flourished and the city’s layout still stems from that time. The silting up of the river Arno on which Pisa sits means that the city is now 12km from the Tyrrhenian Sea and Marina di Pisa, but this was not always the case – in the early Middle Ages it had was an important port.
Wealth was created despite feuds with the other Maritime Republics of Genoa, Venice and Amalfi and the city’s annual June regatta celebrates this period. Decline commenced in the 13th century
During the 14th century Pisa was entered by and placed under the rule of Florence a situation which remained until the creation of the Italian state in 1861. Today Pisa is one of the most prestigious University towns in Italy and indeed Europe.
Attractions in Pisa
The main draw of course is the Leaning Tower or Torre Pendente that stands in the Piazza dei Miracoli or "Square of Miracles", to the north of the old town center. The Piazza dei Miracoli also houses the Duomo (the Cathedral), a World Heritage Site, the Baptistry and the Camposanto (the monumental cemetery).
Other interesting sights include Knights' Square and the Palazzo dei Cavalieli, with its impressive façade and the church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri. Many other churches can be visited and include the church of St. Sixtus, St. Francis’s, San Frediano’s, San Nicola’s, and the small church of Santa Maria della Spina.
Walk between medieval arcades in the Borgo Stretto neighborhood and visit the Medici Palace, once a possession of the Appiano family, who ruled Pisa in 1392–1398 and later belonged to Lorenzo de' Medici. The Palazzo Reale ("Royal Palace") is where Galileo showed to the Grand Duke of Tuscany the planets he had discovered with his telescope.
The Orto Botanico di Pisa is said to be Europe's oldest university botanical garden.
Pisa is bestowed with several museums including the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo exhibiting among others the original sculptures of Nicola Pisano and Giovanni Pisano and the treasures of the cathedral. Others include the Museo delle Sinopie and the Museo Nazionale di S. Matteo.
Activities in Pisa
Allow 2 days in the city to enjoy it fully. A guided tour is worthwhile and local guides can be arranged through a Travel Expert or the Tourist Office.
Relaxing
Enjoy a great meal in one of the many excellent restaurants to be found in the old part of town.
Getting Around
The historic centre is easily explored on foot with buses uses for getting to and from the airport or train station.
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