Pisa is usually considered a day trip destination. Independent travelers come here both from Florence and from numerous resorts for which the Tuscan Riviera is so famous. At the same time, Pisa can also be considered as a base point for trips around the area. Of course, from this point of view, Pisa is in many ways inferior to Florence (travel routes from Florence are discussed in detail in the corresponding article), but there are strong arguments in favor of settling in Pisa.
Firstly, Pisa has its own international airport, which is often much more convenient and cheaper to fly to than to Florence airport (suitable air tickets can be found on sites such as www.skyscanner.ru, www.momondo.ru, www.aviasales.ru and so on.). Secondly, hotels in Pisa are, on average, noticeably cheaper than hotels (and apartments) located in Florence (read more about where it is more convenient for tourists to live in Pisa). Thirdly, from Pisa it is more convenient to get to the cities of western Tuscany (including not only seaside resorts, but also Lucca in particular), as well as to the famous Cinque Terre National Park, located in neighboring Liguria. As a matter of fact, we will further consider these and other areas in detail. In this case, we will focus primarily on the possibilities of railway transport (see www.trenitalia.com).
So, where can you go for one day from Pisa.
Florence(Firenze)- the most obvious direction. It would be strange to come to Tuscany and not see Florence. Fortunately, it doesn’t take long to travel from Pisa to Florence – about an hour by train. However, we should immediately make a reservation that it is worth going to the capital of Tuscany not for a day, but for at least two or three days (the question of where is the best place to stay in Florence has been discussed in detail). In one day, you will only have time to run through the historical center of Florence, briefly examine the main attractions and admire the panorama of the city from the height of Piazzale Michelangelo.
Five Lands National Park, or Cinque Terre(Cinque Terre)– another very obvious destination for a day trip from Pisa. The place is beautiful and no less popular than Florence. There are a lot of tourists here (especially during the summer holiday season), and you need to be prepared for this. Perhaps the best thing you can come up with is, again, to come here not for one, but for several days (you can stay, for example, in Monterosso al Mare - more details). But if you don’t have time, you can go to Cinque Terre from Pisa in one day, since you can get to Monterosso in just over an hour. You can travel with a transfer in La Spezia, but there are also direct trains, which are much more convenient.
Luke(Lucka)– the city is pleasant in all respects: there is something to see, it’s clean, cozy, quiet and, moreover, very close to Pisa (between Pisa and Lucca it’s about 30 minutes by train). It’s definitely worth coming to Lucca for at least half a day, and if you want to take a closer look at the interiors of the local churches, not limiting yourself to visiting the Cathedral of St. Martin, then you can safely budget a whole day for the trip.
Volterra(Volterra), even in comparison with Lucca, not to mention the Cinque Terre and Florence, the place is not so popular among tourists. However, in our opinion, a trip to Volterra can be no less interesting. Volterra is a small city, but here you can find traces of Etruscan civilization, evidence of the ancient Roman era, and, of course, numerous echoes of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance that replaced them. Half a day is more than enough. But getting to Volterra by public transport is not very convenient. From Pisa you can take the train to Pontedera (Pontedera-Casciana Terme station, about 15 minutes), and then take bus number 500 to Volterra (about 1 hour 20 minutes; timetable see www.pisa.cttnord.it) .
It is clear that in this case it is much more convenient to travel by car, especially since in this way, along with Volterra, you can also visit nearby San Gimignano, famous for its medieval skyscraper towers. Siena is located in the same direction.
For road travelers in Tuscany, in general, almost limitless spaces open up, since it is advisable to get to many attractions by car. In particular, let us mention such places as Cave of the Winds (Grotta del Vento), Barga, Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Isola Santa, Carrara. All of them are located in the Apennines north of Pisa (this part of the Apennines is often called the Apuan Alps), and within one trip you can easily combine a visit to two or three places from among the above-mentioned or similar ones. East of Pisa are Vinci, San Miniato, Castelfranco di Sotto and other interesting towns. In short, the choice is extremely wide. Fortunately, renting a car in Italy in general and in Pisa in particular is not a problem (see www.rentalcars.com, www.economybookings.com, etc.).
If you turn your attention to the south of Pisa, you will find another interesting place, which for some reason often escapes the sight of travelers. We are talking about the island of Elba.
It can't be said that Elba Island(Isola d'Elba) located near Pisa. The distance between these places is, in general, quite decent (about 170 km). However, from the point of view of traveling around Italy, the most convenient way to get to Elba is through Pisa. Moreover, you can go to this island for at least a week, at least two, since Elba is notable not only as the place of Napoleon’s first exile, but also as an excellent seaside resort. (By the way, you can read more about the sea and beaches near Pisa.) You can get here with a change in Piombino: to Piombino by train (from Pisa about an hour and a half), and from Piombino to Elba by ferry or “meteor” ( see www.toremar.it and www.blunavytraghetti.com). It takes from 40 minutes to an hour to sail to the main town of Elba, Portoferraio, and 15-20 minutes to the town of Cavo. Alternatively, you can reach Elba via San Vincenzo, which also has boat connections to this and other nearby islands (though there are few sailings; see www.aquavision.it). Thus, if we talk about trips to Elba from Pisa, it’s quite possible to go back and forth in a day, and if you like it, then next time you can stay on Elba longer.
Pisa is a small town located near the Ligurian Sea. In the past it was a port, and now it is simply a very beautiful tourist center, famous throughout the world for its “Leaning Tower”. But Pisa is famous not only for this attraction. Many unique places and ancient monuments of Italian architecture attract tourists from all over the world.
What to see in Pisa on your own?
Beautiful places and main attractions: photos with descriptions in Russian.
Monumental Cemetery (Campo Santo)
Founded in 1278. The outer wall is formed by 43 blind arches. Below them are tombs decorated with marble. Some of the tombs are located on the central lawn. And today famous people and clergy are buried at Campo Santo.
There are three chapels on the territory - the Ammanati Chapel, the Del Pozzo Chapel and the Aulla Chapel. The latter contains a lamp; Galileo Galilei used it for his experiments. In addition to burials, you can examine sarcophagi and admire Roman sculptures. And also study the preserved frescoes of famous Italian masters.
Cavalieri Square
The oldest square in Pisa. Located near the Square of Miracles and surrounded by palaces and churches. A cozy place where you can relax from the hustle and bustle and feel the medieval atmosphere. In the old days, the city forum, now a cultural center and venue for celebrations.
The Palace of the Order of Knights (Palazzo della Carovana) is located on the square; the façade is painted with zodiac signs using the sgraffito technique. In honor of the founder of the order, Cosimo de' Medici, there is a statue in front of the palace. Now the building houses the Higher Normal School.
Pisa Baptistery
The Pisa Baptistery is considered the largest in Italy. The height is 55 meters, the diameter is more than 100 m. The three-tiered structure made of marble is decorated with stone carvings, graceful arches, and faces of saints. The baptistery was built over two centuries, which led to a mixture of Gothic and Romanesque styles of architecture. The interior is known for its unique acoustic properties.
The temple is famous for its 13th century hexagonal pulpit and font. Galileo Galilei was baptized here. No less interesting are the frescoes on themes from the Old Testament and scenes from the life of Christ.
Botanical Garden of Pisa
The Botanical Garden of Pisa is considered the oldest on the planet. It occupies 3 hectares of area. Walking along the shady paths of the garden, you can admire 550 species of plants. Various plantings of woody, medicinal, marsh, and Mediterranean plant species. An arboretum with stunning cedars and magnolias occupies a significant place. A collection of African cacti, as well as orchids, camellias and other flowers has been collected. The selection of plants “Flora of the Pharaohs” is interesting - they were used in Ancient Egypt as food, medicine and cosmetics.
Square of Miracles
Piazza de Miracoli is the main square of the city. She is the most extraordinary and original. Three snow-white marble buildings create a harmonious ensemble. A characteristic feature is the location of religious buildings on a large area, not squeezed between other buildings, and the absence of a solid stone pavement between them - the entire space is filled with green lawns, which creates an amazing combination.
The main attractions of Pisa are concentrated on it. It is a cultural monument of world significance, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1987.
Here is the famous Cathedral (Duomo), built at the beginning of the 12th century.
Everyone associates the city of Pisa with the leaning Leaning Tower of Pisa, the construction of which lasted from 1173 to the mid-14th century.
Another decoration of the square is the Pisa Baptistery, reconstructed in 1278.
Cathedral (Duomo)
Located in the very center of the Square of Miracles (Cathedral Square). Construction began in 1063 under the leadership of Bishop Busqueto. Dedicated in honor of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
It was originally planned in the form of a Greek cross with five naves. After the changes were made, three naves remained and the temple took on the shape of a Roman cross. The temple was built in a mixture of different styles - Romanesque, Moorish, Byzantine, which gives it a unique appearance.
The consecration of the cathedral took place in 1118 by the Pope himself. At the end of the 16th century, there was a fire in the cathedral that destroyed almost all works of art. Only a mosaic from the early 14th century depicting Christ has survived to this day.
The facade is decorated with columns supporting arches, statues, and stone carvings, which gives it airiness and lightness.
The interior of the cathedral is characterized by multi-colored masonry imitating the Byzantine style. The ceilings and vaults are richly decorated with gilding, frescoes, stucco, and carvings.
- Address: Piazza Duomo, Pisa, Italy.
- Working hours:
- October: from 10 to 19.
- November and February: from 10 to 17. From December 25 to January 7 - from 9 to 18.
- March: from 9 to 18 (until March 13),
— from March 21 to September: from 10 to 20. - Entry closes 30 minutes before closing.
- Liturgies: daily 8 - 9:30.
- Cost of visit: € 2.00.
- From November 1 to March 1 - free.
Leaning Tower of Pisa (Torre pendente)
A world-famous symbol of both the city of Pisa and the whole of Italy. It is the active bell tower of the Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta). Construction began in 1173. There is no specific information about the architect in historical sources. Construction was repeatedly suspended and resumed.
The tower acquired its unusual inclined appearance due to an error in the calculations of this unknown designer. On sandy soils, it shrank on one side already at the stage of constructing the first floor. Further attempts to complete the tower did not bring success. Only in the 19th century was the upper tier completed with almost no slope.
After construction was completed, a lot of money and time was spent on strengthening the bell tower. Thanks to work carried out in 1996 to excavate the soil and install cables inside the tower structure, it was possible to stop the increase in the angle of inclination.
It is also famous for the fact that the medieval scientist Galileo Galilei, a native of Pisa, conducted his experiments on gravity on this bell tower.
- Address: Piazza del Duomo, Pisa, Italy.
- Opening hours: daily - from 8.30 to 20.30, from June 14 to September 15, even night visits are allowed (from 20.30 to 23.00).
- Cost of visit: € 18.
University of Pisa
The year of foundation of the university is considered to be 1343, when the right of public education and recognition of the qualifications of graduates was assigned to it by a bull of the Pope. Not many educational institutions of that time had such status.
The subjects taught at that time were theology, civil and canon law, and medicine. The university was then called “Studium”. The university was closed and reopened several times. In 1544, a Botanical Garden was founded under him, which is still in operation today.
In the 15th century, a new building for the university was built on the territory of the ancient square, the gate of which was decorated with a cherub. Since then it has become the symbol of the University of Pisa.
Galileo Galilei studied and then taught at the university, and was a professor of mathematics from 1582 to 1592.
Currently, students are taught at 11 faculties. There are 5 museums on its territory. In the medical museum there is an anatomical exhibition somewhat reminiscent of the St. Petersburg Kunstkamera.
- Address: Lungarno Pacinotti, 43 - 56126 Pisa,
Church of Santa Maria della Spina
This is one of the best examples of Gothic architecture. Built in 1230, it was called Santa Maria di Pantenovo. In 1333, she acquired a sacred relic - a thorn from the crown of thorns placed on the head of Jesus. After which they began to call her “Back” (thorn).
In the second half of the 19th century, the church was dismantled and moved to a new location, as a result of which it was slightly modified. Now it stands at the very edge of the Arno embankment, next to the bridge.
The cladding of the temple uses white, pink and gray marble, alternating with stripes. On the facade, the entrance openings are surrounded by semicircular arches. Above them rise triangular pediments with rose windows. And in the middle there is a chapel with a figure of the Virgin Mary and Child surrounded by angels. The right side is decorated with a large number of columns, statues, amazing carvings, and medallions.
The interior of the church consists of a single hall, the ceiling of which was painted in the 19th century during restoration. It is decorated with a sculpture of Our Lady of the Rose, which preserves traces of the original painting from the mid-14th century. In the niches are statues of the holy apostles.
- Address: Lungarno Gambacorti, 56125 Pisa PI. Opening hours: daily except Monday.
Church of San Ferdiano (Chieza di San Ferdiano di Pizza)
The first written evidence of the temple dates back to 1061. The Buzzaccherini-Sismondi family was considered the patrons of the church, dedicating it to the Great Martyr Martin. The church was built with three naves and austere.
The facade of the church is strict and unpretentious, made in the ancient Roman style. Rectangular window and door openings are decorated with columns with flat arches without any frills or special decorations. High above the entrance, in the central nave, there is a large window with arched openings. On either side of it are diamond-shaped windows.
The interior of the temple, despite the fire at the end of the 17th century, was preserved quite well. The huge painted cross attracts attention. The vaults of the central nave are decorated with frescoes. Numerous marble columns supporting the vaults of the naves are decorated with carved capitals.
Nearby buildings house the offices of various public organizations related to the Catholic Church.
- Address: Piazza San Ferdiano, 1−3 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
National Museum of San Mateo
The museum is located on the right bank of the city, on the embankment of the Arno River. The museum building dates back to the 11th century. It originally housed a monastery. In the 13th century, reconstruction was carried out to increase the area of its buildings.
The museum's exhibitions contain magnificent collections of historical, cultural values and archaeological finds. For a long time, the museum collected everything valuable and beautiful that was in collapsing or closing churches.
The museum's exhibits date from the 12th to 17th centuries, with works of art dating from the 13th to 15th centuries representing the greatest artistic interest. Among them are a collection of painted crosses, a Bible from 1168 with illustrations, various sculptures by outstanding masters, and unique paintings by artists of the Tuscan school.
The complex of buildings of the National Museum itself is also interesting. It contains a courtyard surrounded by a gallery with columns and arches, which was built in the 15th century.
- Address: Piazza S. Matteo In Soarta, 1, 56126, Pisa PI, Italy
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday - from 9.00 to 14.30, Saturday - from 9.0 to 13.30.
- Cost of visiting: full - 6.50 euros, reduced - 1.5 euros.
Basilica of San Piero Grado
It is one of the oldest Christian churches in Italy. Located in the quarter of the same name near the city. There is a legend that at this place in 44 AD. Saint Peter set foot on Italian soil and celebrated his first mass.
Excavations have shown that the basilica stands on the site of an ancient Roman sanctuary and an early Christian temple. The building that has survived to this day dates back to the 10th-11th centuries. On the plan it has a cruciform shape with a nave in the middle and borders on the sides. On the south side there are three apses.
The exterior of the basilica, designed in the Romanesque style, is strict and majestic in its solitude and significance. The outer walls are made of rough yellowish stone. The facade of the basilica is decorated with pilasters, arches and bowls with some Islamic overtones.
The interior decoration is distinguished by a large number of ancient frescoes dating back to the 14th century. Above the supposed place of the first prayer of St. Paul's ciborium was erected on the soil of Italy in the 15th century. The main altar is decorated with a large wooden crucifix.
- Address: Via Vecchia Marina 5, San Piero a Grado - Pisa, Italy.
- Opening hours: daily from 8.00 to 19.00
- Cost of visiting: admission is free.
Church of San Sisto (Chiesa di San Sisto)
Located in the historical center of the city, near the Square of Miracles. The first mentions of it appeared in the 11th century. At that time, important notarial acts were performed in the temple, and documents on them were kept.
The church is dedicated to Saint Sixtus, who was the patron saint of the city. After the horrific defeat in the naval battle of Milor on the day of St. Sixtus, the townspeople no longer began to honor the saint.
The exterior of the temple is designed in the Romanesque style, strict, without unnecessary decorations, made of grayish-sand stone. A classic three-nave plan was used. On the facade, each nave has its own portal, decorated with an arch. The naves are separated by pilasters. In the central one above the entrance there is an arched window with a cross above it.
The interior decoration of the church is modest; the side chapels are separated from the central aisle by ancient Roman columns with pilasters. A copy of the 14th century painting “The Virgin and Child,” a medieval ship’s wheel, and the tombstone of an Arab emir are kept here.
- Address: Piazza Buonamici, Pisa
- Opening hours: 8.00−17.00
Palazzo della Karovano
It is an undoubted decoration of the Square of the Knights (Piazza dei Cavalieri). The palace was built for the knights of the Order of St. Stephen by order of the Duke of Tuscany, who founded this order. Initially, the palace was called, like the square, Palazzo della Caballero (Palace of the Knights). The order was originally intended to fight the Saracens. Later, his knights began to escort caravans with cargo, and future knights were trained in this palace. And so this name stuck to it.
Built in 1662 - 1664. The design of the façade makes this palazzo unique. Its main decoration is a gable staircase with a balustrade. The entire facade is painted with symbolic signs of the zodiac and various allegories of chivalry. In the niches above the windows are busts of Tuscan dukes, who were also masters of the order.
Particularly interesting in the interior of the palace is the stained glass window depicting a knight's cross on the roof above the top flight of the main staircase. The building currently houses the École Normale Supérieure University.
- Address: Piazza dei Cavalieri.
Scotto's Garden (Giardino di Scotto; Cittadella Nuova)
The garden is located on the southern bank of the Arno River, on the site of the former new Cittadella Nuova, a fortress that was located on the Fibonacci embankment between the Victoria and Fortezza bridges.
In this part of the city in the 13th century, artisans engaged in the production of ceramics lived. For its manufacture, as well as for smelting bells, some plants specially planted in this area were used.
The garden was originally laid out in the mid-14th century during the first Florentine conquest. Subsequently, the citadel was destroyed during the uprising, and the park was badly damaged. With the re-arrival of Florentine power and the pacification of resistance, it lost its defensive purpose and was dismantled.
In 1178, the merchant Scotto, after whom the park is named, acquired it and began construction of a palace surrounded by a large garden. The construction and formation of the park was entrusted to the architect Giovanni Caluri.
Currently, it hosts various entertainment events.
- Address: Lungarno Leonardo Fibonacci, 56125 Pisa
- Opening hours: daily.
Museum of Ancient Ships (Museo delle navi antiche)
During renovation work in 1998 at the San Rossore station, builders discovered 30 ancient ships. Their age ranges from the 2nd century BC. until the 7th century AD In ancient times there was a port in this place.
Almost half of the discovered ships and boats were in perfect condition due to being in the ground without access to oxygen. Fishing nets and rigging, things belonging to sailors, various amphorae, jewelry, anchors, and work tools were found in the holds. The ships found belong to different areas of the Mediterranean.
The building of the ancient Arsenal, built by the Tuscan Duke Casimo I for the storage and repair of his fleet, was given over to the museum.
Now the museum has two halls in which the best-preserved ships are exhibited. The remaining finds are still under restoration. The museum premises are being completed to expand the exhibition.
- Address: Via Ranussio Bianchi Bandinelli, Pisa
- Opening hours: Friday - Sunday 10.00−11.00, 14.30−16.30.
- Cost of visiting: adult - 6 euros, children under 6 years old - free.
Church of San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno
The Church of St. Paul bears great resemblance to the Duomo Cathedral. Before its construction it was the main cathedral of the city. It is located on the banks of the Arno River, as the name suggests.
The first information about it dates back to the beginning of the 10th century. It has a characteristic appearance of the Romanesque-Pisan style, which has features of both Romanesque buildings and Arabic features. From 1565 to 1798 the church was administered by the Order of St. Stephen. After its abolition it became a parish church.
The façade is decorated with three portals with solid arches above them and stone carvings. The three upper tiers contain galleries with rows of columns and arches. The plan has the shape of a cross. The central nave is separated from the side borders by rows of marble columns decorated with carvings. In the center it is crowned with a dome.
The interior is richly decorated with frescoes by ancient masters with images of the Madonna and Child, and a medieval Crucifixion is kept. But the most unusual attraction of the church is the ancient Roman sarcophagus, which was used as a tomb.
- Address: Pizza, San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno, 21
Citadel with Guelph Tower (Torre Guelfa)
This is one of the very interesting attractions of Pisa. In the Middle Ages, Guelphs were the name given to participants in the movement to reduce the influence of the Holy Roman Emperor in Italy and strengthen the power of the Vatican.
The citadel was built in the mid-13th century. It is located in the western part of the Arno River embankment and was an integral part of the city defensive wall, which performed a protective function against attacks from the sea.
From the first half of the 15th century, it housed the garrison of the city of Pisa. The citadel is located next to the bridge. During the reign of the Medici, an arsenal was built nearby, which now houses a museum. Over time, the sea disappeared, the river became shallow and sea vessels could no longer approach the city.
During World War II, it was heavily damaged during bombing. The restoration was carried out in 1956, giving it the most original appearance.
- Address: embankment of the Arno River.
Church of Santo Sepolcro
The exact date of construction of this church is unknown, but it is assumed that its construction was in the first quarter of the 12th century. It was originally built by order of the Hospitallers. Its name means “Church of the Holy Sepulchre” and it was intended to store relics brought from the Holy Land by Bishop Dagobert after participating in the First Crusade, when crusading knights captured Jerusalem in 1099. Its multifaceted shape evokes associations with the real Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount.
The church has an octagonal shape, on each side there are two arched windows, and an octagonal dome rises in the center of the roof. Outwardly, it resembles a defensive tower - the influence of the customer knights was felt.
After the liquidation of the Hospitaller Order, the Church of Santo Sepolcro was owned by the Knights of Malta. After the abolition of this Order in 1817, it began to gradually collapse. During the restoration in 1849, the temple was returned to its original medieval appearance. The tomb of Maria Mancini, a 15th-century fresco depicting the Madonna and Child, is kept here.
- Address: piazza S. Sepolcro, 56125 Pisa PI.
Museum Ospedale Nuovo di Santo Spirito
Among the bright, light-filled attractions of Piazza del Duomo, this building causes some confusion among visitors. A long, gloomy, squat building, without much decoration, in sharp contrast to the Gothic masterpieces located nearby.
Initially, it was not intended for the ascension of the spirit, but for the mortal body. Since 1257, it has housed a hospital for the poor, wandering pilgrims, and abandoned children.
During the reign of the Medici, the hospital was remodeled in accordance with the Florentine style of the time, with rectangular windows and sandstone finishing.
Currently, there is a museum of sinopias - a rough drawing of a fresco, which seems to be from the inside out. After the bombing in 1943, many frescoes were damaged in Campo Santo. They were removed for restoration, and under them were these sinopias, made using the same technologies as the original ones.
- Address: Piazza del Duomo, Pisa, Italy.
- Opening hours: in winter - 9.30 - 16.30, in summer - 8.00 - 20.00.
- Cost: 6 euros.
Museum "Opera del Duomo"
Located next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The construction of the building dates back to the 12th century, commissioned by the Archbishop of Pisa for the College of Priests. In the 17th century, the premises were transferred to the construction of a seminary, then the Academy of Fine Arts was located, and even later a convent was settled.
And only in 1986 a museum was founded here, which stores the most valuable objects and parts of the interiors and decorative finishes of architectural monuments located on the Square of Miracles.
The museum houses works by outstanding sculptors Tino da Camaino and Giovani Pisano. Among the particularly interesting exhibits there are authentic 15th-century doors by the architect Bonanno Pisano with relief images of scenes from the life of Christ.
Also among the exhibits, the sculpture “Madonna and Child”, made by Giovani Pisano, deserves special attention. Previously, it was located above the Bonanno portal.
- Address: Piazza del Duomo, 23, 56126 PI, Italy
- Opening hours: 8.30 - 17.30
- Cost of visiting: 10 euros for visiting all monuments.
Palazzo del Orologio (Palazzo della Gherardesca)
It is often called the Clock Palace. Located in Piazza Cavalieri on the north side next to the Palazzo della Carovana.
On the left side of the building, in which the outlines of an ancient tower can still be seen, according to legend, Count Gherardesca and his relatives were starved to death at the end of the 13th century.
By the beginning of the 17th century, the building acquired its modern appearance. The architect Giorgio Vasari connected the Ugolino tower with the neighboring palace, standing at an angle to it, with an elegant arch. The result was an original palace in the shape of a book.
Like all the buildings on this square, the palace was owned by the Order of St. Stephen. It housed a hospital for old knights. At the end of the 17th century, a clock and a small bell on the roof appeared on the middle part of the palace.
For some time at the beginning of the 20th century, the building was owned by a descendant of Count Gherardesque. Currently, the École Normale Supérieure houses its library there.
- Address: Piazza dei Cavalieri.
Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri
Another ancient landmark of Piasa dei Cavalieri. Bala was built at the end of the 16th century. The Duke of Tuscany, Casimo I de' Medici, being Master of the Order of St. Stephen, ordered the reconstruction of the square and all the buildings on it were built for this Order.
The church building was built on the site of an older Romanesque structure. The facade is decorated with a red and white Maltese cross. Above the portal is the Medici coat of arms, surrounded by balls and with the same Maltese cross. Externally, the church is designed in the Renaissance style.
The interior decoration of the church is very interesting and original. The vaults are decorated with frescoes, images of the Maltese cross in relief medallions, and sayings from Holy Scripture. The walls are decorated with Turkish banners and ship lanterns obtained in naval battles of the 16th - 18th centuries. The main altar is made of multi-colored marble with gilded sculptures.
- Address: Piazza dei Cavalieri.
- Opening hours: daily.
- Cost of visiting: free.
Medici Palace
It is located a few hundred meters southeast of Piazza Duomo. Construction began in the first quarter of the 13th century on the foundations of a building from the 11th century.
After the conquest of Pisa by Florence, the palace became the property of the Medici family. The King of France, Charles VIII, was a guest in this palace in 1494.
Since the end of the 19th century, restoration of the palace was carried out by order of the daughter of Vittorio Emmanuel II. As a result, it acquired a neo-Gothic appearance with arched windows and an attached turret with crenellated ends. The outer walls are clad in rough, uncut stone, giving it a rugged, warlike appearance. One of the corners of the building is decorated with the Medici family coat of arms.
The courtyard is surrounded by a gallery decorated with graceful columns. The palace itself is three-story. On the upper floor there were living rooms, on the lower floors there were magnificently decorated halls for holidays and celebrations. The palace had its own chapel, richly painted with frescoes. Now the palace houses the prefecture.
- Address: Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini, 7, 56127 Pisa PI, Italy
Art Museum Blue Palace (Palazzo Blu)
Located in the historical center of the city on the Arno River embankment. The palace is not characterized by architectural delights. It is especially noteworthy and original due to its unusual dark blue coloring, which was discovered during the restoration of the building.
This color is not typical for Italian architecture. After the reconstruction of the palace, it was sold in the 18th century to the head of the Greek-Russian College. Since cultural cooperation between Italy and Russia was greatly developed at that time, the Blue Palace was decorated in the style of St. Petersburg palaces and painted in the dark blue color characteristic of St. Petersburg architecture.
It currently hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events in Pisa. The main advantage of the Blue Palace is its interiors, which have preserved their original interiors and furnishings.
- Address: Lungarno Gambacorti 9.
- Opening hours: 10.00−15.00.
- Cost of visiting: free.
Piazza delle Vettovaglie
The formation of the square took place in the middle of the 16th century during the reign of the Medici dukes. They built a lot of new buildings in the city or reconstructed old ones.
Here was a very busy quarter, in which the palaces of the famous Visconti and Erisi families coexisted with merchants' shops and boarding houses.
The square has a quadrangular shape, surrounded by Renaissance-style galleries with arcades and columns topped with capitals. Grayish sandstone was used in the construction of the buildings.
It was adapted for a market where a large number of products were sold. To maintain cleanliness and hygiene, a fountain was built, fed from an aqueduct.
On the ground floors there were shops, the upper floors were occupied by residential premises for rent.
And in modern conditions, the square remains the shopping center of the city; there are many shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants on it.
- Address: Piazza delle Vettovaglie, 38, 56126 Pisa.
Palazzo al Borgo di Corliano
In a cozy valley between the cities of Lucca and Pisa there is a magnificent villa. Nearby is the small cozy town of San Giuliano Terme.
It was built for one of the rich merchants of Pisa as a summer residence. Next to the villa there are outbuildings dating back to the 17th century and of historical value. The facade is decorated with a gable porch with a niche in the center. The portal is surrounded by pilasters, with three arched windows on each side. In the center of the building there is a dome on a drum, in which arches are cut. The outer walls are painted with graffiti with various symbols and allegories.
The vaults of the central hall and lobby are painted with amazing frescoes of the 18th century with images of the signs of the zodiac, castles, and the villa itself. Around there is a large park of several hectares, which received its present appearance in the 19th century.
Church of St. Nicholas (Chiesa di San Nicola)
A few hundred meters south of Piazza Duomo is the Church of St. Nicholas. The first mentions of it are found in documents of the 11th century. It was made in the Romanesque-Pisan style. Stone from different quarries was used for construction, so the walls have a non-uniform color.
The façade was built in the 12th century. It is decorated with an entrance portal framed by pilasters, arched windows, and mosaics. At the top above the portal is a round rose window, typical of Gothic style. During the reconstruction carried out in the 17th century, the Chapel of the Sacrament and two side altars were built.
To the left of the entrance stands an amazing bell tower, not inferior in beauty to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. And it also has a slight bias. The octagonal tower is decorated with pilasters connected by arched arches. At the top there is a hexagonal belfry with arched windows. There is a bell hanging in each window. It ends with a cone-shaped dome. At the bottom, the belfry is surrounded by an arched gallery, which makes the bell tower look like the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The temple is decorated with the creations of masters of the Baroque era; statues of the 14th-15th centuries by Giovani and Nino Pisani are kept here.
- Address: Via Santa Maria, 2, 56126 Pisa PI
- Opening hours: from 9.00 to 18.00
- Cost of visit: free
Pretorio Palace
Next to the Ponte di Mezzo on the Galileo promenade is the Praetorian Palace. It was built in the Middle Ages, for some time it was the residence of the governor, the Academy of Arts and even a prison.
Built, as often happened in those days, by merging two towers. To make the association more harmonious, it was decided in 1785 to reconstruct the building. The façade was completely rebuilt, decorated with marble tiles and friezes, and a clock tower was installed.
Palazzo Pretorio has been destroyed several times throughout its history. In 1846 as a result of the earthquake and during the bombings of World War II. In the fifties, during restoration, it was strengthened with reinforced concrete structures, the portico along the facade was expanded, and the height of the tower itself was increased. Currently, the Palace houses the city library.
- Address: Lungarno Galileo Galilei, 43, Pisa, 56125, Italy.
Church of Sant'Antonio (Chiesa di Sant "Antonio Abate)
It was built in 1341 at the same time as the abbey. In 1392, a reconstruction was carried out, the results of which have not been preserved. At the beginning of the 15th century, the facade was decorated with a two-color marble group. The façade is decorated with three semicircular arches supported by white marble pilasters. The portal is decorated with a series of pilasters supporting tapering arches.
The upper tier, separated from the lower by a strict cornice, is decorated with a relief coat of arms with monograms. The tympanum of the pediment is smooth, without decorations.
The interior of the church is ascetic, without elaborate decorations. The walls are lined with gray-white stone with horizontal stripes. The main altar, made in the form of a central and two side niches, is decorated with a gilded crucifix against the backdrop of a pointed arched window and organ pipes. Our side ones are decorated with iconostases.
But of particular interest to tourists is the mural on the back wall of the church, made in 1989 by Keith Haring in the graffiti style and called “Tuttomondo”. Image size 1000×1800 centimeters.
- Address: Piazza Sant'Antonio, Pisa, Italy.
- Opening hours: daily.
- Cost of visiting: free.
Quarter of San Martino
In the southeast of the city is the quiet and modest district of San Martino. It runs parallel to the Galileo Galilei promenade and Via San Martino.
The main attraction of this area is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Chiesa di Santo Sepolcro). It is notable for the fact that it contained relics brought from Jerusalem and captured during the Crusades. With its octagonal appearance, the church resembles the Jerusalem Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount.
The undoubted decoration of the quarter is the Lanfranchi Palace - one of the oldest and most beautiful palazzos in the city. Famous for the large reliefs depicting coats of arms that decorate its walls.
In the same block is one of the favorite recreational spots of the townspeople, the magnificent Scotto Garden, or as it is also called Cittadella Nuova.
Via San Martino can be proud of a large number of beautiful palaces - Palazzo Cervoli, Palazzo Tizzoni.
In the silence from the main tourist routes, you can fully enjoy the beauty and spirit of the medieval city.
Natural Park "San Rossore Massaciucoli"
The park is located on territory previously occupied by swamps and creeks on the sea coast of two provinces - Pisa and Lucca. The Arno and Serchio rivers, overflowing, gradually brought soil here from the upper reaches. Under the Medici Dukes, land reclamation work was already carried out on these fields.
The ecosystem of this park is rich in diversity. It combines coniferous forests, loose dunes, and luxurious beaches. The best beaches are considered to be Marina de Vecchiano and Tirrenia. Significant wetland areas are the San Rossore marshes and Lake Massaciuccoli.
The characteristic features of the park are the richness of reliefs, including dunes, swamps, beaches, cultivated areas, and forests. This allows numerous birds and wild animals to live freely in this territory.
On the territory of the Natural Park there are three villages, the residents of which are engaged in traditional types of economic activities: livestock breeding, sheep breeding, collecting pine nuts, and agricultural activities. Also famous are the horse races held every year in the village of San Rossore.
Palazzo dei Lanfranchi
The name of the palace comes from the aristocratic Lanfranchi family, which bought and restored the house in 1539.
The palace is a striking example of medieval architecture of Pisan - the result of combining several tower houses at the turn of the 13th-14th centuries into a single whole.
The façade was designed according to the wishes of the Lanfranchi family and retains some Renaissance elements. The building's masonry features modern white stone in stark contrast to the ancient brick walls.
The entrance portal is framed by stacked columns supporting the balcony. Above it is a relief coat of arms. The windows are framed by pilasters and stacked columns.
Now the palace houses the city Graphics Museum, which has a permanent exhibition and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions.
- Address: Lungarno Galilei, 9 - Palazzo Lanfranchi 56100 Pisa
- Opening hours: from 10.30 to 18.30
- Cost of visit: 3 euros.
Palazzo Cevoli
One of the luxurious palaces that adorn Via San Martino is Palazzo Cevoli. Since the 18th century, it belonged to a wealthy Pisan family, originally from the village of the same name among the Tuscan hills.
The palace building combines two towers, which are relatively well preserved. The façade is decorated with several columns on which arches rest. The windows are decorated with platbands and cornices. The interiors are richly decorated with frescoes.
During the renovation work, fragments of 14th-century frescoes with images of saints' heads were discovered.
The Danish king Federico IV, who was in Florence not only on a political but also a romantic visit, lived for some time in Palazzo Cevoli. In honor of this visit, inscriptions in Latin were made on the pediment.
- Address: Via San Martino, 108, Pisa, Italy.
Italian elegance, unique atmosphere, friendliness, comfort and coziness - this is what modern Pisa means!
Pisa (Italy) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Pisa with descriptions, guides and maps.
City of Pisa (Italy)
In 1564, the great Galileo was born here, who taught at the local university, which is one of the oldest educational institutions in the world. Until the 18th century, Pisa was a provincial Tuscan city without much political influence. The impetus for further growth and development was the drainage of nearby swamps, the elimination of foci of malaria and the development of light industry. In 1944, during the fighting, the areas south of the Arno River were heavily damaged.
How to get there
Galileo Galilei International Airport is located near Pisa and is served by approximately 18 airlines. It is easy and simple to get to the city by train/bus from Florence, Rome, Livorno, Genoa.
Attractions
The most important attractions of Pisa (some of them are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites).
Campo dei Miracoli or Field of Miracles is an area north of central Pisa where the city's most famous attractions are concentrated.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the famous leaning tower, the main symbol of Pisa. It was conceived as a cathedral bell tower. It was built over almost two centuries from the 12th century. The height of the tower is more than 50 meters, and the deviation from the axis is at least 4% (this value was changed in 2001 during work to prevent the tower from falling, when the deviation reached 5.5%). The slope of this structure appeared during construction. After this, its construction was stopped. Almost 100 years later, construction was resumed again, but the “fall” could not be corrected. An open bell tower was added to the white marble tower in 1350-72 by Tommaso Pisano. Entrance to the observation deck is paid.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is a grand cathedral in the Romanesque style, made of white marble. Construction began in the 11th century after the victory over the Saracens. The decorated arcades of the magnificent facade continue around the side walls, and its transepts end in small apses that extend well beyond the aisles. The cathedral is topped with a dome. The main attraction of the interior is the pulpit of Giovanni Pisano.
The baptistery is located to the west of the cathedral. The construction of this structure lasted for two centuries from 1153. That is why the baptistery combines the features of Romanesque and Gothic styles. This is a beautiful marble building topped with a dome. The main treasure of the interior is the magnificent pulpit by Pisano and the amazing acoustics.
Campo Santo (Sacred Field) is a monastery and ancient cemetery formed in the 13th century after Archbishop Ubaldo dei Lanfranchi brought back the soil of Golgotha from the Fourth Crusade. The tombs of noble inhabitants of Pisa and Roman sarcophagi are located here. The walls were decorated with frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries, which were significantly damaged in 1944.
Santa Maria della Spina is a church on the left bank of the Arno River, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in Pisa. It was built of marble in the Gothic style in 1871.
The Palazzo dei Cavalieri or the Palace of the Elders is a historical building on the square of the same name. The building was built in the 16th century according to the design of Giorgio Vasari. The façade is decorated with busts of six Medici princes. In front of the building is a statue of Cosimo I by Piero Francavilla. On the north side of Piazza dei Cavalieri is the Palazzo dell'Orológio, built in 1607 for the Order of St. Stephen and including the remains of two early medieval tower houses.
San Piero a Grado is a 10th-century Romanesque basilica located near the old port. The interior of the church is decorated with frescoes, and excavations confirm the presence of an earlier Christian church and even ancient Roman buildings.
The Blue Palace is a historical building that houses art collections from the 16th to the 20th centuries.
Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri - was designed by Vasari in the 16th century. This is a church with a beautiful marble facade and rarities of the Order of St. Stephen.
What else to see in Pisa:
- Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza XX Settembre are two opposite squares. From Piazza Garibaldi begins Borgo Stretto, an old street with many shops that, together with Corso Italia, starting on the opposite side of Piazza XX Settembre, create a pedestrian area (interrupted only by a bridge) that is considered the center of the city.
- Santo Sepolcro is a Romanesque octagonal church with the conical spire of Diotalvi.
- The Archbishops' Palace is an important historical building that contains works of art.
- San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno is one of the oldest churches in Pisa with a Romanesque façade, completed by Pisano.
- The Church of San Nicola is an ancient church from the 11th century, built by the Augustinians.
It is assumed that the city was founded by the Greeks, then it became Etruscan, and from 193 BC. came under Roman rule. Thanks to the significant port of Pisa in the 11th century. in competition with Genoa and Venice, it became one of the first maritime and trading powers in the Mediterranean. Successful wars against the Saracens and participation in the Crusades brought the maritime republic wealth and vast possessions throughout the Mediterranean. Trade and crafts flourished, and citizens ruled the republic under the protection of the emperor. With the construction of the cathedral in 1063, a new era in Tuscan art begins. In 1220, Nicolo Pisano, the great innovator of Renaissance art, was appointed chief sculptor; and his son Giovanni and student Arnolfo di Cambio combined in their work the features of Pisan and Florentine art. The decline of the Staufen era entailed the fall of the city, which supported the Ghibellines. And in 1284, the Pisan fleet suffered a crushing defeat from Genoa near the island of Meloria, and the port of Pisa was blocked by the enemy. The city lost all its possessions and trade connections; internal strife led to the fact that in 1406 Florence took possession of Pisa. And the economic recession caused many wealthy families to leave the city: the number of residents decreased to 3 thousand.
When at the end of the 17th century. Livorno became the main port of Tuscany, Pisa finally lost its importance. Due to river sediments deposited over centuries, the coastline has shifted, and today Pisa is 10 km from the sea.
What to see
Square of Miracles in Pisa
Campo dei Mnracoli, or “Field of Miracles”, is the rightful name for the Cathedral Square, which is surrounded on both sides by the expanded in the 11th century. city wall. Since 1987, the square has been included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. The Cathedral, the Leaning Tower, the Baptistery and the Camposanto, the monumental cemetery, are all built of shining white marble and form an ensemble of incomparable beauty and completeness.
Cathedral
Cathedral, built in 1063-1118. after the victory over the Saracens at sea at Palermo and restored after a fire in 1597-1604, it was the first sacral building in Italy in which a Romanesque basilica was connected to a transverse nave and a dome over a cross in the shape of an ellipse. Buschetto's project combined early Christian, Byzantine, Lombard, Arabic and ancient architectural elements. The façade, completed in 1200, with four tiers of loggias with columns and arches is particularly striking. The bronze doors of the main entrance were created in 1595 in the workshop of Giambologna, the doors of St. Ranieri of the southern transverse nave - Bonanno Pisano. The reliefs on the doors depict scenes from the life of Christ. The interior of the cathedral is divided by five naves, their columns are a bit reminiscent of a mosque; antique columns - a military trophy of Pisa - run along the sides of the longitudinal nave. Above the middle nave is a coffered ceiling in the Renaissance style, shining with abundant gilding. The free-standing pulpit is the creation of Giovanni Pisano. It was restored in 1926, not entirely authentically, but still remains one of the significant monuments of Gothic sculpture. On the reliefs, superbly executed dynamic figurative compositions represent scenes from the New Testament and the Last Judgment. The female figures in the lower supporting part of the pulpit are interpreted as symbols of Faith, Love and Hope. The apse of the cathedral is decorated with a mosaic of the 13th-14th centuries; Cimabue also took part in the work on it: the head of St. John the Evangelist is his work. The right transverse nave is closed by the magnificent tomb chapel of St. Rainer, the patron saint of the city.
The Baptistery was built in 1152-1278. designed by Diotisalvi and Giovanni Pisano. A Gothic-style vestibule (drum), covered with a conical dome, was added around 1360. In the early lower floors of the baptistery one can find architectural echoes of the cathedral. The spacious and high interior with stunning acoustics features a marble font by Guido Bigarelli from Como, as well as a free-standing pulpit, a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture created in 1260 by Nicolo Pisano. His innovative sculptural compositions later became a model for similar works in Pisa.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
To the east of the cathedral rises the famous Leaning Tower, built in 1173-1350. and today attributed to Gherardo before Gherardo. Its architectural design, like the façade of the cathedral, uses tiered galleries with columns. Due to the pliable, loose soil, the tower began to lean even during construction, so that work was suspended in 1185, and when it was resumed in 1275, the axis of the tower had already moved away from the vertical. The deviation today is approximately 5° 30" to the southeast; on the north side the height of the tower is 56.6 m, and on the south - 54.25 m. The tower was closed to the public for a long time. However, recent work to strengthen it has been successful After the tower was first stabilized with a counterweight and a safety belt, over 7 cubic meters of earth was removed from the north side. Little by little, the tower tilted back to the north. At the end of 2001, it straightened out to 43 cm, its current tilt corresponds to slope in the middle of the 18th century. Now you can climb the Leaning Tower again.
Camposanto Cemetery
Tradition says that Archbishop Ubaldo Lanfranchi brought from the Crusade (1203) many ships loaded with earth from Calvary so that the citizens of Pisa could be buried in the Holy Land. The monumental cemetery of Camposanto in the northern part of the Cathedral Square began to be founded in 1277 under Giovanni di Simone in the form of a cross gallery in the Tuscan Gothic style. Its length was 126 m, width - 52 m. But the work was completed only in 1463. The white marble circular halls towards the green courtyard open with high windows with tracery ornaments. Tombstones are built into the floor, and on the sides are “reused” antique sarcophagi and Etruscan tombstones. Some Etruscan, Roman and medieval sculptures, installed at the beginning of the 19th century, have high artistic merit. In the XIV-XV centuries. the walls of Camposanto were painted with frescoes by famous artists such as Benozzo Gozzoli and Taddeo Gaddi. During an Allied bombardment on July 27, 1944, molten lead pouring from the roof destroyed most of the frescoes; they were later removed, restored and are now exhibited in the northern wing of the building.
Sinopia Museum
Sinopia - the term refers to red-brown chalk; sinopia was applied to fresh plaster before frescoes were created. During restoration, sinopia is usually found with iodine in the top layer of paint. In the museum on the south side of Cathedral Square, the sinopias discovered during the restoration can be clearly seen. In the former home of the cathedral canons on the eastern edge of Cathedral Square, the Cathedral Museum displays magnificent works of art collected from various buildings in the Cathedral complex. The treasury of the cathedral is especially valuable.
Other attractions of Pisa
Having fully enjoyed the wonders, you should escape the crowds and wander through the peaceful streets of the old city, admiring the medieval palaces and university buildings. Admire graceful bridges and beautiful churches, including the Gothic masterpiece Santa Maria della Spina on the banks of the Arno, and the octagonal Santa Agata Chapel.
Parking
Pisa has many one-way streets and few parking areas. The easiest way is to park in the area near the cathedral.
Combined tickets
Combination tickets can be purchased to visit the cathedral, the baptistery, the Monumental Cemetery and the cathedral museum (Museo dell"Opera dell"Duomo).
Holidays
Regatta St. Rapieri (St. Rainer, Regatta di San Ranieri) The rowing regatta, in which four districts of the city compete, takes place on June 17.
Purchases
Pleasant discoveries are prepared by the antiques fair, which takes place every second weekend of the month at Piazza XX Settembre. Elegant shops open under the arcades of Borgo Stretto.
When to come
“Field of Miracles” is crowded with people during the summer holidays. It is better to go here in June or September.
Should know
If you want to climb the 294 steps to the recently fortified leaning tower, you will have to buy a ticket and wait in line for about two hours.
Neighborhoods of Pisa
San Piero a Grado
As the legend goes, during a trip to Rome in 44 AD. The Apostle Peter descended to earth in a place later named after him - San Piero a Grado - at that time located on the coast 5 km southwest of Pisa. Here he founded the Ecclesia ad gradus (church on the steps). The three-nave basilica - fragments of a previous ancient structure were found under it - dates back to the 11th century. When in the 12th century. the western façade collapsed and was replaced by an apse. The frescoes were painted by Deodato Orlande around 1300; below are portraits of popes, in the center are scenes from the life of the Apostle Peter, and above is Heavenly Jerusalem.
Coast
The coast between Viareggio and Livorno is occupied by a natural park - a wetland with dense bushes. Rare species of animals are found here. Sandy beaches extend from Marina di Pisa to the south.
Calci
Calci (13 km east of Pisa) is worth a visit because of the church of Santi Giovanni e Ermolao, built in the 12th-13th centuries. in the style of Pisan Gothic. And on the eastern outskirts of the town, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Certosa di Pisa - the Carthusian monastery; its most beautiful baroque part dates back to the 17th-18th centuries. Both cloisters (XV and XVI centuries) and the Baroque church with a domed fresco by S. Kassiani deserve special attention. In the northern part of the monastery complex there is a museum of natural history and local history of the University of Pisa (exhibitions on zoology, mineralogy, geology, paleontology).
Inquiries
Piazza Arcivescovado 8 56125 Pisa;
Tel.: 0 50 56 04 64;
Fax: 0 50 92 97 64;
www.pisaturismo.it
Pisa is once a port city located 10 km from the Ligurian Sea. In the past, it had important strategic and commercial importance in the life of Italy and competed with such significant port cities as Venice or Genoa due to its access to the sea.
Today, Pisa is a world-famous tourist city, where all fans of Italian architecture come to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa with their own eyes.
Photo: Rosty McFly / Shutterstock.com
But when planning a trip to Pisa, rest assured that the “leaning tower” is by no means the only asset of this ancient city. As in most Italian cities, tourists can see historical architectural monuments, magnificent houses, churches, cathedrals and towers built in past centuries on literally every street.
The most famous attractions are located in the main Square of Miracles, where the famous Pisa Cathedral, the baptistery and the monumental cemetery are located.
And, of course, the city is simply filled with the unique Italian flavor of elegance, magic and significant historical heritage.
Location and population of the city
Pisa is part of the Tuscany region and the administrative center of the province of Pisa. The city borders the province of Lucca, the city of Siena, Florence and Livorno. Consists of 39 municipalities.
Pisa is located a few kilometers from the Tyrrhenian coast and covers an area of about 185 square meters. The city space is divided by the Arno River.
The total population of Pisa is approximately 100,000 people, most of whom are students at the University of Pisa, which is one of the oldest universities in Italy.
Climate in Pisa
Since Pisa is located in the south of Italy, it is characterized by a Mediterranean climate.
During the summer months, temperatures in Pisa can rise to 30 degrees, and most of the time the weather is sunny with minimal rain. If we add to this a significant influx of tourists, then many hours of walking around the city in the summer may not be suitable for everyone.
Many tourists prefer to come here in the spring, when it is not yet so hot, but it is very sunny and the numerous gardens begin to open up in all their splendor, which makes walking around Pisa as comfortable as possible.
The weather here is also favorable for travelers in the fall, however, you can find yourself here on a few days of heavy rain.
Photo: Kiev.Victor / Shutterstock.com
But in winter, on the contrary, the weather can be unpredictable, it rains a lot, the city is often covered in fog, the air temperature stays around 3 degrees.
How to get to Pisa
The easiest way to get to Pisa depends on your departure location.
This famous tourist city has its own airport, named after the great Galileo Galilei. International airlines fly here directly from Italian cities and from a large number of cities in other countries. These include large air carriers and numerous low-cost airlines.
Also from the main railway station of Pisa - Pisa Centrale - you can travel by train from Rome (travel time is about 3.5 hours), Milan (also about 4 hours), Genoa (approximately 2 hours travel time), Livorno (about 15 minutes) , Florence (about 1.5 hours), Pistoia (about one hour), Lucca (travel time about half an hour).
If you are vacationing in the resort town of Rimini, you can organize a short trip to Pisa also by train, with two transfers.
How to get from Pisa to other cities
Read our articles on how to get to other cities from Pisa:
Airport in Pisa
All planes arriving in Pisa land at Galileo Galilei International Airport. In addition to a large number of major airlines, numerous low-cost airlines also fly to Galileo Galilei Airport - Easy Jet, Air Baltic, Wizz Air, Vueling and others.
Therefore, many tourists come to this airport in order to easily get by bus to other nearby cities - Siena or Florence.
The airport is very close to the historical center of Pisa - just 4 km. Therefore, you can quickly get to Pisa by train or bus, or you can rent a car or order a transfer from the airport. Convenient transport links are organized in such a way that trains and buses depart every 10 minutes.
Transport in Pisa
Since Pisa is a fairly small city, and the main attractions are located in the central Square of Miracles, the best way to get acquainted with the culture, history and atmosphere of the city is simply by walking around it.
Photo: Judah Grubb / Shutterstock.com
You can also rent a bicycle, the cost of such rental will be about 10 euros per day.
Car rental in Pisa
If you prefer not to adapt to public transport schedules, then it is better to rent a car in Pisa. This way you can see all the sights on your own, create your own route around the city and easily get from one part of Pisa to another.
If you rent a car, you won’t have to study the bus schedule, look for stops and buy tickets.
You can compare prices and rent a car at www.rentalcars.com.
Cafes and restaurants in Pisa
As in most Italian cities, cafes and restaurants in the central square are overpriced and the food is not the most delicious. It's best to head to nearby areas where Italians themselves dine and where the food is truly excellent value for money.
Photo: Catarina Belova / Shutterstock.com
A large number of excellent restaurants in Pisa are also located on Via San Martino, Via Mercanti, or in the Piazza delle Vettovaglie area.
Shopping
If you suddenly find yourself in Pisa in winter, when the city is often foggy and a cold, piercing wind blows, then it’s time to go shopping. Fortunately, there is definitely no shortage of fashion boutiques and shops in Pisa.
There are many neighborhoods in Pisa dedicated to shopping lovers, where you can buy literally everything, from stylish clothes, bags, high-quality Italian shoes to world-famous elegant Italian jewelry.
The main part of the brand stores is located on the streets of Borgo Stretto and Corsa Italia.
Luminara Festival in Pisa
If you want to truly feel the spirit of the city and find yourself at the same time at a bright and spectacular event, while not being afraid of the summer heat, then do not miss the city holiday, which is celebrated on June 17.
On this day, the famous Luminara festival takes place here. Just imagine, the already stunningly beautiful city illuminated at sunset with the light of a thousand candles! The holiday, dedicated to the patron saint of the city, Saint Rainier, is accompanied by various performances, concerts and fireworks.
How to save money on a hotel in Pisa
If you are a true fan of Italian culture, then stopping in this city for a couple of hours is definitely not for you.
In order not only to take a photo next to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but also to stroll along the wonderful streets of this city and see its other attractions, you need to spend at least several days here.
When choosing a place to stay, pay attention to hotels located in the very center: from your room window you can see the main attraction of the city every morning. If you prefer to live away from the tourist bustle, then look at accommodation options in areas more distant from the center.
Compare prices and book a suitable hotel profitably on the website www.roomguru.ru.
This aggregator combines offers from various booking systems (Booking, Agoda, Ostrovok), so you can choose a hotel at the lowest cost.
