Pisa

Pisa, Italy

Pisa is strategically located in the central part of Italy, at only 12 km from the Ligurian Sea, 20 km from the harbour of Livorno and the ferries heading to the Elba Island, Sardinia and Corsica, and 80 km from Florence.

This city is closely associated with the Leaning Tower, but it also preserves, along with the whole complex of Piazza dei Miracoli - UNESCO World Heritage Site - and its medieval centre, numerous masterpieces of architecture and medieval history.

The area around Pisa is also excellent for farm holidays, trekking, beaches and water sports on the Versilian coast.

Population:

90,500

Currency:

1 Euro = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Carabinieri: 112
Police: 113
Fire brigade: 115
Ambulance: 118

Opening Hours:

Shops in Pisa are usually open between 9:00-12:30 and 15:30-19:30 (closed on Sundays).

Newspapers:

La Nazione
Il Tirreno
Corriere della Sera
La Repubblica
La Stampa
Il Sole24ore

The City

You say Pisa and you immediately think of the Leaning Tower, one of the most famous monuments in the world. But Pisa is much more than just its tower, it is also home to the extraordinary complex of buildings known as the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), with its magnificent cathedral and baptistery. Step away from the tower and you’ll discover the old town with Renaissance palaces, medieval tower-houses, churches in Romanesque and Gothic style, the Botanic Gardens (one of the oldest in Europe, recently restored), and the River Arno, which you can admire by walking through old streets called Lungarni.

Pisa was the birthplace of Gailileo Galilei and hosts an important university, founded in 1338, and the Scuola Normale Superiore, opened in 1813. As an Etruscan settlement and a Roman town, Pisa formed part of the Longobardo Kingdom, and then of the Carolingio Empire before becoming part of Italy after 1861. The medieval period coincided with the peak of Pisa’s economic and political power. Pisa was one of the four Italian coastal republics until it was annexed to the Ducato of Tuscany in 1406.

Pisa is the starting point to discover the province, with its unspoilt and well-preserved landscape. Do not miss a visit to San Miniato (50 km), Volterra (65 km), San Gimignano (80 km) and Florence (105 km).

Do & See

The boat service in Pisa will let you enjoy the architectural scenery of the Lungarni, or the natural beauty of the nearby San Rossore Natural Park, in which several important racecourses and dressage competitions take place.

Pisa celebrates traditional events such as the fascinating “Luminara” (a candlelight festival), the historical "Regata" (a boat race on the River Arno) and the “Gioco del Ponte” (an ancient contest on the Ponte di Mezzo). The three of them take place every year in June.

An alternative could be a festival of international sacred music called “Anima Mundi”, taking place between September and October in the Cathedral and Monumental Cemetery.

Dining

In Pisa you can find typical meat-based and fish-based Tuscan cuisine. You should try the characteristic chickpea soup together with the so-called sciocco (unsalted) bread and the famous local olive oil. Home-made pasta is another must.

Cafes

In Italy, coffee is just as important as pasta. If you want to act like a local when ordering your coffee, there are some unwritten rules you should keep in mind.

- Cappuccino, Caffelatte or any other kind of coffee based on milk should only be drunk in the mornings.
- When you order an espresso, don't use the word espresso, which actually is just a technical phrase. Ask the barista for simply "un caffè".
- Last but not least, when ordering "un caffè" you don't sit down. Stand at the bar and have your coffee while standing.

Whether you feel like blending in or sitting down at a table, there are plenty of cafes to choose from in Pisa.