Pisa, the Tuscan town, stands just before where the Arno River empties into the Ligurian Sea. Before becoming a Roman naval base, Pisa was home to Ligurians. It first became a Roman colony in 180 BCE, and by 313 C.E., it had become a Christian bishopric. The city survived the collapse of the Roman Empire to remain the principal urban center of Tuscany.
Pisa is pretty much on all tourists’ to-do lists when visiting Italy. It boasts over 20 historical churches and beautiful historical buildings. Besides being located in beautiful Tuscany, an easy drive from Florence, Siena, Lucca, or the Ligurian Sea, it has that world-famous leaning tower that attracts tourists to take silly pictures. Pisa is also home to several world-class museums and beautiful scenery along the Arno River.
The historic city is worth much more than a brief stopover and offers a great starting point for exploring Tuscany.
CAMPO DEI MIRACOLI, PISA
Since 1987, the Square of Miracles has been recognized by Unesco as a world heritage site, making it a Pisa landmark and a premier attraction. The square in Pisa used to be known as Piazza del Duomo until the Italian writer and poet Gabriele d’Annunzio called it Prato Dei Miracoli, or “meadow of miracles,” in a novel written in 1910. Today, the square of miracles is called the Campo Dei Miracoli, which means Field of Miracles.
Since the time of the Etruscans, the three buildings in the square have represented the stages of life. The Baptistery, the round, domed structure next to the church, symbolizes birth. I have to confess this is my most favored structure in the square. There is a sense that someone went completely overboard with the exterior decoration, but the intricate carvings on the marble are simply phenomenal. Inside, the circular space with its columns, the marble floor, and the views from the top are simple but stunning. The second sight on the Campo Dei Miracoli is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, known as the Duomo de Pisa, the symbol of life.
The place opened to the people on 26 September 1118. It is a truly magnificent building inside and out. The facade is striped and columned, and its interior shines with rich ornamentation. It has a high, golden wood ceiling and plenty of golden decor; the cathedral is stunning. An absolute highlight is the intricate marble pulpit by sculptor Giovanni Pisano.
Then, the prominent structure within the piazza is the Monumental Cemetery, which stands to the side of the cathedral. Campo Santo symbolizes death. This complex monument features a beautiful and peaceful interior courtyard. The interior hallway of the main building is bathed in light and features some beautiful frescoes. Then, there is a large, flowery lawn in the yard, and the outside walls feature ornate arches that create a charming and photogenic scene. And then there is the popular Leaning Tower of Pisa, the main reason people visit Pisa.
The Campanile or bell tower of Pisa Cathedral is a beautiful structure, but it has been made famous for its noticeable tilt. It was constructed in the 12th century after the cathedral and soon discovered that the foundations were unstable, so the building began to lean. The tower still leans to this day, and measures continue to ensure it never collapses. The tower is not just a great place to take funny pictures, but its architecture is breathtaking. There are six rows of stone arches, and it is simply stunning. Moreover, it offers a surreal tilted view of the surrounding city from its top.
PALAZZO DEI CAVALIERI
The city’s main attraction is Palazzo dei Cavalieri, constructed in the 16th century and originally served as the headquarters of the Knights of Saint Stephen. The second most important square in Pisa, Knights Square, is commonly referred to as the Palazzo Della Carovana. Today, it is an education center and houses the Scuola Normale di Pisa, a higher learning institution within the University. The front façade of this palace is magnificent and features some spectacular decoration on the stonework. There is also a large central staircase leading up to the main doors and a series of stone statues representing the Dukes of Tuscany.
MUSEO NAZIONALE DI SAN MATTEO
The National Museum of San Matteo is the most prized attraction of the city and features some stunning artifacts and sculptures. If you are considering learning a little about the history of this fine city, this museum is the place to visit. Notable objects include original works of sculpture from the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Baptistery and some exquisite paintings from the 12th and 13th centuries.
If you choose to visit a museum during your stay in Pisa, make sure it is this one!
BORGO STRETTO
Borgo Stretto is one of the main shopping drags in Pisa, offering stores for everything from commercial high-street brands to luxury labels. It unfolds between the lovely old buildings where the lanes to either side open to little squares and courtyards, plus plenty of small cafes and restaurants. Try not just to shop but stroll, and veer off to the sides occasionally as you see. What else? Eat cecina! The lean gluten-free bread with chickpea flour, water, oil, salt, and black pepper. You can eat the cecina alone or in a schiacciatina, a flatbread. A real treat you must try!
THE ARNO IN PISA
While you’re finishing up your sightseeing, you might want to stroll alongside the River Arno, one of Italy’s main rivers. Pisa also sits around the waterway. This river stretches for 241 km and has its source at Mount Falterona. In central Pisa, five beautiful bridges span across the Arno. The Lungarno Mediceo and Galileo Galilei run parallel to the river. The houses and architecture create a gorgeous backdrop for photographs in this part of Pisa. A walk along the Arno through Pisa provides a breathtaking view and a memorable experience.
