Pisa, photos, history, transport, climate, what to see - ItalyMe. The city of Pisa and its main attractions with a description and photo Pisa about the city for children

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 square houses the Palace of the Order of Knights (Palazzo della Carovana), 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!

Although many believe that Pisa- a city of one attraction, Italy can be proud of the Pisans and the unique, distinctive culture that they managed to create.

Pisa: City of the Leaning Tower

Even those who have difficulty guessing the existence of the city of Pisa will answer the question without hesitation, what made the Leaning Tower of Pisa famous. The most famous bell tower in Europe has been inexorably leaning towards the ground for nine long centuries under the influence of subsidence and the armor-piercing gaze of tourists. At first glance it seems that if not for the popularity Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa itself would be lost in the list of other unremarkable Tuscan towns. Let's check if this is true!

What to see in Pisa besides the tower?

It is a shame that the world knows Pisa solely by its unofficial symbol. In fact, this is an interesting ancient city, fraught with many secrets and mysteries, as the photos with the name and description of the sights of Pisa will convince you of.

Sights of Pisa

• Remember how Alice the fox and Basilio the cat invited Pinocchio to the Field of Miracles? I don’t know about the field, but there is a Square of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli) in Pisa. It is here that the Leaning Tower of Pisa is located, which does not stand on its own, but is included in the complex of the Pisa Cathedral as a bell tower. And the square is truly a miracle of miracles: wherever you look, it’s a masterpiece of architecture! Ancient Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary(Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta) was built in the medieval Romanesque style and amazes with its grandeur. When you get inside, it simply takes your breath away from the feeling of the infinity of the revealed space that arises thanks to the arched composition and the alternation of white and black marble.

  Did you know? Under the dome of the cathedral there is a chandelier, which local guides stubbornly call “Galileo’s lamp” (Lampada di Galileo). Of course, the great Galileo did not make this lamp and did not even write by its light, but, as they say, looking at its swinging, he developed the theory of pendulum oscillations. We cannot prove this, and therefore we will not refute it!

  
  
• This is also where Baptistery of St. John(Battistero di San Giovanni) - according to art historians, the largest baptistery in Italy (its height is almost 55 meters). The zest of the structure is given by the obvious mixture of stylistic eras: they began to build the baptistery in Romanesque, and finished it in Gothic, so it stands on a base of rounded, restrained Romanesque arches, and the second and third tier stretch with all their might towards the sky with pointed carved teeth.
  
• In the north of the square there is Campo Santo cemetery, or "Holy Field"(Campo Santo), in the center of which, according to legend, there is a capsule with earth brought from Golgotha ​​itself during the Crusades.
  
• Not far from the Square of Miracles on the picturesque embankment of the Arno River there is Agostini Palace(Palazzo Agostini), famous not only for its magnificent facade, decorated with intricate reliefs made of baked clay, but also for the café “Caffé dellUssero” located within its walls, where scientists and cultural figures have been gathering for 300 years. In the same building is the oldest Italian cinema, Cinema Lumiére, where sound films have been screened since 1906.
  
• Even more palaces on Knights Square(Piazza dei Cavalieri), which is no less interesting than the neighboring Square of Miracles, but much less flooded with annoying tourists. Here are the Palace of the Clocks (Palazzo dell’ Orologio) with a belfry on the roof, the Palace of the Order of St. Stephen (Palazzo della Carovana) and two small ancient churches.
  
• Palaces are palaces, but you want to taste Pisan life as it is! When you go wandering around the city, be sure to check out Borgo Stretto quarter. There are no cars here at all: the narrow streets allow you to move around on foot, or at most by bicycle. But there are more than enough cafes and restaurants, so sit at tables right in the open air and enjoy the aromatic and refined Tuscan cuisine to the fullest. Pisa serves spicier food than throughout Tuscany. Here you must try the San Michele white bean soup (minestra di fagioli bianchi di San Michele), frog soup (zuppa di ranocchi) and Pisa soup (zuppa pisana). For dessert, ask for Torta co’ bischeri - this is the most popular delicacy in Pisa, but it is prepared according to a special, centuries-old recipe and exclusively during the holidays of the Ascension, St. Michael the Archangel and during the spring fair.

Temples of Pisa

There are a huge number of ancient temples in Pisa, each of them has its own special flavor.

Museums of Pisa

No matter how much of a fan of walking excursions you are, sooner or later you will still want to take a breather in some cool place. The ideal solution to this problem is Pisa museums for every taste and color: here you can take a break from the frantic tourist race and learn a lot of interesting things.

What to see in 1 day in Pisa?

Pisa is a small city, its population does not even reach 100 thousand, so with a strong desire and proper organization of time, you can get acquainted with the main attractions of Pisa on your own in one day.

• Start your walking tour with Victor Emmanuel II Square(Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II) - this is especially convenient for those tourists who arrive in Pisa by train, because the square is located across the road from the train station. Stroll the streets of Pisa, go to the Arno embankment and move along it, admiring the beautiful architecture of cathedrals and palaces.
• Of course, include it in your must-see list Square of Miracles, Cathedral, Baptistery and, if you are not afraid, be sure to climb Leaning Tower of Pisa- this is exactly what most travelers frantically strive for in Pisa.
• To be in Italy and not experience the art of sweet-voiced bel canto performers? Well, I do not! Be sure to visit in the evening Verdi Theater(Teatro Verdi di Pisa) is one of the most beautiful opera houses in Italy: the creators of the theater generously decorated it with mosaics, columns and paintings. The theater's repertoire includes sold-out classical and modern opera performances, and the auditorium is filled not only with avid music lovers, but also with tourists most interested in Italian culture.

Where to go in Pisa with children

If you are traveling with children and are afraid that by the end of the day they will howl with boredom, trailing behind you from Romanesque temple to Gothic temple, think in advance about how you can brighten up such an unenviable fate for your children.

• At the Sunlight Park amusement park Both children and adults will like it. There is a full-fledged water park, an area for children, and cozy cafes.
• In the entertainment center Labirinto di mais di San Rossore you will be invited to walk through a real corn field, and not just a simple one, but with a puzzling maze in the center.
• If the little brats don't run out of steam in the maze, take them to park Il Pineto Parco Avventura: let them have fun on the bungee and walk along the suspension bridges among the treetops - isn’t this what we all dreamed of in childhood?

Amusement Park Sunlight Park

The city of Pisa and its main attractions on video

Of course, the Leaning Tower of Pisa will not give up its primacy in the tourism market for a long time, but it’s worth thinking about: aren’t we losing too much by focusing on popular attractions? Enjoy watching!

Travel, like life, becomes much more multifaceted if you are not afraid to look for something new, unfamiliar, unexplored, and believe me, this is exactly what awaits you in Pisa!

Travel notes, day 2

Only very simple people who know nothing more about Pisa can go to Pisa just to look at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. These people often spend only a few hours in the city and leave without seeing or learning anything else. When I first came to Pisa, that's exactly what I did. I arrived, looked at the tower and left, immediately forgetting everything like a bad dream. I would never have returned here if it weren’t for Anton Borisovich Nosik:

“Another 26 million Chinese and Italians follow the same path every year. This is a well-trodden path - it’s like coming to Moscow, seeing Red Square and returning to the airport (and according to the behavior of the Kremlin’s GPS, both are located in Vnukovo). If you understand that Moscow is not just Red Square, then there should be the same awareness about Pisa. In addition to the tower, there is stunning architecture, museums, antiquity, history - all this is in abundance here. But all this is poorly documented, and this you need to figure it out on your own. There are no serious documents left about the Pisan Republic except for the “Divine Comedy”. But the traces of past times are very well preserved here. There are churches in the style of the Proto-Renaissance here in every gateway.

In addition to history, Pisa also has such an interesting phenomenon as modern Italy. Pisa is a very good city to live in, it is the exact opposite of Venice. It is a very small, calm and cheap city, but at the same time absolutely cosmopolitan and university. In Venice, the majority of the population is people 80+. And in Pisa, the majority of residents are young people, students and teachers. Half of the largest buildings in the city are universities, so Pisa has a youthful and cheerful feel. At the same time, tourists do not spoil the internal market of Pisa at all, as happens in Rome and Venice. Because the bulk of normal business in Pisa is still focused on locals. This can be seen in the prices of coffee, food, clothing and everything else. The main buyer in Pisa is local, not tourists. For tourists there are only clay towers of Pisa on the refrigerator. And if a tourist wants to buy shorts, then no one will rip off a lot of money from him just because he is a tourist. If in Moscow these shorts cost 50 dollars, then in Pisa they are sold for 10 euros."

01. There are wonderful street cafes everywhere in Italy. It’s enough to put tables, chairs and umbrellas on the pedestrian street – and it’s already a blast.

02. Another example of a good street cafe. In our country, just give it free rein, they are trying to build some kind of bulky structures, fence themselves off with fences, make some kind of extensions. This, of course, is no good, because a street cafe should not only bring profit to businessmen, but also be a decoration of the city, make it comfortable and pleasant for walking, and enliven it. Because people sitting on the street immediately transform the urban environment.

03. There are many beggars in Italy. Beggars often sit with animals and press for pity.

04. Press kiosk

05. Squares and streets turn into markets in the morning. In general, during the day the same square can be a food market, then a clothing market, then tables of cafes and restaurants will appear there. At lunchtime the square will be completely empty, by the evening young people will be walking there, and at night some kind of disco will start. Every public space is constantly changing throughout the day.

06. Food markets unfold in just a few minutes.

07. Products are mostly local. Usually the merchant signs what goods were brought from where, especially if the products are from Italy and in this case Tuscany.

08. Sicilian tomatoes - 128 rubles per kg, zucchini - 193 rubles. per kg. Fennel – 128 rub., asparagus – 385 rub., pumpkin – 160 rub.

09. Peaches – 193 rub. per kg, cherry – 385 rub.

10. Discounted mushrooms: 642 rubles per half kilo

11. Different varieties of tomatoes from 225 to 450 rubles per kg.

12.

13. Beans – 385 rub. per kg, zucchini for 258 rub. Here we eat zucchini like zucchini, only the lower part, but in Italy they also eat the flowers. They are used to make salads, pizzas, and in general these flowers are a fairly important component of national cuisine.

14. Salesman at the butcher shop

15. Wherever you go in Italy, it is, of course, fantastically delicious. And not only pastas and pizzas, which we are already accustomed to here, but anything in general: salads, meat and seafood - everything is prepared from the freshest local products. You can safely go into any establishment and die of pleasure.

16. Truffle shop. It's not the season now, so we only have canned truffles.

17. Cigarette vending machine. You can only buy them if you have a local ID. That is, tobacco is only for Italians) They insert their IDs, the machine checks the buyer’s age and only then issues the goods. But a tourist can always ask a local to buy him cigarettes, and he will definitely help.

18. In honor of the next anniversary of the march of Mussolini’s supporters on Rome, the local Pisan authorities decided to recall that Mussolini also persecuted Jews. In fact, Jews remember exactly the opposite - that under Mussolini they lived here absolutely calmly, but as soon as he was overthrown in 1943, the Holocaust immediately began. But the Pisan authorities have a different version of events: in 1938, Mussolini also passed a discriminatory law against Jews. And in memory of this event, they made a city route through Jewish places.

19. Anton Borisovich Nosik says that Pisa is similar to St. Petersburg.

20. Street art

21. Streets of Pisa

22. Walking around Pisa is a pleasure. A large old town that is well preserved. Yes, there are no sidewalks or any good public spaces, but the very charm of the narrow streets of the old city is something that is missing in Russia.

23. We do not have medieval cities in the form in which they were preserved in Europe. In Russia, cities were not built from stone, and from those times we have, at best, only Kremlins, and, of course, you will not find residential buildings.

24. It’s difficult for even two people to pass each other on these streets.

25. But all these houses are residential, everything is real.

26. There is a famous joke about the origin of the Russian word “stibrili” - about how Julius Caesar crossed the Tiber and was left without a horse. And the student who hears this from the professor asks: did something happen to Julius Caesar near Pisa? So, in the photo there is a monument to the king and unifier of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. In all other cities of Italy and in all the paintings you see Victor Emmanuel on horseback. Actually, the only reason they recognize it is that it is an equestrian statue. But in Pisa he was left without a horse...

27. Toilet

28.

29. Even in Pisa there are traffic jams. But there are no underground passages.

30. Only scooters can enter some streets.

31.

32. Entry to local buses is only through the front door, as in Moscow. This is bad, it shouldn't happen.

33.

34. This is one of the most famous monuments of Tuscan Gothic - the chapel of Santa Maria della Spina. It is built around a relic - a thorn from the crown of thorns of Jesus Christ.

35. But it doesn’t matter, it’s just one of the greatest monuments of the Gothic style that emerged a thousand years ago. It is very coolly done in terms of sculpture, architecture, engineering and design.

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37.

38.

39. There are ancient artifacts everywhere.

40. Here you can see the remains of the Medici renovation. The same thing often happened here in the 90s and 2000s, when historical buildings were deformed to suit modern needs. In Italy this is also the case, but it was done a long time ago.

41. These traces are like scars on the body of the city. It can be seen that once beautiful buildings were simplified, cut down and adapted to the needs of new generations.

42. Now, of course, this is unthinkable, but earlier people had a simpler attitude towards history. You can imagine how many centuries the thinking of some Russian building owners is behind the thinking of Europeans.

43. This is a monument to Ferdinand I, who at the age of 14 received the rank of bishop. He was the fifth son in the family, and it was clear that the fifth son would never make a career as a duke. Therefore, he had to serve as a bishop. But in general, he never put on the cassock, because after the deaths of his brothers he was nevertheless appointed Grand Duke of Tuscany. And it turned out that he was a normal guy: he freed prisoners, allowed different religions to be practiced, allowed books to be printed in different languages, and opened the port of Livorno. The city was very grateful to him, so he erected this statue in his honor during his lifetime. Ferdinand will rule for another 14 years, and a monument to him has already been erected. Women and children kneel in front of him - this symbolizes that he freed many prisoners accused of fighting against the Medici.

44. Garbage cans

45. Tanks are opened with a special magnetic card that residents have.

46. ​​Underground garbage cans can also be opened only with a card. There is a pedestrian path around it so that, God forbid, someone doesn’t park.

47. Bakunin lived in Italy for some time - although not in Pisa - and even tried to organize an uprising here. Many anarchists, including European ones, are still fans of Bakunin. Apparently they left the graffiti.

48. Scooter parking

49. Here Muslim Indians sell halal meat.

50. There are many Africans in the city who are trying to sell souvenirs.

51. In general, there are quite a lot of migrants in Pisa, a lot of Arabs. They are mainly engaged in begging, selling all sorts of junk, and stand on all the streets, especially where there are tourists.

52. A special postal machine that is allowed to deliver correspondence along pedestrian streets.

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55. There are a lot of cyclists in the city.

56. You can get by without a car here, but there are still cars.

57. This is one of the elements of Piazza dei Cavalieri (Square of the Knights). The Church of the Knightly Order of St. Stephen, which was personally designed by the famous art historian Giorgio Vasari. This is part of the general Cavalieri complex, a very beautiful church. This is how the Medici asserted their cultural presence.

58. Church of San Rocco, it was founded in the 11th century, and the inside was completed already in Baroque times, in the 17th century. But basically all these ceilings and layout are from the 11th century.

59. There is increased security around the main attractions.

60. Sculpture "Fallen Angel"

61. And here is the tower. At the top you can see the flag of Pisa.

62. Of course, everyone endlessly photographs her.

63. Pisa Cathedral in honor of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

64. Box with the relics of various saints. If they were brought to the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, this would be enough for Moscow to stand in an endless queue. But here they don’t cause any excitement.

65. Baptistery of St. John. That is, the place where people are baptized. It is even older than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

66.

67. They don’t know how to lay asphalt here. They laid new asphalt and made markings, but look at the edges. This, of course, is nonsense, you can’t do that.

68. Everything is already falling apart.

Story Pisa began in the 9th century. BC, when the Etruscans lived on these lands.
In 180 BC. Pisa became a Roman colony with the name Portus Pisanus.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the decline did not affect the city, although a similar fate befell many Roman settlements. A well-developed river system provided protection for the city, and the Pisan fleet was important under the Goths, Lombards and Carolingians.
The 11th century became important in the history of Pisa. Time of birth Pisa Maritime Republic- one of the four maritime republics in the Mediterranean. (The other three are Genoa, Venice, Amalfi).
At this time, the economic and political power of Pisa grew, commercial ties were established, and buildings were erected, including the Cathedral and the famous Leaning Tower.
The Pisa fleet took an active part in the Crusades, and various shrines were linked from the Holy Land. The Republic acquired colonies in North Africa, Spain and Asia Minor.
The end of the republic came in 1284, when Genoa defeated Pisa.
In 1406 it came under the rule of Florence and the Medici family.
In 1472, the university was opened and a new city center was laid out. The further history of Pisa is closely connected with Tuscany and Florence.
I would like to add that it is the hometown of Galileo Galilei, an astronomer, physicist, mathematician and the author of the famous phrase: “And yet it turns!”
Nowadays, it attracts millions of tourists from all over the world who head straight to the Square of Miracles to see the Leaning Tower and take the standard photo as a souvenir, where you prevent the tower from completely falling. Of course, the Square of Miracles, included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, deserves the closest attention. But Pisa does not live by a single tower!

Why is it already there, even in Pisa there are at least two more "leaning towers". One of them is the bell tower of the Church of St. Nicholas, located on via Santa Maria. The other is the bell tower of the Church of St. Michael Barefoot, located on viale delle Piagge.
Not to mention other attractions and interesting places, including the embankments of the Arno River with magnificent palaces and churches, the Museum of Ancient Ships, Borgo Stretto, excellent shopping on corso Italia and a lot of nightlife, since the city is youth and student.

is an ancient city that is divided into two quarters by the Arno River - Tramontana in the north and Mezzogiorno in the south.
The route starts from the railway station, from which it goes almost immediately corso Italia – central street of Pisa, a shopping thoroughfare and the concentration of all the noisy and chaotic life of the city. It seems that the cobblestone avenue calms down only before dawn, only to be filled with the buzz of rushing people, students walking from the station to the university buildings, and the aromas of freshly brewed coffee and vanilla pastries early in the morning.
At the very beginning of the avenue there is a strict Church of St. Dominic. The church once belonged to a Dominican monastery founded in the 14th century. But the monastery moved to a new location, and the frescoes were preserved in the church.
Further along corso Italia located Church of Santa Maria del Carmine, founded in 1325. This church also belonged to the monastery. During the Second World War it was seriously damaged, but was restored.
We continue our walk further, the next stop is covered gallery called Loggia Banchi. The gallery was built in 1603-5. designed by the famous Florentine architect Bernardo Buaontalenti by order of the Duke of Tuscany Ferdinand I de' Medici. At first there was a market for wool and silk, and later they sold grain. “Banks” translated from Italian means “trays”, i.e. trays from which trade was carried out.
Near - Clock tower, which is one of symbol of Pisa, located on the Arno River embankment. The palace with the tower is called Pretorio. It was built in the Middle Ages, but the tower was added in 1785. Now the city library is located here. This part of Pisa was heavily damaged during the bombing of the Second World War, but retained its charm.

Let's cross the Arno River Mezzo Bridge(another name for the Conte Ugolino bridge). Once upon a time there were two shores Pisa There was only one wooden bridge connecting it. In the 11th century The first stone bridge was built, it was moved to the east, exactly to the place where the Mezzo Bridge is now located. The length of the bridge is 89 meters, it connects the two quarters of the city of Tramontana and Mezzogiorno and leads to the historical center of Pisa.
On the bridge, let's turn around and admire the palace made of gray stone - Palazzo Gambacorti. The palace was built from 1370 to 1392. for the wealthy Gambakorti family of merchants. The Gothic facade is decorated with elegant windows separated by columns.

On the other side of the river we find ourselves on Piazza Garibaldi, which is surrounded by historical palaces - witnesses to the cultural life of the city of the late modern era.
In the center of the square you can see Garibaldi statue life-size, erected in 1892 according to the design of Ettore Ferrari.
The area goes into Borgo Stretto - medieval quarter, from which narrow streets branch off - the medieval essence of Pisa. The entire layout of the ancient city was aimed at protecting against enemy attacks. Narrow alleys allowed for better control and control of the situation.
In Borgo Stretto there is a beautiful Church of San Michele in Borgo in Roman-Gothic style.

The church of San Michele in Borgo belonged to the monastery and already existed in 1016. The modern building is the result of changes and additions in different centuries, so in the Middle Ages a bell tower appeared, and in the 18th century it developed late Baroque features. In 1846, the church was damaged in an earthquake; restoration work was completed only in 1963.
The facade of the church dates back to the 14th century, it is decorated with marble and is divided into three parts, in the center is the Madonna and Child.
Inside, the church is divided into three naves, the main altar was erected above the crypt of the 11th-12th centuries. It is decorated with a Crucifix (XIV century) by Nino Pisano. Frescoes from the 13th-18th centuries have also been preserved.

Small porticoed streets lead to cozy squares protected by towers and narrow alleys. Tiny markets are hidden here - fruit and vegetable, fish and flower.

Let's turn to Via Ulisse Dini, which connects Borgo Stretto With Piazza dei Cavalieri.
The street is named after mathematician and senator of Pisa - Ulisse Dini(1845-1918), his statue is installed at the church of San Stefano dei Cavalieri at the end of the street.
During the times of Ancient Rome, luxurious domus were located along the street - palaces of wealthy Romans. In the Middle Ages, the streets were connected to alleys, on which there were numerous blacksmith workshops. In the 12th century. began to appear here tower houses, the ruins of some of them have survived to this day.
In the XV-XVI centuries. The appearance of Ulisse Dini Street changed dramatically, new buildings swallowed up tower houses, and new churches were erected.
On weekends, a flea market takes place on the streets and squares, where you can buy almost everything, from ancient books to designer jewelry.

On Piazza dei Cavalieri located Carovana Palace (Palazzo della Carovana), designed by Giorgio Vasari.

The palace was built in 1562-64. for the Order of St. Stephen, a Tuscan order of chivalry named after the saint. Nowadays the Higher Normal School of Pisa is located here - the state center of higher education. The façade of the building is decorated with sculptures and graffiti that depict allegorical figures and zodiac signs.

On the same square you can see Church of Cavalieri di Santo Stefano (chiesa dei Cavalieri di Santo Stefano), also built according to Vasari's design. Inside are works by Giorgio Vasari, Jacopo Ligozzi, Agnolo Bronzino, Alessandro Fei and others.
Statue of Cosimo I, who was the first Gran Maestro of the Order of the Knights of St. Stephen, and fountain, all by Pietro Francovilla.

From the square we will walk along via Corsica before Church of St. Sixtus in Cortevecchia (S. Sisto in Cortevecchia), which was built in 1087.

Cortevecchia - “old courtyard”, this toponym refers us to the early Middle Ages, when here was the political center of the city and the official residence of the Lombard ruler. The appearance of the church underwent serious changes at the beginning of the 17th century. and in the 60s. XVIII century The facade is divided into three parts, the original appearance of the church is preserved on the right side, where you can see the limestone masonry. Inside, the church is divided into three naves by two rows of columns made of granite and marble with medieval capitals.

Next - by via dei Mille, which ends at Cafe "Dolce Pisa". There are always a lot of people in the lively cafe, you can swallow a tiny cup of vigorous coffee and look into Botanical Garden, the entrance of which is located nearby.
The botanical garden was realized by order of Cosimo I de' Medici and belongs to the University of Pisa. Plants from different parts of the world are collected in a small space.

Let's continue our journey along via Santa Maria towards the Leaning Tower.

Here it is Trovatelli almshouse, founded in 1315 after the Battle of Montecatini. The official name of the institution is the Peace and Prince Hospital, it was designed for 20 beds.
In the XIV century. the hospital became a shelter for abandoned children. Later, the “baby wheel” system began to operate here, i.e. Behind the bars of the window, a wooden barrel was installed, where mothers who decided to get rid of the child usually placed a newborn baby at night; in the morning, the barrel was turned and the baby was taken from the other side. This system existed until 1921.
Now the façade of the building is decorated with a child.

We arrive at Duomo Square.
The most famous architectural ensemble of Pisa is the Duomo Square, also called the Square of Miracles., on which they are located Cathedral, Leaning Tower, Caposanto Cemetery and Baptistery. All of them are included in the UNESCO list.
On the square they are located in a special order: the theological route, where the Baptistery is birth, the Cathedral is life, and the Caposanto cemetery is death.
The square was founded during the Etruscan times and was also used by the ancient Romans.
The square acquired its modern form in 1063, when a new Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Mary. At that time, this area was located outside the city wall, which was expanded in 1156. But before that, a Baptistery opposite the cathedral. In 1173, construction of the bell tower began.
But first let's talk about Cathedral.

Its construction began in 1063 by the architect Busqueto in the Romanesque style. The cathedral is richly decorated with multi-colored marble and mosaics, the most valuable of which were made by Cimabue. There is a legend that Galileo formulated the theory of the pendulum by observing the oscillations of a lamp suspended from the ceiling of the cathedral. This lamp is still called the Galileo lamp.
Baptistery, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, was erected in the 12th century. in the Romanesque style, designed by Diotizalvi. Its dome is interesting in the shape of a truncated cone; at first there was a hole on top, like in the Roman Pantheon, but later a cap was put on it.

The baptistery remained unfinished until the end of the 14th century, then the loggia and upper floor were added and the dome was completed in the Gothic style by Nicola Pisano and his son Giovanni.
The Baptistery building is very symbolic: inside there are 12 columns according to the number of apostles, the baptismal font has an octagonal shape, which corresponds to the eighth day not created by God, the font is set on three steps, which symbolizes the Holy Trinity.
This is the largest Baptistery in Italy, its diameter is 107.25 m.
Inside, the Baptistery is simple and unassuming, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and echoes.
Falling tower, also known as the bell tower of the Cathedral, the most famous building not only of the square, but of all of Pisa. Its construction began in 1173, when the third tier was built, the tower began to lean in one direction. This was due to the sandy soils and shallow foundation. But the construction of the tower continued and was completed in 1350, having erected seven bells. Six of the seven floors of the tower are surrounded by arched loggias, which replicate the facade of the Cathedral. The height of the tower is about 56 meters, the slope from the vertical is about five meters. At the end of the 20th century. the tower was strengthened and opened to public visits.
The Campo Santo cemetery has the shape of a monastery courtyard with earthen graves. The soil was brought from Mount Golgotha ​​when the Crusader ships returned from the Holy Land after the Fourth Crusade.

Let's walk along via Santa Maria to the embankment.

The embankments of the Arno River are the real center of Pisa, a meeting place for students and locals. Every evening the embankments are illuminated by the lights of cafes and bars. In the summer, the embankments are closed to traffic and turn into a pedestrian zone, where people mix chaotically, sit on the curbs and have fun.
Gelaterias along the Arno are always in demand and offer numerous types of ice cream.

Pisa embankment.

There are four historical embankments in Pisa, separated by the river and the Mezzo bridge, they are called - Lungarno Gambacorti and Galilei on South, Lungarno Pacinotti and Mediceo in the north. The Fortezza and Cittadella bridges mark the eastern and western boundaries of the walled city.
Street via Santa Maria comes to the embankment Lungarno Pacinotti.

On the embankment Lungarno Pacinotti Renaissance palaces dominate. This embankment appeared on the remains of a medieval wall. Here is the church of Santa Maria dei Galletti and Royal Palace, which houses the National Museum with a collection of paintings by Raphael, Guido Renia and Rosso Fiorentino. The palace was built in 1583 by Bernardo Buontalenti for Francesco I de' Medici. This is the most prominent palace on the embankment. Its corner tower is one of the most ancient in Pisa. From this tower Galileo showed Grand Duke Cosimo II a new telescope.

There is an embankment on the other side of the river Lungarno Gambacorti, where the City Hall of Pisa is located, Gambacorti Palace(which we already talked about above), Palazzo Blue (Blue Palace), where exhibitions are held, as well as the churches of Santa Cristina and Santa Maria della Spina.

We will reach the famous Mezzo Bridge. It starts from him embankment Lungarno Mediceovi. Here are the Medici Palace (Prefecture) and the Romanesque church of San Matteo. The church belonged to a former monastery; now it houses a museum that houses works of art and sculptures of the Pisan school.
On the other side of the river is the most spacious promenade Lungarno Galilei with the Lanfranchi Palace, the octagonal church of Santo Spolcro and the Palace of the Knights of Malta.

Pisa is a paradise for gourmets and wine lovers, numerous restaurants and wine bars offer a wide selection of dishes and wines. Prices from affordable to Bagus (piazza Dei Facchini, 13) to higher levels with gourmet cuisine in the restaurant Palazzo Blu.
The cuisine of Pisa is synonymous with typical Tuscan cuisine, and here you can find any dish from the region. For example, a salad with bread crumb or pasta - picci from Siena, Florentine steak or fish soup from Livorno.
In general, fish can often be found in Pisan cuisine.
Grilled Arno mullet - muggine or cod - baccala with leeks.
We also pay attention to blue meats - pheasant, duck, wild boar, rabbit.
For dessert – shortcrust pastry cake with fruit filling.

• Pisa is known to the world thanks to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Tourists who think the tower is the only attraction here will miss out on the rest of the architectural and artistic wonders of this beautiful city.
• The half-hour walk from Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) to the train station takes you through a pedestrian street lined with attractions, shops and restaurants. The best way to get to know Pisa is to stroll along the streets, as the center is very small.
• The city comes alive with students who organize parties, shows and cultural events. They fill the main street of the city at night. The University of Pisa has 60,000 students, when the total population of the city is about 100,000. You'll feel the student spirit as soon as you leave the touristy Campo dei Miracoli.

• Pisa is a quiet city, you don't have to worry about your safety (except in some places at night, for example the area around the station). Regardless, you should take the obvious precautions (if you're staying in a very cheap hotel, keep valuables with you) and beware of pickpockets in tourist areas.
• You can book a hotel in Pisa at, and you can check if there is a more attractive price somewhere, at. Some travelers prefer to rent private apartments - such offers can be viewed. If you are looking for a package tour from Russia to Pisa - take a look

How to get there

By plane

Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport

The main airport of Tuscany with several airlines with hundreds of departures per day, both domestic and international. Countless companies offer charter flights from several European and other destinations. Flying to Pisa is really easy and convenient: the most well-known and inexpensive airlines serve flights to Pisa. You can choose the best option. The airport is located close to the city center - in just a few minutes you can reach the center by bus, train or taxi. The airport can also be easily reached on foot, which takes about twenty minutes.

Don't expect the airport to be open 24 hours a day. Many small airports in Europe operate on a specific schedule.

How to get to the city?

You can buy bus tickets at the information desk in the arrivals hall. The bus (The Red Line or LAM Rosso to Jacobo) runs every 10-15 minutes. The bus goes to Piazza dei Miracoli and to the central station. Since the ticket machine “speaks” only Italian, it is better to buy tickets at the information desk. Each ticket costs €1.20, but if you buy them from the bus driver it will cost you €2.00. You can buy a ticket in all shops and bookstores. An automated road is currently being built, along which it will be possible to travel between the airport and the station.

Bus station

The bus station is located opposite the airport. Once you are in the city, you can easily locate all the main attractions, which are located within walking distance. If you are catching a bus from the train station, then you will need to cross the road in front of the station and go to the right.

If you prefer a more convenient way to travel, a taxi will cost you around €6-8. Otherwise, as an alternative, you can pre-book transport to the airport. This service is especially convenient for large groups.

“Easy Private Taxi” will provide transport to the city for €36 Mercedes E class, €43 minivan.

123 Transfers offers transport to the city for €37.50 sedan (3 people), €50 minivan (8 people).

By car with a companion

This is one of the most convenient ways to get to Pisa. You can spread the costs and make travel cheaper. You can find a car that will take you to Pisa on the website: Passaggio.it

By train

In Pisa there are daily trains to Florence and Lucca (usually every hour), you can also get there by bus, there is an international airport.

Pisa Centrale is the main station in Pisa. Trains from Rome to Genova stop at Pisa Centrale. If you plan to travel only within Pisa, then this is also convenient. Pisa Centrale has luggage storage facilities available from six in the morning until nine in the evening. Storage of each bag costs three euros. If you are in the city just to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you can go down to the Pisa S. Rossore station, which is closer to the tower. Be sure to check train schedules as not all trains may stop. Be that as it may, there are regional trains to Florence that run every hour at the forty-sixth minute (as on July 9, 2012).

Clue:

Pisa - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Pisa - weather by month

Clue:

Pisa - weather by month

Main attractions. What to see

Pisa is divided into four historical squares. There is more to see than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Several different routes are available.

Piazza dei Miracoli or Field of Miracles is located in the north of the center of Pisa. This UNESCO World Heritage Site represents various attractions of the city:

Other historical buildings include: the Church of San Rocco, the Priest's House, Palazzo Carovana and Palazzo dei Dodici.

Museo di San Matteo, Piazza San Matteo, 1, lungarno Mediceo, +39 50 541865. This is a fantastic museum of history and art, whose buildings are full of paintings. It is quite small, but one of the largest for Tuscan Renaissance painting, located in the premises of the monastery of San Matteo. This treasure is overlooked by many tourists.

Lungarno Mediceo and Lungarno Pacinotti on the north side of the Arno, Lungarno Galilei and Lungarno Gambacorti on the south: these riverside streets give Pisa a completely unique character, especially in the evening when the lanterns reflect on the waters of the Arno. Along Lungarni there are interesting places:

Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza XX Settembre, two opposite city squares, at the ends of the Ponte di Mezzo (middle bridge). Considered the center of the city. From Piazza Garibaldi begins Borgo Stretto, an ancient street with many shops that, together with Corso Italia, create a pedestrian area (interrupted only by a bridge) that is the city center. In Piazza XX Settembre you can find the Logge dei Banchi, a textile market building dating back to 1600, and the town hall in Palazzo del Comune.

Santo Sepolcro, on Lungarno Galilei, is an octagonal Romanesque church with a conical spire, built by Diotisalvi.

Ussero Café, founded in 1775, lungarno Pacinotti 27. Monument to Italian culture in the 1400th Palazzo Agostini, on Lungarno. In 1839, the first meeting of the Congress of Italian Scientists took place here.

Santa Maria della Spina. A very small Gothic church on Lungarno Gambacorti, built in 1230 to house the thorn from the crown of Jesus. This church is considered one of the most prominent representatives of Gothic art. Due to its small size, the church was moved a little higher from the Arno River in 1800 to protect it from flooding.

Giardino Scotto, on Lungarno Fibonacci at the end of Lungarno Galilei. A former fortress converted into a public park, open in the summer for open-air cinema screenings, concerts and other events.

La Cittadella (The Citadel). A fortress at the end of Lungarno Simonelli, built to guard the entrance to the Arno River, as well as a former shipyard from the Middle Ages.

University Botanical Garden, via Luca Ghini 5. The first botanical garden in Europe, created by order of Cosimo de' Medici in 1544. The garden is open on weekday mornings, admission is free.

Beautiful Romanesque churches - San Paolo a Ripa d'Arno, San Michele in Borgo, San Paolo with a gallery of sculptures inside.

Tuttomondo, fresco by Keith Haring. Keith Haring visited Pisa and fell in love with the city, so he decided to paint a magnificent fresco as a gift. Although it is incredibly large, it is easy to miss, so be careful. It is located between Giuseppe Mazzini and Massimo D'Azeglio, near Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.

Food. What to try

Make it a rule not to eat near the Leaning Tower of Pisa, as the prices are high and the quality is low. Instead, head to the central area (5-10 minutes walk from Piazza dei Miracoli). You will find very good and cheap restaurants there. For example, there are nice cafeterias with respectable prices in the small but busy vegetable market, Piazza delle Vettovaglie. Also Via San Martino, near the south bank of the river there are a couple of places with good food and low prices.

It is known that not far from the Leaning Tower of Pisa, in via Roma, there is a good Indian restaurant with a wonderful atmosphere and very good, although not always cheap, dishes. In Piazza dei Miracoli there is a good restaurant-pizzeria Kinzica. In any case, don't miss Salza, in Borgo Stretto, with delicious chocolates, sweets and pastries of all kinds. Don't sit inside, if only because you'll end up paying €10 for two coffees.

Finally, there is a good pizzeria next to the Turbaza, on the road leading to Leclerc.

Safety. What to watch out for

Don't buy sunglasses, umbrellas or other trinkets from illegal sellers. Stay away from fake luxury items. Upon arrival in Pisa, tourists are surrounded by merchants. Some may be pushy or overtly aggressive. Even a simple “No, thank you” can attract unwanted attention. It's better to just ignore them. Don't be afraid to seem rude.

While low prices are tempting, especially when you're on a budget when traveling, please remember that Italian police have recently been fining tourists for purchasing from illegal traders. These fines can be very steep (up to €1000). Opposite the Tower there are several merchants who are allowed to sell various items. Remember to be responsible and buy from them. Legal traders are located at stalls along the main road.

Things to do

On June 16, the Luminaria festival takes place in Pisa, in honor of the patron saint (San Ranieri). At sunset, all the lights along the Arno go out and over 10,000 candles are lit. Various actions take place on the streets, and the night ends with big fireworks.

Another summer attraction is Gioco del Ponte (Bridge Game). Held every year on the last Sunday of June, when the two sides (Tramontana and Mezzogiorno, geographically separated by the Arno River) take part in a historical procession in the company of 709 extras, and then compete with each other in physical strength. Teams of twenty try to conquer the Ponte di Mezzo (the main bridge in Pisa) by pushing a cart off the bridge to force the opposing team to leave the bridge.

Mineral springs

Casciana Terme: The thermal water in Casciana Terme has been used since ancient times. In recent years, its use has been expanded to modern methods of rehabilitation and treatment of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, treatment of digestive functions.

San Giuliano Terme: water with a positive effect and calcium-magnesium water with sulfates, rich in vital healing elements, gushing at the foot of Mount San Giuliano from the source where various springs originate, collected in two groups and called “Eastern Baths” (temperature 40° C) and "Western Baths" (temperature 38° C).

Education

Pisa School of Advanced Study of St. Anna or Scuola Superiore Sant "Anna. Public university of applied sciences, formed from the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa (School of Higher Learning in Italy i.e. Scuola Superiore Universitaria).

Located: Scuola Superiore Sant "Anna, P.zza Martiri della Libertà, 33 - 56127 - Pisa ()

Scuola Normale or Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa was founded in 1810 by order of Napoleon, as a branch of the Parisian École Normale Supérieure. Recognized as a "national university" in 1862, a year after the reunification of Italy, and called during this period the "Normal School of the Italian Kingdom". (School of Higher Education in Italy i.e. Scuola Superiore Universitaria).

Location: Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa - Piazza dei Cavalieri, 7 - 56126 Pisa ()

The University of Pisa or Università di Pisa is one of the oldest universities in Italy. Officially founded on September 3, 1343 by decree of Pope Clement VI, although lectures on law had been held in Pisa since the eleventh century. The University houses the oldest botanical garden in Europe, i.e. Orto botanico di Pisa, founded in 1544.

Located: Università di Pisa - Lungarno Pacinotti, 43 - 56126 Pisa ().