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    Pisa

    Italy

    Pisa

    CityCulture

    Pisa lies on the Arno, about ten kilometers from the Tyrrhenian Sea coast. In the Middle Ages, the city was one of Italy's maritime republics.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Italy
    7. Tuscany
    9. Pisa
    Pisa lies on the Arno, about ten kilometers from the Tyrrhenian Sea coast. In the Middle Ages, the city was one of Italy's maritime republics. From this era dates the ensemble on Piazza del Duomo, also known as Piazza dei Miracoli, comprising the Cathedral, Baptistery, Camposanto, and the Leaning Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. Beyond this, the university and the Arno's riverside streets define the cityscape.

    Sights in Pisa

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Dom Santa Maria Assunta
    Church

    1Dom Santa Maria Assunta

    The Cathedral was begun in 1064 and is considered a masterpiece of Pisan Romanesque. Inside stands the pulpit by Giovanni Pisano, dating from 1302 to 1310. The bronze door of the Porta di San Ranieri in the south transept, opposite the tower, was created by Bonanno Pisano around 1180. Entry is free, but you need a complimentary time-slot ticket, which is only available at the on-site ticket offices and cannot be reserved in advance. When purchasing a ticket for another monument, admission to the Cathedral is included.
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    Leaning Tower
    Attraction

    2Leaning Tower

    The Cathedral Bell Tower was begun in the 12th century and already leaned during construction due to the soft ground; the bell chamber was only added in 1372. From 1990 to 2001, the tower was closed for stabilization work. The ascent is only possible with a ticket for a fixed time slot; latecomers forfeit entry. Children under eight years are not permitted; under 18 years only accompanied by an adult. You must leave bags in the cloakroom. Tickets are available online up to 90 days in advance.
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    Piazza dei Miracoli
    Attraction

    3Piazza dei Miracoli

    The Piazza del Duomo, or Piazza dei Miracoli, at the northern edge of the old town, brings together the Cathedral, Baptistery, Leaning Tower, and Camposanto. The structures date from the 11th to 14th centuries; the complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. Tickets for the individual monuments are available on site or online.
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    Camposanto Monumentale
    Attraction

    4Camposanto Monumentale

    The monumental cemetery borders the Piazza to the north. According to tradition, it was founded with a shipload of earth from Golgotha, which Archbishop Ubaldo Lanfranchi brought back from the Third Crusade. On July 27, 1944, a bomb fragment from an Allied attack caused a fire; the roof collapsed and the frescoes were severely damaged. They were detached, restored, and gradually reinstalled; in 2018, the 'Triumph of Death' cycle returned to its place, completing the restoration.
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    Piazza dei Cavalieri
    Attraction

    5Piazza dei Cavalieri

    The square was the political center of medieval Pisa. 1558, Giorgio Vasari redesigned it for Cosimo I de' Medici in Renaissance style, becoming the seat of Order of Knights of Santo Stefano. The Palazzo della Carovana, with Vasari's sgraffito facade, houses the Scuola Normale Superiore. Before it stands a statue of Cosimo I by Pietro Francavilla.
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    Palazzo Blu
    Museum

    6Palazzo Blu

    The palace located on the Lungarno is easily recognized by its blue facade. The collection of the Cassa di Risparmio di Pisa Foundation ranges from late medieval panel paintings, through works by Orazio and Artemisia Gentileschi, to the 20th century. In addition, major temporary exhibitions are presented, featuring Hokusai, Escher, or the Macchiaioli. Archaeological finds can be seen in the basement rooms.
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    City walks in Pisa

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Pisa: From the Arno to the Field of Miracles

    A two-hour journey of discovery through Pisa's charming lanes and historic squares. From the picturesque banks of the Arno, this walk leads to architectural masterpieces and culminates in the world-famous Piazza dei Miracoli. Experience the soul of this fascinating Tuscan city.

    ~2 Std. 20 Min.
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    Stops (7)

    Meals & Drinks

    1

    Ristorante Osteria L'Artilafo Pisa

    Small osteria south of the Arno in the San Martino district. The cuisine is Tuscan with homemade pasta and meat dishes; the menu changes seasonally. A reservation is recommended in the evenings.
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    2

    Ristorante alle Bandierine

    Family-run restaurant on Via Mercanti, east of Borgo Stretto. The menu features Pisan and Tuscan dishes with pasta, meat, and fish, accompanied by regional wines.
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    3

    Osteria dei Cavalieri

    Osteria on a side street near Piazza dei Cavalieri. Offers Tuscan meat and fish dishes, pasta, and seasonal vegetables. Popular with locals and university folk, book ahead for evenings.
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    4

    Pizzeria Il Montino

    Traditional pizzeria in the market district near Piazza San Felice. It's known for Cecina, a thin chickpea flour flatbread often eaten in Pisa as a *spuntino* between two pizza slices. There's limited seating; many take their pizza to go.
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    Food and Drinks

    Pisa's cuisine combines dishes from the land with fish from the coast.

    Cecina

    Thin, wood-fired flatbread of chickpea flour, water, salt, and olive oil. In Pisa, it is often eaten plain or in a Schiacciata.

    Torta co' bischeri

    Scalloped-rimmed shortcrust cake, filled with rice, chocolate, pine nuts, candied fruit and nutmeg. From Pontasserchio, north of Pisa.

    Culture and History

    Maritime RepublicPisa was one of the leading maritime powers in the Mediterranean during the High Middle Ages. In 1284, its fleet was defeated by Genoa in the Battle of Meloria, after which the city lost its significance. At the beginning of the 15th century, after a long siege, Pisa came under the rule of Florence.ScienceGalileo Galilei was born in Pisa in 1564. The University was formally founded in 1343 by papal decree. The Scuola Normale Superiore on Piazza dei Cavalieri was established in 1810 by Napoleonic decree.Festivals in JuneOn the evening of June 16th, the Arno riverbanks are illuminated with lights during the Luminara di San Ranieri. On June 17th, the feast day of the patron saint San Ranieri, the Palio di San Ranieri takes place, a rowing competition on the Arno. On the last Saturday in June, the two halves of the city compete against each other on the Ponte di Mezzo during the Gioco del Ponte.ExcursionsLucca is easily accessible by regional train. West of the city are the Migliarino, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli Natural Park and, along the coast, the seaside resorts of Marina di Pisa and Tirrenia.

    Nightlife

    1

    La Cantina Di Tipì

    Small wine bar and deli in Via dell'Arancio near Borgo Stretto. They serve cold cuts and cheese platters with wines by the glass from Tuscany. Popular for aperitivo; the few tables fill up fast.
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    2

    Radio Cafè

    Bar on Via Cavalca in the market district around Piazza delle Vettovaglie, where many students gather in the evenings. There's beer, cocktails, and music on some evenings. Prices are student-friendly.
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    3

    Enobirreria L'Etrusco

    Pub on Piazza Martiri della Libertà with a wide selection of craft beers and wines. Small plates are available. It attracts a mixed crowd, many students.
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    4

    Enoteca Vicolo Divino

    A wine bar in an alley near the Arno with an extensive wine list, mainly from Tuscany. Small dishes are served. Quieter than the student bars at the market.
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    5

    Gramigna

    Pub on Piazza San Felice with draft beer, burgers, and tables on the square. In the evenings, many young people gather here.
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    Discovering Pisa

    On FootThe old town is flat and compact. From the train station to Piazza dei Miracoli, the route takes you via Corso Italia, Ponte di Mezzo, and Borgo Stretto.AirportGalileo Galilei Airport is located in the San Giusto district. The Pisa Mover, a driverless train, travels to Pisa Centrale main station in about five minutes. From there, trains depart for Florence, Lucca, and Livorno.CarThe old town is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL); do not enter without a permit. Parking is available on Via Pietrasantina outside the walls; from there, you can reach Piazza dei Miracoli on foot or by shuttle bus.

    Accommodations in Pisa

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    Campgrounds in Pisa

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      • 1Dom Santa Maria Assunta3 days
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    Nearby

    Lucca

    Lucca

    Lucca, located in the Serchio plain north of Pisa, is known for its fully preserved 16th and 17th-century city walls. A roughly 4.2-kilometer circular path now runs along its top. The old town features the oval Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, the Torre Guinigi with trees on its top, the Duomo San Martino, and San Michele in Foro. Giacomo Puccini was born here; his birthplace is a museum.
    San Gimignano

    San Gimignano

    San Gimignano is situated on a hill in the Valdelsa, Siena province. Of the 72 family towers that once stood, 14 still stand today, shaping its skyline. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990. Its heart is formed by Piazza della Cisterna with its fountain, and Piazza del Duomo with the Collegiata and town hall. During the day, the town is very crowded; it's quieter early morning and evening.
    Florence

    Florence

    Florence, Tuscany's capital, birthplace of the Renaissance. The Duomo (Brunelleschi's Dome), Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi, and Ponte Vecchio over the Arno are tightly grouped. Michelangelo's David is in the Galleria dell'Accademia. Across the river, Oltrarno features Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens, and artisan workshops. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982, the Old Town is easily explored on foot. Florence is roughly 1.5 hours from Rome by high-speed train. You should reserve tickets for Uffizi, Accademia, and Duomo Dome in advance.
    Tuscany

    Tuscany

    Tuscany is located in central Italy between the Apennine Mountains and the coast of the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas. The region has almost 3.7 million inhabitants, and its capital is Florence. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the historic centres of Florence, Siena, San Gimignano and Pienza, the Piazza del Duomo in Pisa, the Val d'Orcia, the Medici Villas and Gardens, and Montecatini Terme as part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe.Besides the art cities, wine regions like Chianti Classico, Montalcino, and Montepulciano shape the area, and in the south, the Maremma with its coast, thermal springs, and tufa towns. For the rural areas, you usually need a car.
    Cinque Terre

    Cinque Terre

    The Cinque Terre are five villages on the steep coast of the Riviera di Levante: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. For centuries, the inhabitants have terraced the mountains towards the sea with dry stone walls to grow wine and olives. The villages and their cultural landscape have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997 and a National Park since 1999.

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