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Along
the Arno River 1 |
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Sitting on the banks of
the Arno
River, Pisa is a city of culture, art and architectural beauty. More
than the site of the Leaning
Tower of Pisa, this ancient city is home to grand, historic structures
and ancient ruins blended with modern city amenities. While the city features
a deep and sometimes tumultuous past, its presence in history was an influential
one. Birthplace of Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) and home to the historic University
of Pisa, travellers will find that a visit to this city is more than
a trip to one of the most recognized buildings in the world.
HISTORY
With its ancient and extensive
past, the origins of the Tuscan
city of Pisa remain a mystery to this day. However, it is certain that this
once seaside settlement dates back to before 1,000 B.C. Because of its proximity
to the sea, Pisa was always considered an important port for trading. During
its peak in the 11th and 12th century, Pisa owed much of its success to the
fact that it was a major port. While it was widely considered a marine power,
this city was not only significant in terms of trading and commercial purposes
but was also a popular rest stop for travellers heading out to Jerusalem and
Rome.
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Looking
Down onto Pisa 2 |
With a long history of war,
the city's prominence and power began to decline in the 13th century. Obsessed
with conquest and political and economic power, Pisa suffered heavy defeats
at the hands of the Genoans. Shortly thereafter, Pisa began losing conquered
lands, and the city was quickly ravaged by social and political tensions that
also contributed to its decline.
Even though Pisa struggled
to rebuild itself, the city was never able to fully regain its previous influence
and power. And although it fought battle after battle, Pisa ultimately lost
its marine and port status to neighbouring Livorno.
While this title was handed over, Pisa was able to establish itself as a cultural
and educational centre with the creation of the University of Pisa in 1343.
Today, Pisa is a city of art and culture where travellers will find amazing
architecture and historic attractions
and a bustling student life.
CLIMATE
Sheltered by nearby mountain
ranges and found near the Ligurian Sea, Pisa features a mild Mediterranean climate.
Summers in Pisa are hot with temperatures ranging between 17ºC (63ºF) and 30ºC
(86ºF). Winters tend to be cooler with temperatures falling between 2ºC (36ºF)
and 12ºC (54ºF). This is also the wettest time of the year, and fogs are common.
Perhaps the best times of
the year to visit Pisa is either in the fall or in spring. Not only have the
heavy tourist crowds diminished but temperatures are much more pleasant. Daytime
highs during the fall and spring usually average at about 20ºC (68ºF).
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Campo
dei Miracoli 3 |
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TRANSPORTATION
Pisa is located in the western
region of Tuscany, in
the Province of
Pisa. The city is cut into two sections by the Arno River, which runs
east to west through the city. Tramontana is above the northern bank while Mezzogiorno
is in the south.
The city is easily accessible
via the Aeroporto
Galileo Galilei, which receives flights from many major European cities.
The airport also features a direct railway link to Pisa Railway Central Station.
This train station offers access to Italy's extensive railway network that connects
cities throughout the country. Those travelling on train
may arrive or depart from Pisa via Trenitalia.
With ancient buildings at
every turn, the best way to experience this historic city is by foot. Fortunately,
the city's main square, called the Campo
dei Miracoli, or Field of Miracles, contains many of the major tourist
sights. Those who would like to cover more distance, renting a bicycle
is a great option.
A local public transportation
service is also available. The service offers urban and suburban bus lines within
the city and throughout the Province of Pisa. For those who prefer, numerous
car rental
companies are conveniently located in the Galileo Galilei Airport, as well as
around the city.
FEATURED ATTRACTIONS
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A
Fresco within the Duomo 4 |
The Leaning Tower of
Pisa
Located in the northwest of the city, at the Campo dei Miracoli is the Leaning
Tower of Pisa. A bell tower for the neighbouring Cathedral
of Pisa (Il Duomo di Pisa), the Leaning Tower stands about 56 m (184
ft) high, and features eight floors, seven bells and just under 300 steps.
Fated to sink from the beginning,
construction of this centuries old structure first started in 1173. When construction
was on the third floor, the weak soil at the tower's foundation started to collapse,
and the tower began to sink and lean. This, along with various wars and political
problems, caused progress to come to a halt. The tower stood incomplete for
more than a century until construction restarted in 1275. Fortunately, this
period of inactivity allowed the unstable soil to compress and strengthen to
be able to hold the weight of the tower. Three more floors were added, but with
a few modifications. Trying to correct the problem, the floors were built slightly
taller at one side. This fixed that lean, but caused the tower to tilt to the
other side.
Several other construction
pauses took place after the sixth floor was completed. This was mostly due to
more battles and wars. While the exact year of completion remains uncertain,
the bell tower for the cathedral was finally completed with the construction
of the belfry in the mid to late 1300s.
Il Duomo di Pisa
Located at the centre of the Campo dei Miracoli, the Duomo di Pisa, or Cathedral
of Pisa, is a Christian church
that took just under 300 years to complete. Construction for this medieval cathedral
began in 1064, when Pisa was at the height of its power. The building is an
intricate structure that features mosaics, marbled interiors, medieval sculptures
and a frescoed dome depicting Jesus, St. John and the Virgin Mary. The face
of the building also contains inscriptions that tell the history of the cathedral.
When seen from a bird's-eye-view, the cathedral bears the form of a crucifix.
Within the church lie several tombs. Visitors will find the tomb of the Roman
emperor, Henry VII, as well as the resting place of St. Ranieri, the patron
saint of Pisa.
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The
Camposanto 5 |
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A working church, the Duomo
continues to offer regular worship services. Nevertheless, at scheduled times,
and for a very small fee, visitors are welcome to tour the cathedral. Audio
guides in several languages are also available.
The Battistero
Found directly across the Duomo di Pisa is the Battistero
(the Baptistery), the building that houses the cathedral's baptismal font. Similar
to the cathedral, the Battistero is a tall, dome-like structure. The building
features a circumference of about 107 m (351 ft), making it one of the largest
of its kind in Italy.
Complementing the Duomo
in terms of style and architecture, construction for the Battistero began in
1152. Made from white marble, the Battistero boasts tall columns, arches, and
intricate carvings. After more than two centuries, the cathedral's baptistery
was finally completed in the late 1300s. Like the cathedral and bell tower,
visitors are welcome to visit the Battistero during scheduled times.
The Camposanto
Taking more than 180 years to complete, construction of the Camposanto
began in 1277. Found in the Campo dei Miracoli, the cemetery
is said to be built upon holy soil from Palestine brought to Pisa by the first
crusaders. This enclosed cemetery was once the final resting place of many of
Pisa's renowned university professors and elite families. However, many of the
graves have now been relocated, leaving behind a select few sarcophagi.
While the Camposanto is
under intensive restoration efforts, visitors are able to walk within the cemetery's
walls. Visitors will find ancient statues and monuments, elaborate arches, and
several frescos, including The Triumph of Death, a highly celebrated work by
Italian Painter Buonamico di Martino.
PHOTO COURTESY
- Along the Arno
River; Pisa, PI, Italy
- Gaspa; Looking
Down onto Pisa; Pisa, PI, Italy
- Campo dei Miracoli;
Pisa, PI, Italy
- A Fresco within
the Duomo; Pisa, PI, Italy
- Elisabeth Naldera
de Cassar; The Camposanto; Pisa, PI, Italy
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