Pisa City Review

	Along the Arno River 1

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.

	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).

	Campo dei Miracoli 3

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

	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.

	The Camposanto 5

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.