Pisa
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Pisa
Pisa is strategically located in the central part of Italy, at only 12 km from the Ligurian Sea, 20 km from the harbour of Livorno and the ferries heading to the Elba Island, Sardinia and Corsica, and 80 km from Florence. This city is most known for its leaning tower, but it also preserves, along with the whole complex of Piazza dei Miracoli — UNESCO World Heritage Site — and its medieval centre, numerous masterpieces of architecture and medieval history. The area around Pisa is also excellent for farm holidays, trekking, beaches and water sports on the Versilian coast.Find your trip
Pisa Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni) shares grounds with Pisa Duomo (where the Leaning Tower is located). It took more than two centuries to complete. This amazing marble Baptistery is the largest one in the whole of Italy, and dates back to the 12th century. Pay your visit in the early morning to experience the amazing acoustics without the hum of the crowd. The Cathedral is an incredible work of art with more than a thousands years of history, and its design influenced many other buildings in the whole country.
Via Aurelia, constructed in approximately 241 BC, played an important role in times of the ancient Roman Empire, to connect the cities of Pisa and Rome and to enable trouble-free and efficient movement of defensive forces and goods between them. Today, the drive along the coast might not be the fastest way anymore, owing to the often heavy traffic, but it for sure is one of the most beautiful rides in Italy. Today, the modern Strada Statale 1 ocupies the same route and is informally known as La Via Aurelia. Remains of several Roman bridges can still be found along the road, including the Cloaca di Porta San Clementino, Ponte del Diavolo, Primo Ponte, and the Secondo Ponte (the last three in Sta Marinella).
One of the most outstanding architectural structures of medieval Europe (partly due to human error during construction), the Leaning Tower is today the most famous landmark of Pisa. It is the bell tower of the Cathedral whose construction began in 1173, and continued for over two centuries. This miscalculated eight-story building is over 55 metres high and leans at an angle of 3.99 degrees. Without any doubts, this popular tourist attraction is a "must" when visiting the city. Don’t forget the camera, since this is a perfect place to take some amusing photos.
The Botanical Garden and Museum was established in 1544 as the first university botanical garden in Europe. The garden is divided into sections that contain the botanical school, gardens, ponds, greenhouses and various buildings. Major collections include herb gardens and arboreta, as well as the old botany institute of late 16th century, with a façade ornamented with sea-shells.
The Italian word "Camposanto" (Holy Yard) — which is a synonym of "cemetery" — was first used with reference to this Pisan building. According to the legend, it contained soil which was seen as miraculous due to its origins in the Holy Land. You will find this peaceful place with amazing frescoes, mosaics and statues on the same site as the Leaning Tower, the UNESCO World Heritage site Piazza del Duomo di Pisa.
The Museum of Cathedral Works (Museo dell’Opera del Duomo) opened in 1986 to showcase the art and sculptures of Pisa. Today, its collection includes works which previously adorned the buildings in the Piazza dei Miracoli. After the big three (the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral and the Baptistery), this is the fourth major landmark to fit into your time schedule. You will find this interesting museum behind the Leaning Tower.
The Royal Palace was built, as commanded by the House of Medici, in the late 16th century, and became the National Museum in 1989. Today, it hosts numerous paintings, sculpture, tapestries and decorative art pieces that belong to the courts of the city government, such as the Medici, Lorena and Savoia, as well as some private collections. The building still has the appearance of an aristocratic residence, with fittings and furniture from the 17th to 19th centuries.
The beautiful Knights' Square was the political centre of the Republic of Pisa. During the 16th century, it was radically transformed by Giorgio Vasari and became the seat of the new military order of the Knights of St. Stephen. The square is dominated by the Palazzo della Carovana, whose façade is completely covered in sgraffiti and that, today, hosts the Scuola Normale Superiore, founded by Napoleon in 1810.
Pisa Baptistery (Battistero di San Giovanni) shares grounds with Pisa Duomo (where the Leaning Tower is located). It took more than two centuries to complete. This amazing marble Baptistery is the largest one in the whole of Italy, and dates back to the 12th century. Pay your visit in the early morning to experience the amazing acoustics without the hum of the crowd. The Cathedral is an incredible work of art with more than a thousands years of history, and its design influenced many other buildings in the whole country.
Via Aurelia, constructed in approximately 241 BC, played an important role in times of the ancient Roman Empire, to connect the cities of Pisa and Rome and to enable trouble-free and efficient movement of defensive forces and goods between them. Today, the drive along the coast might not be the fastest way anymore, owing to the often heavy traffic, but it for sure is one of the most beautiful rides in Italy. Today, the modern Strada Statale 1 ocupies the same route and is informally known as La Via Aurelia. Remains of several Roman bridges can still be found along the road, including the Cloaca di Porta San Clementino, Ponte del Diavolo, Primo Ponte, and the Secondo Ponte (the last three in Sta Marinella).
Italy is known for its pizza and at Gusto al 129 you really understand why. Some people even say that this place serves the best pizza in the whole of Italy. There you will find not only the most classic pizzas, but the owners are not afraid to experiment with new recipes — the main reason for their success — and to keep creating new pizzas, also inspired by the clients' tastes. For each pizza, you will be suggested the best beer to drink with it.
Located in Marina di Pisa, right by the sea, this romantic fine dining restaurant will please you with its brilliant cuisine mostly centring around fish. Enjoy sunset while eating in one of the best places in the area, and try one of the delicious and creative plates of fresh fish. Of course, we recommend starting with an aperitivo.
L'Ostellino is a real Tuscan "street food" restaurant that has rapidly become the first choice for both tourists and locals who want to have a quick quality meal. Cold cuts, cheese and sandwiches with the best local ingredients, together with Tuscan wines, are the strong selling points of this place. Open around lunchtime.
You will find out, perhaps surprisingly, that even in the heart of Italy there are excellent international restaurants. So, if you are hungry and you feel tired of pasta, big steaks and pizza, Namastè India Ristorante offers authentic Indian food right in the city centre of Pisa. With more than 30 years in the business, this restaurant — very close to Palazzo Blu — will provide you with the best Indian flavours.
The retro-style Ristorante da Mario serves typical Tuscan dishes such as vegetable soup, homemade pasta and fish. It is located close to Piazza dei Miracoli, only a 10-minute walks from all major attractions.
The name of this restaurant comes from Panacea, who was the goddess of remedy in Greek mythology. Restaurant La Panacea might not be able, with its food, to heal sicknesses, but can easily take on hunger and thirst: they offer pizzas and pastas, as well as fresh fish, meat and home-made desserts.
Antica Trattoria Il Campano is situated in an ancient tower with brick walls and a mysterious yet inviting atmosphere. It serves traditional cuisine, so you will find some excellent typical Tuscan food, such as the Ribollita (a bread and vegetable potage which has peasant origins) and the Fiorentina steak, and the wine cellar holds more than 400 different brands to complement your meal in the best way possible.
Located in the centre of Pisa, in a quiet neighbourhood, this restaurant surprises you with its visionary flavours and regularly proposes different dishes. Whether you prefer fish or meat, your visit will be memorable. Remember to try their home-made cake before you leave.
Italy is known for its pizza and at Gusto al 129 you really understand why. Some people even say that this place serves the best pizza in the whole of Italy. There you will find not only the most classic pizzas, but the owners are not afraid to experiment with new recipes — the main reason for their success — and to keep creating new pizzas, also inspired by the clients' tastes. For each pizza, you will be suggested the best beer to drink with it.
Located in Marina di Pisa, right by the sea, this romantic fine dining restaurant will please you with its brilliant cuisine mostly centring around fish. Enjoy sunset while eating in one of the best places in the area, and try one of the delicious and creative plates of fresh fish. Of course, we recommend starting with an aperitivo.
If you are interested in antiques and old furniture, many fairs are held in Via Santa Maria, Piazza Felice Cavallotti, Via dei Mille, Via Corsica, Piazza dei Cavalieri and Via Ulisse Dini — basically all around the city centre — every second weekend of the month (except August and July). More than 100 artisans take part in these highly recommended events, and animate the historic centre with their stands and works of art.
The Fruit and Food Market (Mercato delle Vettovaglie) opens from Monday to Friday in Piazza delle Vettovaglie, a 16th-century square. It is very popular amongst locals, who do their daily shopping there, so walk through it to see and experience the everyday life of Pisa.
This fashion boutique opened in the 1970s and, through the years, more outlets have opened in the city, each of them with their own style and character. With brands like Valentino, Balenciaga, Dior, Burberry, Dolce&Gabbana, Jimmy Choo, Givenchy, Gucci, Moncler, Prada and Steve Madden, it is still very popular among shopaholics in Pisa.
Enoteca Bacchus, a family-run shop which specialises in high quality wines, rums and whiskies, is the perfect place if you wish to buy some drinkable souvenirs to bring home with you, or some very special gifts. The family who run this wine shop also opened a restaurant, located in Via Aurelia Sud 8, with both indoor and garden seating available.
If you feel that a more "underground", alternative style suits you better, then you will prefer this cool shop rather than average high street boutiques. Sanantonio42 is a heaven for vintage lovers: you will find not only street-wear clothing, but also a wide range of vinyls (with soul, r&b, rap and rock music), skateboards, DJ accessories and products for graffiti.
In the medieval street of Borgo Stretto, full of exclusive boutiques, you will find Sergio Capone, a luxury watch shop and the only official Rolex dealer in Pisa. Feast your eyes on a wide range of elegant watches, sparkling jewels and precious stones, carefully selected by Sergio Capone since 1987.
Along the Borgo Stretto, DEI Group has several different shops for men and women who are looking for timeless elegant clothes, but still with the sense of fleeting fashion. The stores Dei Uomo, Dei Donna, Il Cavallo Uomo and Il Cavallo Donna are house of brands like Dries Van Noten, Ralph Lauren, Woolrich, Sun 68, Golden Goose and Marsèll.
When you are in need of new literature, pay a visit to laFeltrinelli Librerie. Here you find a wide selection of books, films, music and other paraphernalia. The outdoor, wisteria-covered part of the shop is especially wonderful. If you're lucky, you can find a book reading event in this charming space.
If you are interested in antiques and old furniture, many fairs are held in Via Santa Maria, Piazza Felice Cavallotti, Via dei Mille, Via Corsica, Piazza dei Cavalieri and Via Ulisse Dini — basically all around the city centre — every second weekend of the month (except August and July). More than 100 artisans take part in these highly recommended events, and animate the historic centre with their stands and works of art.
The Fruit and Food Market (Mercato delle Vettovaglie) opens from Monday to Friday in Piazza delle Vettovaglie, a 16th-century square. It is very popular amongst locals, who do their daily shopping there, so walk through it to see and experience the everyday life of Pisa.
Pisa International Airport "Galilei" is located only 1 km from Pisa Central Railway Station and from the town centre. Just outside the Passenger Terminal, you will find the new high-speed, automatic "People Mover" service, which will take you directly to Pisa Central Station with departures everyday, every 5-8 minutes, from 6 am to midnight. Outside the Passenger Terminal, you will find the "P6 Area" for buses. Tickets can be bought at the Info Point, in the Arrivals Terminal. You may also be interested in renting a car. In this case, there is a dedicated Terminal easily reachable by a 5-minute walk or by a free shuttle that you can take just outside the Passenger Terminal (on the arrivals side). A taxi service is provided around the clock, with departures in front of the airport (on the arrivals side). Also, the two companies PBA (www.pbapisa.it) and Limousine Oritour (www.limousineoritour.it) provide a classy and comfortable luxury transfer service.
Italy can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are not sure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend you to contact the embassy or consulate in your country. In order to enter the Schengen zone, international (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip. Citizens from Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but they must bring with them a valid ID during their stay.
Tuscany, like the whole of Italy, generally has a temperate climate, with differences depending on individual geographical areas. As Pisa is situated just a few km from the Tyrrhenian Sea, you can enjoy milder summers and winters. The best months to visit Pisa are April, May, June, September and October, with very pleasant sunny days. The summer months (July and August) can be very hot and that would make your vacation less enjoyable. June is the month when this city is especially worth a visit, as the three main traditional events — the Luminara, the Regata and the Gioco del Ponte — take place during that time.
Pisa is a small city, hence the best way to see it is on foot. The company that operates Pisa’s local transport system is CPT (Compagnia Pisana Trasporti) and its information office is in Piazza Sant'Antonio. The new LAM service divides the bus network into two main lines (LAM red and LAM green, that stop at the most "popular" spots in the city centre) and guarantees departures every 10 minutes. You can purchase bus tickets, which you will then validate on board, at the Central Railway Station, in Via Cesare Battisti 53, or directly on board (at a higher price, though). Local, interregional, Intercity and Eurostar trains stop at Pisa Central Railway Station, connecting Pisa to the main Tuscan and Italian destinations. Train tickets are sold at the ticket office, but for short routes — up to 20 km — also at the newsagents'. Self-service ticket machines can also be found in the station.
Pisa’s main taxi company is Radio Taxi Pisa. You can find cabs near the most important tourist sites. Fare schedules are subject to change; the driver is obliged by law to start the meter at the start of every trip. The taxi service in the city is operated by Cooperativa Pisana Tassisti — CO.TA.PI.
Post stamps can be bought at the tobacconists that either carry the blue and white "Tabacchi" sign, or are simply marked "T". If you need to visit a post office, you find the main one in the city centre, in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.
Chemists in Pisa are usually open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm and have different opening hours during nights and weekends. You will find several "Farmacie Comunali" around the city, but only Farmacia Comunale 5 close to the main attractions offers a 24/7 service. Other Farmacie Comunali: - 1: Via Pardi 3 / farma1@farmaciecomunalipisa.it - 2: Via XXIV Maggio 63 / farma2@farmaciecomunalipisa.it - 3: Via Battelli 17 / farma3@farmaciecomunalipisa.it - 4: Piazzale Donatello 16 / farma4@farmaciecomunalipisa.it - 5: Piazzale D'Ascanio 1 / farma6@farmaciecomunalipisa.it
Country code: +39 Area code: 05 (also dialled in Pisa) If you call Italy from abroad, you must always dial zero in the area code (do not omit it as is the general practice when making international telephone calls), e.g. "+39 05 + the number".
Pisa International Airport "Galilei" is located only 1 km from Pisa Central Railway Station and from the town centre. Just outside the Passenger Terminal, you will find the new high-speed, automatic "People Mover" service, which will take you directly to Pisa Central Station with departures everyday, every 5-8 minutes, from 6 am to midnight. Outside the Passenger Terminal, you will find the "P6 Area" for buses. Tickets can be bought at the Info Point, in the Arrivals Terminal. You may also be interested in renting a car. In this case, there is a dedicated Terminal easily reachable by a 5-minute walk or by a free shuttle that you can take just outside the Passenger Terminal (on the arrivals side). A taxi service is provided around the clock, with departures in front of the airport (on the arrivals side). Also, the two companies PBA (www.pbapisa.it) and Limousine Oritour (www.limousineoritour.it) provide a classy and comfortable luxury transfer service.
Italy can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are not sure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend you to contact the embassy or consulate in your country. In order to enter the Schengen zone, international (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip. Citizens from Schengen countries can travel without a passport, but they must bring with them a valid ID during their stay.
