Location

Famous for its leaning tower, the maritime city of Pisa lies at the mouth of the river Arno with Tuscan countryside to the east and the Mediterranean to the west. From pre-Roman origins, Pisa had developed into one of Italy’s most powerful cities by the early medieval period, leading to the creation of a wealth of medieval and Renaissance architecture and many monuments, which today characterize the city centre. The historic core, close to the river, is home to wide shopping streets and typically Italian piazzas, the most notable of which is the Piazza dei Miracoli where the Romanesque cathedral, Battistero and ‘leaning’ bell tower can be found close to many museums, galleries and restaurants. The Leaning Tower is open to the public following major strengthening works, however, the Battistero also offers excellent views of the city. Elsewhere in the city can be found many interesting churches and palaces, including the Palazzo Reale and Palazzo dell’Usselo, which demonstrate the wealth and architectural talents of Pisa during the Renaissance period.

 Weather

During June, temperatures should be around 25°C during the day in Pisa, with cooler evenings. It is usually dry and clear at this time of year.

 Places to Visit

The bridge of Ponte di Mezzo marks the approximate centre of Pisa, joining the Piazza Garibaldi with the Piazza XX Septembre on opposite sides of the river Arno. Piazza Garibaldi leads onto the medieval Borgo Stretto, perhaps Pisa’s most well-known street, where many buildings are fronted by the original vaulted shopping arcades. The fourteenth century Palazzo Gambacarti can be found in Piazza XX Septembre, and more recently has become the town hall. The impressive building is renowned for its excellent frescos which can be seen inside.

Along both sides of the river run many restaurants and cafes, where visitors can sample Biscotti, the iconic Italian biscuit which originated in Pisa. Many of the cities landmarks can be found along the riverside Lungarnos, or Avenues, including one of Pisa’s two ‘other’ leaning towers and La Cittadella, the fortress built to protect the river Arno during the middle ages when the mouth of river was much closer to the city centre. This area is also the venue for Gioco del Ponte, a historic festival which takes place on the last Sunday of June every year, where teams from opposing sides of the town attempt to ‘conquer’ the Ponte di Mezzo by pushing their rivals into the river. The event is accompanied by processions and general festivities, and is one of the most notable in the city’s calendar.

Pisa is home to a number of interesting museums and galleries, many of which are housed in exceptional Renaissance buildings. The most popular include:

• Museo dell’Opera del Duomo – This museum houses a number of artifacts and works of art from the Cathedral and monumental cemetery in the Piazza del Duomo.
• Museo delle Sinope – Exhibited in this museum are the original ochre underdrawings for many of the city’s most famous frescos. Discovered during renovation works, they were removed and preserved here, and provide a fascinating insight into the preparation of some of Renaissance Italy’s most acclaimed artworks.
• Museo Nazionale di S. Mateo – San Mateo exhibits a wide range of Tuscan Renaissance artwork.
• Museo Nazionale degli Strumenti per il Calcolo – Demonstrating the influence of Pisa’s universities over many centuries, this museum displays an interesting collection of scientific instruments, many several centuries old.