Tuscany property - Casa tuscany - tuscan property sales buy real estate Italian properties for sale in Italy

Information About Pisa

There is much more to Pisa than the legendary TORRE PENDENTE, rich in history and culture, yet also a thriving commercial and University city.

The long and proud history of Pisa is apparent from the layout of the city, the magnificent mediaeval and renaissance architecture and the long association with learning and academia through the 14th century University.

Pisa has been an important commercial centre since roman times, and from the 9th – 15th century it formed the centre of a powerful city state that dominated trade and culture across the western Mediterranean, largely thanks to the natural harbour formed at the mouth of the river Arno. It is from this era of wealth and power that most of the famous landmarks in the city come.

The most famous, clearly, is The Leaning Tower of Pisa, arguably the most identifiable building in the world, and as representative of Italian culture, romance and history as the canals of Venice and the Coliseum in Rome.

Located in the CAMPO DEI MIRACOLI (field of miracles), this is arguably the most beautiful square in the world, and will exceed whatever expectations one may have. The Tower itself – which leans 5 metres from the perpendicular - was built to serve as the bell tower for the other buildings in the piazza, and the collection of buildings is truly breathtaking.

The DUOMO, which was started in 1064, dominates the square with its cream and green striped marble exterior and huge brass doors. Next to that is the uniquely round BATTISTERO, which took over 300 years to complete, and also leans but only by 5 feet! One side of the square is formed by the CAMPO SANTO - a mediaeval cemetery which was, unfortunately, partly destroyed by allied bombings in 1944, having, like its neighbours, remained untouched for nine centuries.

Each of the buildings is as magnificent on the inside as the outside, and now that the tower has been saved from collapse it is possible to tour around each of them.

Walking south from the Campo dei Miracoli, one walks through the mediaeval heart of the walled city, with the commercial, leisure and shopping area focussed on the BORGO STRETTO and CORSO ITALIA. Each day the lively morning market in PIAZZA VETTOVAGLIE sells local produce and goods,
The SAN ZENO church dates from the 5th century, and the MUSEO DI SAN MATTEO, in a former Convent and prison (some would say there is little difference) houses Pisan art and sculpture dating back to the middle ages. It is a collection as magnificent as its more famous cousins in Florence and Rome, and proclaims the pride of the Pisan people in their rich heritage. The church of SAN NICOLA, on Palazzo Reale, was built in the 12th century with a leaning tower to emulate its near neighbour.
The simplicity of the water front on the banks of the river Arno contrasts with the gothic splendour of the church SANTA MARIA DELLA SPINA, built in the 14th century to house a thorn allegedly from the crown worn by Jesus when he was crucified. This intricate church was moved from its original location nearer the mouth of the river in 1871, when erosion and flooding threatened to engulf it.

Pisa is also a lively city, with a large and evident student population and a host of summer festivals providing year round activities. The university was founded in 1330 and can boast Galileo Galilei amongst its alumni and former teachers. The festivals, starting on 16th June, include the awe inspiring LUMINARIA DI SAN RANIERI, when thousands or candles and lamps are lit along the water front in honour of the patron saint of Pisa. Next day, a colourful regatta takes place with rowing races, a tradition dating back to the 14th century.

Finally, on the last Sunday in June, IL GIOCO DEL PONTE (the game of the bridge) attracts fanatical hordes of Pisans to witness an ancient game involving pushing a 7 ton cart over Pisa’s oldest bridge.

But whatever you visit Pisa for, it should not be only to see the leaning tower, as there is so much more to see and enjoy, and you will quickly come to understand why the inhabitants of Pisa are amongst the proudest in Tuscany.

Welcome to Casatuscany.com : Tuscany property sales and rentals

Information About Pisa