Jan
10
Pisa Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Italy, South Africa
A trip to Pisa
Pisa conjures up images of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, but this compact city has more to offer than just that one architectural treasure. Pisa is full of other historical buildings and is famous for its superb food, making it a popular destination for Italians and visitors alike. The city is serviced by one main airport, Pisa Galileo Galilei International Airport.
Flights to Pisa
Pisa’s international airport is located less than two miles from the city centre. It is one of the many regional airports of Italy servicing a selection of airlines including: Air France, Air One, British Airways, Hapag-Lloyd Express, Iberia, Lufthansa, Ryanair, and Thomsonfly, as well as the national Italian carrier Alitalia and local Air Dolomiti.
Since the airport is so close to the city, it is easy to use taxis or public transportation to get to the action. Bus number 3 from the city centre makes several stops in town before arriving at the Arrivals Hall at the airport. There is also a train linking Pisa with the airport, with options to travel to other Italian cities. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Pisa try lastminute.com.
Pisa
Sightseeing in Pisa
Pisa is a compact city that is easy to explore on foot. The three must-sees are what locals call the three architectural wonders of Pisa: the Leaning Tower, the Duomo (cathedral) and the Baptistery. The Leaning Tower of Pisa’s construction began in 1173 and was completed in 1350. Due to the soft soil below, the tower has always tilted, but the degree of the tilt has increased over the years. It is worthwhile to climb the almost 300 steps to the top of the tower to take in the amazing views of the city. The Duomo was built in the 12th century and is a beautiful mixture of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The Baptistery, famous for its acoustics, is the largest of its kind in Italy and was constructed in 1152.
Besides these sights, Pisa offers plenty of museums and parks for visitors to explore. The Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Il Museo della Navigazione or Museo delle Sinopie are favourite choices. Otherwise, a stroll in the Camposanto Cemetery or a climb among the medieval ramparts at the Torre die Santa Maria are great ways to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Pisa is a young city, with many students milling around from early evening to early morning. The numerous piazzas are favourite hangouts for locals, who gather among the cafés, bars and restaurants on offer in the squares. However, the place to see and be seen is the Lo Sfizio on Borgo Stretto.
Known for its mixture of ‘surf’ and ‘turf’, Pisa’s cuisine offer both seafood dishes and dishes from the land. Alfresco dining is the way to go and if the local delicacy of eel is not your cup of tea, there are plenty of other dishes to choose from. Try Piazza delle Vettovaglie and Via San Martino for good quality but reasonably priced restaurants.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
No visit to Italy would be complete without some time spent shopping. The Borgo Stretto is where you must go. Right near the Piazza del Duomo, this is Pisa’s main shopping street. Here you can stroll along the porticoes and shop for all the famous Italian brands. There are also plenty of cafés and restaurants here in which to rest your weary feet.
Daytrips
From Pisa, you can easily reach the beautiful medieval city of Lucca, known as the city of a hundred churches. Home to well-kept medieval palaces and churches, many of Lucca’s residents can be seen commuting to and from work on bicycles. This is a great place to spend a pleasant day’s sightseeing and enjoying the wide squares and public parks.
If you fancy a break from cities, then head to the beautiful coastal resort of Marina di Vechianno, with its backdrop of green hills, olive groves and the beautiful Massaciuccoli Lake. Another great beach to try is the popular resort of Viareggio, but be aware that this can get crowded at weekends.
Just a train ride away from Pisa is the much loved city of Florence, located on the Arno River. If you’re visiting for a day, try and see the Santa Maria del Fiore, with its magnificent dome, and the Baptistery and Campanile tower. Both of these offer panoramic views of the city.
Must-see attractions
The large 16th century Piazza dei Cavalieri is home to the impressive Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri, the magnificent Palazzo dell’Orologio and the entrance to the modern, chic shopping street of Borgo Stretto. Strolling through the square, visitors cannot help to be struck by the magnificence of the grand architecture.
The city’s second main square is the Knight’s Square, set on the sight of the political heart of the city during the middle ages. These days, most of the buildings in the square belong to the university, and it is a fascinating place to wander round if you are a lover of architecture. Look out for the Francavilla Fountain, the Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici and the wonderful Palazzo dell’Orologio.
Located in the heart of the city, the stunning botanic gardens make for a pleasant day away from the architecture of the city. Founded in the 16th century, these are Europe’s oldest botanic gardens and are home to a vast collection of species from all over the world.
Best time to go
Pisa enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, sunny summers, when the temperatures peak at around 30°C, and cold winters. Pisa is most popularly visited in spring or autumn when the climate is at its best. The month of June is a great time to visit as this is when the streets really come to life as locals and tourists celebrate the patron saint of Pisa with a Festival of Lights on the Arno River.
Rainy day suggestions
To escape from the hot summer days or cold winter days, head to some of Pisa’s incredible museums and galleries. The Museo Nazionale di San Matteo sits within an ancient convent on the River Arno and houses art from between the 12th and 18th centuries. The Palazzo Reale National Museum houses an eclectic collection of art, while the Museum of Ancient Ships in Pisa contains an impressive collection of wrecks dating from various periods in the city’s history.
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