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Pisa is one of the most famous cities in Tuscany, where the flow of tourists does not dry out.
Things to do in Pisa
Those who want to enjoy the grandeur of architecture should go to the main square Piazza dei Miracoli, where the iconic sights of the city are concentrated: the Duomo, the famous leaning tower, the baptistery and other architectural gems that form a single ensemble.
Pisa has a large number of churches. Built in a special manner, they will attract connoisseurs of antiquity and everything beautiful in general:
- Santa Maria della Spina is notable for its intricate facade decoration.
- Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri is the only example of the Renaissance style in all of Tuscany. Inside are rare frescoes and paintings.
A visit to a museum should be on the must-do list of every cultured person. For example, Ospedale Nuovo di Santo Spirito keeps stunning sinopia, and San Matteo is the richest treasury of medieval artifacts.
The sights of Pisa have a special atmosphere. A walk through the old quarters and embankments will delight aesthetes and romantics. Borgo Stretto — the charm of old buildings, narrow streets and restaurants. The San Martino quarter is an open-air museum with palazzos, churches and squares.
Churches and cathedrals
duomo
The majestic cathedral, consecrated in honor of the Annunciation of the Virgin, is the dominant feature of the Field of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli). The construction of the temple began in 1064, the work was entrusted to the architect Busqueto. He managed to create a building in a new unique style, which later became known as Pisano-Romanesque.
The snow-white facade is decorated with gray and colored marble inserts. The intricate ornament was invented by the master Rainaldo, who perpetuated his name right above the entrance to the cathedral. On the western facade there are 4 rows of galleries and a statue of the Madonna, statues of four evangelists are installed in the corners of the composition. On the east side rises a copy of the griffin. The original, made in the 11th century, is kept in the museum of the cathedral.
The dark interior contrasts with the radiant exterior. The decor is dominated by black marble with snow-white veins. There is a huge fresco on the ceiling. Most of the original Renaissance works were lost in a fire. Fortunately, the mosaic escaped this sad fate to the limit. The panel depicts the Mother of God and the Apostle John.
leaning tower of pisa
The leaning tower, which is the main decoration of the Field of Miracles, is actually a bell tower. However, it was erected at a respectful distance from the cathedral, which is not typical for religious architecture. The construction of the tower began in 1173 and ended almost two centuries later. The work was carried out for a long time due to the moving clay soil, and the structure began to “fall” after the construction of the third floor.
The height of the structure is approximately 56 m, 294 steps lead to the top, and the tower roll is 5 degrees. Inside there is a series of covered galleries with arches decorated with bas-reliefs, and three spiral staircases.
Upstairs is the belfry, where the heaviest bell weighs 3.5 tons, and the oldest is over 400 years old. It is thanks to the massive bells that form the center of gravity that the tower continues to stand. Although the structure is constantly moving: its roll either decreases or increases.
Church of San Paolo a Ripa d’Arno
It is the oldest church in Pisa and an outstanding example of Romanesque architecture in Tuscany. The exact date of the construction of the temple is unknown, but the first mention of it dates back to 1032. Also known as the Duomo Vecchio, the church went through several owners: it was owned by a monastery, a hospital, privately owned, and eventually became public.
In the XI-XII centuries, the first serious reconstruction took place, as a result of which the church began to resemble the main Cathedral on the Field of Miracles.
The next restoration was carried out in the 19th century. Now the building has the shape of a cross with side aisles, a central nave and granite columns from the island of Elba — natural material from this region has a special beauty. Inside, it is worth seeing a 13th-century cross, 14th-century frescoes, and an ancient Roman sarcophagus.
Santa Maria della Spina
The chambered Gothic church, built in the first quarter of the 13th century, was originally called Santa Maria di Pontenovo. The name “spina” (translated from Italian as “thorn”) appeared in 1333, when a fragment of a crown of thorns from the head of Christ was brought to the temple. Alas, the relic was lost.
In 1871, the church was demolished brick by brick and moved to a new location. Over time, the Arno river changed its course and began to flood the shrine. As a result of the move, the temple has changed, but remains the brightest example of Gothic architecture in Europe.
The rectangular building is generously lined with multi-colored marble. The facade is decorated with stone canopies and arched niches, rose windows, columns, openwork bas-reliefs and countless statues. The most prominent are the Madonna and Child surrounded by angels and Christ with the apostles. But the interior decoration has always been ascetic. Even the painting on the ceiling appeared during the restoration process in the 19th century. The main relic of the church is the statue of the Madonna of the Rose.
Church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri
This is the only church in Pisa built in the Renaissance style. It was erected in 1569 by order of Cosimo de’ Medici for the knights of the Order of Saint Stephen. Don Giovanni de Medici, the son of Cosimo, who was born out of wedlock, worked on the facade of the building. Columns, arches and bas-reliefs impress with masterful execution.
The interior is full of interesting details. Among them are 5 canvases telling about the life of St. Stephen, and 6 ceiling paintings depicting epochal events in which the order took an active part.
Baptistery of San Giovanni
The extension for baptisms is part of the architectural complex of the Field of Miracles. The baptistery began to be erected in 1152 and was completed only two centuries later. The Pisa Baptistery is the largest on the Apennine Peninsula. Its width is about 50 m, and its height is almost 108 m. The structure is completely lined with marble.
The building organically combines two architectural styles at once: the bottom with round arches is made in Romanesque, and the top with lancet arches is in Gothic. Inside there is an octagonal font of the XIII century with a bronze statue of John the Baptist in the center. It is noteworthy that the pulpit for sermons is decorated with figures from ancient Roman myths.
Church of San Nicola
The church building was built approximately in 1097. And in the 17th century it was rebuilt, adding several altars and a chapel. The facade is decorated with interesting details: blind arches and pilasters without capitals. Samples of painting of the XIV-XV centuries are stored inside. The most striking works: “Madonna and Child”, “Crucifixion” and “Annunciation”.
The church is connected to the Torre de Cantone tower by a covered passage — through it, members of the Medici family got into the church without going outside.
Architecture
Palazzo della Carovana
Another name for this architectural gem is Palazzo dei Cavalieri. Once this palace belonged to the knights of the Order of St. Stephen, today it houses the Higher Normal School (higher educational and research institution) of Pisa. The outer walls of the building are generously decorated with sgraffito drawings, statues, as well as the coats of arms of the Medici family and the order. At the top of the facade are busts of the great rulers of Tuscany.
The name of the palazzo is translated as “Palace of the Convoy”. The knights of the Order of St. Stephen underwent 3‑year training here, in order to then carry out an escort of merchant ships in the Mediterranean Sea, where pirates were outrageous.
Campo Santo
The historic building in Cathedral Square is also known as Campo Santo Monumentale and Campo Santo Vecchio. The latter can be translated as “old cemetery”. They say that the building stands on land brought from Golgotha by Archbishop Ubaldo de Lanfranchi in the 12th century — the clergyman took part in the IV Crusade.
The burials themselves are arranged in the wall under the arched gallery that forms the courtyard. Until the 18th century, only representatives of the nobility were buried in the cemetery.
Palazzo del Orologio
The “Palace of the Clock” attracts attention with its characteristic shape, similar to a half-opened book, and the clock in the central part of the facade. The latter appeared here in 1696. The structure that has survived to this day is the result of numerous reconstructions that lasted several centuries. Initially, there were 2 separate towers on the square, and only in the Middle Ages did they unite.
The left one was called Palazzotto della Justitia — the mayors sat in it. The right one was named Gualandi in honor of the family that lived there for a long time. There is a legend associated with this tower. Duke Ugolino was accused of high treason, imprisoned in a tower and doomed to death by starvation. This event was reflected in the 33rd chapter of “Hell” by D. Alighieri.
Palazzo al Borgo di Corliano
Beautiful villa located between Pisa and Lucca. The facade of the building is decorated with interesting drawings made in the 16th century. Designed in the style of Mannerism, they impress with a variety of subjects. This is an image of birds, allegorical symbols and ripe fruits soaked in the hot Tuscan sun.
The interior decoration is the realm of luxury. The lobby welcomes you with marble busts of the 18th century depicting ancient Roman emperors. The halls and rooms are decorated with skillful frescoes, the surroundings are complemented by antique furniture. The mansion is surrounded by a luxurious park with an area of over 4 hectares.
Museums
Palazzo Blue
A luxurious 14th-century mansion in the historic center of Pisa has recently turned into a museum with permanent and temporary exhibitions. The permanent exhibition features icons, a collection of coins, antique furniture, objects of religious worship, sculptures and paintings of the 14th-20th centuries.
Ospedale Nuovo di Santo Spirito
The museum occupies a long brick building in the Square of Miracles. A long time ago there was a hospital, today it has moved to a new location. The creation of the museum was preceded by a cultural tragedy. During World War II, Campo Santo was hit by a bomb.
The complex was badly damaged, the unique frescoes of the XIV-XVII centuries were especially damaged. To save the works of art, it was decided to dismantle. When the frescoes were removed from the wall, sinopia (preparatory drawings) were revealed behind them. They turned out to be so beautiful and unusual that they were placed in a museum specially created for them.
National Museum of San Matteo
The Museum of San Matteo is located within the walls of the monastery of the same name, which ceased to exist. Its funds contain an invaluable collection of medieval artifacts: religious values, ceramics, archaeological finds, jewelry and household items. Of particular note is the collection of crosses, wooden bas-reliefs, sculptures by Tuscan masters and a bible from 1168.
Palazzo Incontri Viti
The traveler, philanthropist and successful merchant Giuseppe Vitti bought the palazzo in 1850, reconstructed it and placed in it luxurious items that he managed to acquire during his life. Art objects from the 1400s-1900s are on display in 12 rooms, beautifully furnished.
These are paintings, sculptures, porcelain, household items and decor. Many things have their own history — they belonged to great people, for example, the table of Voltaire or the reliquary of Cosimo III.
Interesting places
Quarter of San Martino
The old quarter will appeal to lovers of architectural antiquities. It is better to start the walk from the Lungarno Galilei embankment. Its main attractions are the Romanesque octagonal temple of the XII century, the Palazzo Lanfranchi with huge coats of arms on the facade and the marble well — the heritage of the old hospital.
The Lungarno Fibonacci embankment is named after the great mathematician. Here is the fortress of Fortezza Sangallo, on the territory of which there is a huge garden of Giardino Scotto. And on Via San Martino are the grandiose palaces of Cevoli and Tizzoni.
Piazza dei Cavalieri
Known as the Piazza des Knights, this square is one of Pisa’s main attractions. It was built in the Middle Ages on the site of an ancient Roman forum. Once upon a time, important decrees and news were announced here. Around the perimeter of Piazza dei Cavalieri are palazzos and ancient buildings. The most significant are the Palazzo della Carovana, as well as the Palace of the People and Elders.
Ponte di Mezzo bridge
There are always a lot of tourists on a small bridge over the Arno River. First, there are great views from here. Secondly, this is the shortest and most picturesque road from the station to the Cathedral Square, where the main sights of the city are located.
Piazza dei Miracoli
Cathedral Square or Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) is the main point of attraction for tourists. Here are the iconic sights of the city: the Duomo, the baptistery, the leaning tower, Campo Santo and the Museum of Synoptia. Built of marble and surrounded by a green lawn, they look like an attractive postcard from distant wanderings in Italy.
Borgo Stretto quarter
Located in the historical part of Pisa, this quarter is the epitome of medieval architecture. Narrow ornate streets where passers-by can barely pass, backyards, small chamber squares, taverns, delicatessen shops, souvenir shops and old houses with adjoining walls — that’s what attracts tourists here.
parks
Botanical Garden
Founded with the financial support of Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici, the botanical garden in Pisa is one of the oldest in Europe. Its area is over 3 hectares, it belongs to the city university and is open for visits every day.
On the territory of the garden there are flowerbeds, greenhouses, artificial reservoirs, greenhouses, and an arboretum. The main attraction is the building of the Botanical Institute of the end of the 16th century. Its façade is richly decorated with seashells and ceramic mosaics.
Garden of Giardino Scotto
The citadel of Fortezza Sangallo, built in the 15th century, guarded the peace of the townspeople. Over time, it lost its significance, and a beautiful garden was laid out on its territory by order of Domenico Scotto.
In fact, this is a landscape park, on the appearance of which the architect D. Kaluri worked. Along the fortress wall, he planted lush Mediterranean vegetation and laid out even paths. Today, the garden has been supplemented with playgrounds, picnic shelters and gazebos for relaxation.
Natural Park of San Rossore Massaciuccoli
The park of regional importance stretches along the coasts of the provinces of Lucca and Pisa. Many species of birds live here, including rare and endangered ones. They have chosen local landscapes: sandy beaches, forests, swamps and lakes. On the territory of the park are the picturesque towns of Massaciuccoli and Torre del Lago.
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