Travel Guide PISA.
 

WElCOME TO PIsA
Pisa is located in North-West Tuscany, just 80 km from Florence, 10 km from Lucca and 10 km from the sea. This city is closely associated with the Leaning Tower. But Pisa also preserves, with the whole complex of Piazza dei Miracoli – cultural patrimony of all humanity – 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.

ThE CITy
You say Pisa and you immediately think to the Leaning Tower, one of the most famous monuments in the world. But Pisa is not just its tower – the city can also boast the extraordinary complex of buildings known as the Piazza dei Miracoli (with its magnificent cathedral, baptistery and the camposanto), a beautiful medieval town centre and numerous architectural masterpieces. A number of towers remain from the 10,000 which created the characteristic sky-line of the 13th Century. Laid out on the banks of the Arno, Pisa was the birthplace of Gailileo Galilei and hosts an important university, founded in 1338, and the Scuola Normal superiore, opened in 1813. Pisa also hosts the oldest botanic gardens in Europe. As an Etruscan settlement and a Roman town, Pisa formed part of the Longobardo Kingdom, and then of the Carolingio Empire before becoming part of Italy after 1861. The medieval period coincided with the peak of Pisa’s economic and political power. Pisa was one of the four Italian coastal republics until it was annexed to the ducato of Tuscany in 1406. The area around Pisa is excellent for farm-holidays, trekking, beaches and water sports on the Versilian coast.

dO & sEE
Torre pendente (leaning tower of Pisa)
The Tower of Pisa is the bell tower of the Cathedral. Its construction began in 1173 and continued for over two centuries. It has a lean of 5,4 metres.
Price: 15 euro, Address: piazza dei Miracoli
duomo and Baptistery battistero (Cathedral and Bapistery)
The Cathedral was first built 1064, when Pisa was the most powerful sea-based republic in the Western Mediterranean. In 1152 the construction of the Baptistery began, and was completed in gothic style a century later. November-1 March, 2 euro at other times; baptistery 5 euro
Price: Cathedral free entry 1 Address: Piazza Duomo Tel: +39 050560921 – 0503872221 www.opapisa.it
Camposanto (holy yard)
The Italian word “camposanto” (holy yard) – which is synonym of ’cemetery’ -was first used with reference to this Pisan building because, according to the legend, it contained soil which was seem as miraculous due to its origins in the Holy Land.
Price: 5 euro Address: piazza dei Miracoli Tel: +39 050560547 www.opapisa.it
Museo dell’opera del duomo (Cathedral Museum)
This museum contains works which previously adorned the buildings in the Piazza dei miracoli.
Price: 5 euro Address: piazza Arcivescovado 6 Tel: +39 050565047 www.opapisa.it
Museo nazionale di san Matteo (national Museum of san Matteo)
Here you will find an important collection of Pisan sculptures and paintings.
Price: 5 euro Address: Lungarno Mediceo, piazza San Matteo Tel: +39 050541865 www.pisaonline.it
Piazza dei Cavalieri
This square is considered to be the site of the Forum of Roman Pisa. The most important palace here is the “Palazzo della Carovana dei Cavalieri”. General tip: the ‘Universalis’ ticket includes 10 monuments’ entries for 13 euro.
Address: piazza dei Cavalieri www.comune.pisa.it

EvEnT hIghlIghTs
APRIL
Pisa on the Water
April-october See the city centre from another perspective on a one hour water tour on the Arno River.
www.ilnavicello.it
declaracion
8 April Tango and modern dance show about love, feelings and sensuality.
www.teatrodipisa.pi.it
MAY
Pisa Marathon
14 May only 42,195 km from Pontedera to the historical centre of Pisa.
www.pisamarathon.it
Cimabue a Pisa
To 26 June Exhibition of Pisa’s most famous painters from Giunta Pisano to Giotto.
www.cimabueapisa.it
JUNE
Mercato dell’Antiquariato
10-11 June Market of antiques and old furniture in Via dini-Piazza dei Cavalieri – via dei Mille-via Santa Maria.
www.pisaonline.it
gioco del Ponte
26 June Historic parade recalls the battle on the Ponte di Mezzo.
www.pisaonline.it


EATIng
In Pisa you can find typical meatbased and fish-based Tuscan cuisine. You should try the characteristic chickpea soup together with the so-called sciocco (unsalted) bread and the famous local olive oil. Homemade pasta is another must.
l’Artilafo
Typical Tuscan cuisine but also creative dishes, such as pea-pancake, salmon and cream, goose fois gras with radishes and orange jelly. Good choice of cheese and extensive wine list.
Address: via S. Martino, 33, Tel: +39 05027010 www.lartilafo.it
A casa mia
This is one of the best restaurants of Pisa and never too busy due to its location outside the city centre (its around 2 km from piazza dei Miracoli). The restaurant is to be found in a independent house with a garden. You can eat in the kitchen or in the dining room and in summer in the garden. The cuisine is creative.
Address: via Provinciale Calcesana, 10 – località Ghezzano, Tel: +39 050879265
Al Ristoro dei vecchi macelli
Typical Tuscan cuisine and good selection of wines. Recommended choices include: ravioli with herbs, hen with tomatoes and fennels, pigeon with almond sauce.
Address: via Volturno, 49 Tel: +39 05020424
Il vecchio dado
This traditional restaurant – it was opened over two centuries ago
– lies along the banks of the Arno. Recommended choices: homemade pasta (taglioni, tagliatelle, potatoe gnocchi, pasta stuffed with cheese), mushrooms, S.Miniato truffles and pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven. Good service and nice atmosphere.
Address: Lungarno Pacinotti, 21/22 Tel: +39 050580900 www.vecchiodado.com
Trattoria da Mario
Typical Tuscan cuisine such as vegetable soup, homemade pasta and fish. Retrò atmosphere. The service is a bit brusque.
Address: via Luigi Bianchi, 19 Tel: +39 050 551349+

Bar s. domenico
This bar is to be found in an old monastery. People come here for an apéritivo (with rich buffet) venue or just for an after-dinner drink. during the week the staff organise karaoke evenings and wine and cheese tastings.
Address: Corte di S. Domenico 2
la Borsa
As one of the most fashionable place for young people and in particular university students, the tables outside are always packed.
Address: piazza V. Emanuele 1

nIghTlIFE
The real place for night-life is on the Versilia coast, just 10 km from the city (the most famous discos are in Viareggio or Forte dei Marmi). Pisa does however boast some decent places to listen to live music or for dancing.
Borderline
Live music two times a week. on Mondays there is a so-called ‘jam session’ (which means that anyone can turn up and play) and on Thursday there are concerts with Italian and international groups. on Friday and Saturdays the place specialises in disco rock. Smokers’ room available.
Address: via G. Vernaccini, 7
Acqua Cheta
The best night-club in Pisa. It’s also a restaurant.
Address: via Sancasciani, 8
sunset Café
A nice place on the beach highly recommended for its candle-lit romantic atmosphere. Customers sit on mats in front of the sea.
Address: viale del Tirreno, 4 – Località Tirrenia
Bazeel
A place for young people, bang in the
www.bazeel.it
le scuderie
This place is always crowded because its pizzas are extremely tasty.
Address: via Sancasciani, 1 Tel: +39 050 40884
Pizzeria Martino
A characteristic and cosy place. Recommended choices: chickpea soup and pizza with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella di bufala.
Address: Piazzetta del Crocifisso, 4 Tel: +39 050500016
la cereria
This pizzeria is not frequented by many tourists because of its hidden location (an old courtyard). Very good pizza ‘by the metre’’ (it’s not round, and you can order a one meter pizza or even two or three) and desserts such as tiramisù.
Address: via P.Gori, 33 Tel: +39 05020336
CAFés
salza
The best cake shop in Pisa (opened in 1926), it offers a very good choice of pastries, chocolates and ice cream. Try the soft panforte (a typical Tuscan cake) and if you want an original gift you could even take home a Leaning Tower made of chocolate. Salza also opens as a lunchtime restaurant (12-15).
Address:Borgo Stretto, 46 www.salza.it
Pasticceria lilli
This place is just outside of the city centre, close to the San Michele church – which has the second leaning tower of Pisa – at the end of a beautiful avenue. Spectacular pastries, and it’s nice to sit outside and eat them here in the shade.
Address: Viale delle Piagge, 15

BARs
Before going to dinner, don’t miss the apéritivo bars (which are usually open between 6,30-9,30 p.m.). The earlyevening drink has become a must in Italy for both young and old people. It’s also an easy way to meet people.
Amaltea
A small place in a good location. This is one of the most fashionable places for an apéritivo. There is a wide choice of drinks with canapés and other snacks.
Address: Lungarno Mediceo 49

shOPPIng
The area around the Tower is packed with tacky souvenir shops. Ignore them and walk to Corso Italia and the Borgo Stretto, the two main shopping streets in Pisa. Here you will find all kinds of Italian fashion shops. The cheapest brands are in Corso Italia and the most well-known and elegant lie stores in the medieval Borgo Stretto.
other two streets such as via Mercanti and Via dei Rigattieri can boast many excellent shops. All around the centre of the city there are dealers who sell old books and paintings.
And if, generally speaking, you are interested in antiques and old furniture, the Fiera dell’antiquariato e artigianato artistico (Antique and craft fair), which is held in Via Santa Maria, Piazza Felice Cavallotti, Via dei Mille, Via Corsica, Piazza dei Cavalieri and Via Ulisse dini every second Saturday and Sunday of the month (except August and July), is highly recommended.
Another place you must visit is the Mercato delle vettovaglie (Fruit and Food market, in Piazza delle Vettovaglie) which is over a hundred years old, and is open from Mondays to Fridays.
For further information contact the Associazione del commercio, del turismo e dei servizi della provincia di Pisa, tel: +39 050251967.

EssEnTIAl InFORMATIOn
Airport
Pisa’s International Airport “Galileo Galilei” is just 2 km from the city. The local transport (Cpt, Compagnia pisana trasporti, +39 050505511 or +39 050884111) gets you into the city centre for 0,85 euro (there is a bus every 20 minutes), taxis cost 5-7 euro (with a weekend supplement of 2,07 euro). You can also get the train to Pisa Central Station. Further information: +39 050 849300 or www.pisa-airport.com.
local traffic
Pisa is a small city, hence the best way to see it is on foot. The company which operates Pisa’s local transport system is Cpt (Compagnia pisana trasporti) and its information office is in Piazza S. Antonio, 1 - tel. +39 050505511 or +39 050884111 or from Italy you can call this free number 800012773. one ticket costs 0,85 euro (valid for one hour), but you can get a one-day travel card for 2,90 euro.
Taxi
Pisa’s main taxi company is Radio Taxi (tel: +39 050 541600). You can also find cabs near to the most important tourist sites (Piazza del duomo - tel. +39 050561878, Piazza della Stazione
- tel. +39 05041252).
Post
Pisa’s main post office is in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 7,9; Tel. +39 050519514. opening hours: 8.15-19 (closed on Fridays and Sundays).
Pharmacy
Pisa’s chemists are usually open from Monday to Friday from 8,30 to 12,30 and from 15,30 to 19,30. They have different open hours during nights and weekends. Addresses are posted on the pharmacies.
dentists
Go to the Clinica odontoiatrica, ospedale Santa Chiara, via Roma, 67,
tel: +39 050 992596.
Telephone
The international Italy code is +39, there is no area code
Electricity
220/240V