Home » Discover Italy » Tuscany » Pisa
Pisa - The Cathedral
The province of Pisa is located in central-western Tuscany, covering a stretch of coastline, wide plains and rolling hills including the Colline Metallifere to the South.
The coastline is made up of extensive beaches surrounded by high dunes and fresh pinewoods, and is home to renowned tourist resorts such as Marina di Pisa and Tirrenia.
The hinterland landscapes vary depending on the nature of the area, assuming different forms and colours until the spectacular badlands and phenomena of erosion that characterize the scenery of Volterrano and Val di Cecina. Another extraordinary and striking landscape has been created by the famous geysers of Larderello.
Among the numerous protected areas the Parco Naturale Migliarino San Rossore-Massacciucoli is especially important, located in close proximity to the coast, it contains woods, wetlands and a great variety of Mediterranean vegetation which is home to animal species such as boars, foxes and deer. The Berignone and Monterufoli forests, in the areas of Volterrana and Alta Val di Cecina, constitute two vast wooded zones rich in animal and vegetable species.
Another important asset are the thermal springs of Casciana, San Giuliano and Uliveto, notable fountains of health since time immemorial. Archeological finds are dotted around this splendid and changing landscape, Romanesque architecture, historical villages and the magnificent city of Pisa with its monuments, among them the distinctive Leaning Tower.
Traditions, cuisine, wines and spas are waiting to be discovered in this unique territory.
The first stop of any tour of the area must be Pisa itself that, lying on the banks of the Arno, preserves its precious architecture and the memories of its glorious past as a Maritime Republic.
The Campo dei Miracoli complex, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, consists of a plaza of monuments of inestimable value and great appeal for tourists, which brings together the most representative structures of the city. The white structures of the Cathedral and the Baptistery, both in Romanesque-Pisan style, the Camposanto Monumentale and the Bell Tower, known as the Leaning Tower, are defined against a green lawn. The inclination of the bell tower, due to subsidence, has made this monument famous the world over and it is now the symbol of the city.
The old town encompasses Renaissance architecture and churches and the central Piazza dei Cavalieri is a magnificent sight, home to elaborate sixteenth century buildings such as the Palazzo dei Cavalieri, today home of the Normale Superiore school. Of all the sights do not miss the Museo Nazionale di San Matteo, housed in the former monastery of the church, which holds a valuable collection of paintings on wood with gold background, sculptures and other works; and the church of Santa Maria della Spina, a real jewel of the Gothic-Pisan style.
The most popular seaside resorts are Marina di Pisa, with its typical Art Nouveau villas and Tirrenia, immersed in greenery. The scenic complex of Certosa di Pisa, near Calci is worth a visit. The small town of San Miniato is also very typical, located upon a hill overlooking the Valle dell’Arno.
Towns and villages with a rich history are abundant, above all Volterra. Of ancient origin, it has preserved interesting Etruscan and Roman archeological finds and a striking old town of medieval appearance. Among its main monuments the Cathedral, Palazzo dei Priori and an imposing Renaissance style Fortress stand out.
Among the major tourist destinations is the coast for a holiday full of fun and sport.
Equally important are the thermal baths of San Giuliano Terme, Uliveto Terme and Casciana Terme, famous for the therapeutic qualities of their water.
The countryside and green areas offer endless possibilities for excursions, trekking, trips on mountain bike or horseback. Routes in the Volterrano area are particularly interesting, amidst the magnificent scenery of the badlands.
Among local shows and festivals, of particular mention are the “luminaria” of San Ranieri, which takes place in Pisa in June and the Regata delle Repubbliche Marinare, held every four years.
There are numerous festivals dedicated to local produce and feasts, including the feast of cherries in Lari (May-June) and the feast of pappardelle with truffles in San Miniato (October).
Among the particular recipes are San Michele’s haricot bean soup, bavettine with fish and clam soup.
Worthy of mention are products from the earth such as mushrooms, chestnuts, corn and truffles.
Second courses include several special dishes such as pork liver, eel and stockfish.
There is a high production of cold cuts such as sausages, buristo toscano (black pudding) and pancetta.
Typical deserts include the “torta coi bischeri”, made with pine nuts, chocolate, raisins and candied citron, perhaps with an excellent Vin Santo del Chianti.
Local wines include Chianti Colli Pisani, Rosso di San Miniato and Trebbiano.
Situated in north-eastern Tuscany, the province of Florence covers areas with different geographical and environmental characteristics such as: Mugello, Montagna Fiorentina, Valdarno, part of Chianti and Empolese-Valdelsa. At the centre of the province, in a basin crossed by the Arno, stands ...
Situated in the East of Tuscany and bordered by the Apennines, the province of Arezzo encompasses the areas of Casentino, Valdarno, Valtiberina and Val di Chiana. Each of these, comprising unique landscapes where natural beauty blends harmoniously with historical heritage and masterpieces of art. ...
Precious sea areas, not far from the mountains and from natural paradisiac oases. The province of Crotone is relatively young, founded in 1992 by separating part of the territory formerly included in the province of Catanzaro, now bordering on South-West, while the province of Cosenza ...
The province of Gorizia is located in the south-east of Friuli Venezia Giulia, bordering with Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea. This small area embraces a wide variety of environments and landscapes, as well as many historic and artistic remains that show cultural German, Slavonic and Latin ...
Italy, a land of lakes Italy has many lakes; in fact, there are over a thousand , renowned for their incomparable beauty and each is characterized by distinct features. Lakes Garda, Maggiore, and Como, now well-known throughout the world, have become ideal destinations for spending ...
Italy, a land of coasts and beaches Italy is the ideal destination for a seaside vacation. It boasts around 8,000 km of coastline, lapped by the waves of the Adriatic, the Tyrrhenian, the Ionian, the Ligurian, and the Sardinian Seas. From north to south, stretches of sandy beaches alternate with ...
Italy, a land of art and history Italy is a synonym for culture, art, and history. Artistic wonders can be found everywhere, and every corner of the country holds countless and wonderful surprises. Our artistic and cultural heritage is one of the most valuable in the world. Italy has more ...
Little by little, over the course of the centuries, Pisa got further and further from the sea, but, of course, not from its image of glorious maritime republic. Sailing down Arno river coming from Florence, you are immediately aware of the city’s ancient glory, which is kept in the hearts of its ...
In this absolutely perfect group that stands out against the green grass are some of the most frequently visited monuments in Italy and the greatest examples of Pisan Romanesque art. Symbols of religious life in the city, the Baptistery of San Giovanni, the largest in Italy, the adjacent monumental ...
The historical town centre of Pisa is cut by the River Arno, which is overlooked by numerous monuments, such as the church of Santa Maria della Spina, dismantled and rebuilt following flooding. Crossing the bridge Ponte Solferino, we come to Via Roma, which brings us to Campo dei Miracoli.
The noble Lucca is an artistic treasure nestling within the walls that enclose the city in a perimeter of more than four kilometres. Nowadays the wide rampart is a pleasant walk or cycle ride.
The beach of Viareggio has been popular with tourists since the early nineteenth century, when the first two bathing establishments were built. Viareggio hosts the most famous Carnival in Italy, with huge allegorical floats in paper pulp. The oldest hotels on the esplanade are in Art Nouveau and ...
