A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, Pisa preserves its centuries of history in the buildings and remains visible throughout the city. Not only treasures such as the Tower and the extraordinary Piazza dei Miracoli, but also one of the finest testimonies to its glorious past: the 12th-century city walls, which still enclose what is considered the city’s historic centre, with its four main districts divided by the River Arno. Over the years, numerous writers and scientists have sung the praises of Pisa’s Lungarni, and today their names are given to the riverbanks, lined with some of the city’s most distinguished palaces, once home to its most prestigious families.
Pisa has a history of maritime power: in addition to being an important Roman port, it was one of the four Maritime Republics, whose trade brought considerable wealth to the city. Above all, however, science transformed the city into a flourishing centre of attraction: the birthplace of Galileo Galilei, it is home to the prestigious Sant’Anna School and Scuola Normale Superiore, as well as a renowned university.
The hub of city life is Borgo, between the Santa Maria and San Francesco districts. One of the main streets, it is characterised by an arcade lined with elegant 14th- and 15th-century buildings, and is enlivened by stylish bars, restaurants and shops. Entertainment and dynamism are guaranteed by the festivals and events held throughout the year in Pisa’s principal cultural centres, particularly the Luminara di San Ranieri, a distinctive and unique display of lights that illuminates the river every 16 June in celebration of the city’s patron saint.
A few kilometres from the centre lies San Rossore Park, once the summer residence of the President of the Republic and now a protected nature reserve.
The city also enjoys an exceptional setting, close to the Apuan Alps, 50 km away, and the Pisan Mountains, immediately beside the centre—an excellent backdrop for hiking and mountain-bike trails. Just 15 km away, the coast can be reached, with its beaches and equipped seaside resorts, ideal for experiencing a typical Italian summer. Pisa’s tourist harbour is also located here, offering the opportunity to set off on short sailing trips to the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. The port of Livorno, just 25 km away, provides access to Corsica, Sardinia and other European destinations.
The city also has an airport, one of Tuscany’s main airports, with domestic and international routes. The railway is equally noteworthy, with connections allowing travellers to reach all the other cities on the Italian peninsula. Lucca and the culinary traditions of the inland area can be discovered within a 30-minute drive, while the wonders of Florence are just one hour away. Travelling 35 km, one reaches Forte dei Marmi and Versilia.