Timeless elegance in the heart of San Martino

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, Pisa preserves its centuries of history in its palaces and the remains visible in various corners of the city. Not only treasures such as the Tower and the incredible Piazza dei Miracoli, but one of the testimonies of its glorious past is the 12th-century city wall that still today encloses what is considered the historic center, with its four main districts divided by the Arno River. Many writers and men of science over the years have sung the praises of the Pisan Lungarno and today give their names to its banks, overlooking some of the most illustrious palaces, once the homes of the most prestigious families. Pisa boasts a past as a maritime power: in addition to having been an important Roman port, it was one of the four Maritime Republics, whose trade brought great wealth to the city. But it is above all science that has made the city a thriving hub of attraction: the birthplace of Galileo Galilei, it is home to the prestigious Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies and the Scuola Normale Superiore, as well as a rich university. The nerve center of city life is Borgo, between the Santa Maria and San Francesco districts, one of the main streets characterized by an arcade lined with elegant palaces dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, enlivened by stylish venues and shops. Dynamism and entertainment are ensured by the festivals and events that throughout the year fill Pisa’s main cultural centers, with special mention of the Luminara of San Ranieri, a distinctive and unique display of lights that every June 16 illuminates the river to celebrate the patron saint. Moving just a few kilometers from the center we find the San Rossore Park, once the summer residence of the President of the Republic and today a protected nature reserve. The city also enjoys an exceptional setting thanks to its proximity to the Apuan Alps (50 km) and the Pisan Mountains right next to the center, an excellent backdrop for trekking and mountain-bike routes. Just 15 km away it is also possible to reach the coast with its beaches and equipped seaside resorts for a typical Italian summer. Here there is also Pisa’s tourist marina, from which you can set off for short sailing trips to the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. The port of Livorno, on the other hand, is only 25 km away and makes it possible to reach Corsica, Sardinia and other European destinations. The city also has an airport, one of the main ones in Tuscany, with domestic and international routes. Also noteworthy is the railway, whose connections make it possible to reach all the other cities on the peninsula. A 30-minute drive lets you discover Lucca and the culinary traditions of the hinterland, while the wonders of Florence can be reached in just an hour. Traveling 35 km, instead, you reach Forte dei Marmi and Versilia.