In the Tuscan province, and once a Marine Republic, Pisa stretches along the shores
of the River Arno, and occupies a place of honor amongst the most exclusive of art cities.
Its glorious past offers authentic wonders to the tourist, and there is lot more to see than just
the leaning Tower of Pisa, its most 'popular 'product'.
Not only Towers
Campo dei Miracoli is the highest expression of Pisan Romanesque art.
On an ample grass field lies the Duomo, the Battistero, the Campanile and the Churchyard.
One cannot help but being immediately drawn by the Campanile, better known as Torre Pendente
(Leaning Tower), symbol of the city and one of the world's most famous towers.
In addition to this Piazza, which alone attracts tourists from all latitudes, we a visit to the
Museo Nazionale di San Matteo (sculpture, ceramics, Pisan School paintings) as well as the
S. Maria della Spina church, authentic jewel of Romanesque-gothic art.
Events
A glorious past has left a heritage of traditional events. The
Palio della Balestra (May-June), the Luminaria di
S. Ranieri (June 17), with spectacular illumination of the embankment,
Lungargini, and the Gioco del Ponte, an ancient
competition whereby each "half" of the city
confronts one another on the ponte di Mezzo (halfway bridge), preceded by a historical parade
like the Regata storica delle antiche Repubbliche Marinare
(Historical Regatta of the Ancient Marine Republics) (Pisa, Amalfi, Venezia, Genova)
held in Pisa every four years.
Local Wines
Chianti wine from the Pisa province vineyards is
denominated Chianti Colline Pisane, be sure to taste Bianco Pisano di San Torpé
and Montescudaio (white, red and vinsanto).
