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Pisa Italy

INTRODUCTION

Located in the region of Tuscany, Pisa is one of Italy's biggest tourist destinations, made famous by its Leaning Tower. After seeing this particularly famous attraction, visitors find that there are also many other interesting sites in this city.

HISTORY

Pisa's origin is unknown, but its location at the junction of the Arno and Auser rivers explains why it has always been significant in Italy's history. It served as a naval base in several expeditions and its location kept it well protected from invasions. Pisa has had a violent history with several other Italian cities, including Genoa, Venice, and Florence.

One of science's most influential figures, Galileo Galilei, was born in Pisa.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

The area surrounding the Leaning Tower of Pisa is crowded with illegal African immigrants trying to sell almost any product imaginable. Although it's a good place to buy a cheap knock-off, don't believe the nonstop assurances that the products are real designer brands and don't pay the original asking price.

ATTRACTIONS

The Leaning Tower of Pisa: The Leaning Tower is the first attraction tourists think of when visiting Pisa. It serves as the belltower of Pisa's Cathedral. The tower began leaning because of a poor foundation. Be sure to notice the tower's banana shape--the original builders noticed the faulty foundation and tried to fix the lean by building in the other direction.

The Baptistry: Dedicated to St. John the Baptist, this baptistry is the largest in Italy. The acoustics inside are amazing--every hour a choral member will sing solo, but the vibrations make it seem as though the entire chorus is singing. The Bapistry houses a gorgeous marble pulpit carved by Nicola Pisano in 1260.

The Duomo: This cathedral is dedicated to St. Mary and is arguably more magnificent than the Leaning Tower itself. The ceiling is guilded in gold and is spectacular. The hanging light fixture is supposedly where Galileo formulated his pendulum theory. The pulpit is intricately carved from white marble. The apse also has a gorgeous mosaic.

The Camposanto: This is the monumental cemetery begun in 1278 by Giovanni de Simone and completed in the 15th century. The site is a burial ground for famous Pisan citizens and is decorated with beautiful frescoes. Roman sculptures were eventually brought here to be housed.

LODGING

Jolly Hotel Cavalieri: The Jolly Hotel Cavaliera is a 5 star hotel located in the heart of Pisa near the Leaning Tower and Cathedral. It is also only 2 miles from the Pisa International Airport.

La Pace: This 3 star hotel is in a quiet neighborhood of Pisa and is close to the railway station.