Located in a vast alluvial plain, four meters above sea level, a few kilometers from the Tyrrhenian coast, Pisa (approx. 92000 inhabitants) extends along the two side of the Arno. One of the major cultural centers of Italy, Pisa contains a rich artistic patrimony, with medieval re-elaborations of Islamic, Lombard and local influences. Capital of the Tuscan province and headquarters of the episcopality, the city today is a prestigious university and research center, with an economy primarily focused on the tertiary sector (computers, tourism, and services), alongside the textile, glass, chemical, pharmaceutical and mechanical industries.

An Etruscan center of mediation between the routes of the Tyrrhenian area and the hinterlands, in the 1st century B.C. Pisa became an important town and Roman port. It developed in the High Middle Ages because of its particular importance as a river port. Given its statute as a free commune, Pisa achieved its maximum splendor in the 12th century, when it affirmed itself on the Tyrrhenian Sea as a marine republic. Already at this time, however, rivalry with nearby cities (Lucca, Florence and Genoa) initiated the political decay of the city, which was fed by the internecine wars between the various classes. The defeat endured against Genoa by the Meloria (1284) was fatal to the city. After a period of alternating Signoria, the city again began to enjoy a period of relative well being under the domination of the Medici (15th century) and then the Lorena (19th century). During this time the government affirmed itself as an important cultural center and benefited from great public works projects. In 1860, a plebiscite approved the annexation of Pisa to the Kingdom of Italy.

By air:
The Galileo Galilei international airport Galilei Airport (Airline ticket office 050/849404; flight information 050-500707) is about 2 km from the centre of Pisa and is linked to the city centre by bus and train.

By road:
You approach Pisa on the A12 Genoa-Rosignano road (Pisa North or Centre exits) or on the A11 Florence-Pisa North road. There are also fast connections on the S.G.C. Florence-Pisa-Livorno road and on the Aurelian motorway.

By train:
The station at Pisa has direct links with Rome, Naples, Turin, Milan, Florence and Nice.

On foot
You can visit the old centre of Pisa on foot or in a little horse-drawn carriage, with tours starting from the Piazza dei Miracoli.

By car
About car parks, we would mention two – the one in Via del Brennero and another in Via di Pratale, both in the north, both free, with a shuttle bus service into the old centre.

By bus
The local transport system has frequent bus services; tickets can be bought from authorised ticket offices, ticket machines and certain shops.

Tourist information
APT, Agency for the Promotion of Tourism in Pisa
Via Pietro Nenni, 24 tel. 050/929777 fax.050/929764
Information office: Piazza della Stazione, tel. 050-42291; Piazza Duomo, tel. 050-560464

Emergency and public utilities numbers
Emergencies: 113
Carabinieri: 112
Fire Department: 115
Doctor on Call: 118
Highway Assistance: 116
Urban Police: 050-501444
Taxi: Airport, 050-28542; Duomo, 050-561878; Railroad Station, 050-41252; Radio-Taxi Cisanello, 050-541600

Simple and genuine, Pisa’s cuisine is like that of Tuscany in general, except for some typical local dishes, in which river and sea fish (inheritance of ancient maritime successes) take first place. We note the soups (vegetable, bean, rice and clams), rice with black cuttlefish, steamed cuttlefish with peas, “testicciola alla Pisana” (head of veal boiled and flavored with a caper sauce), tripe and the famous “cee.” The latter are baby eel, so young that they are still blind, that return from the sea up the mouth of the Arno. They are fried in batter with oil and sage, according to a recipe taken from the Artusi. Side dishes include the flavorful “fagioli all’uccelletta” (tiny bird beans), stewed in tomato sauce. A meal traditionally ends with “fave dei morti” (beans of the dead). These are light almond cookies accompanied by a locally made vin santo.

In an important cultural center like Pisa, it is easy to run into someone at the rare book and antique stamp shops, bookbinders, or well-furnished shops. In Piazza Duomo, besides the many bizarre souvenirs, one finds jewelry and other objects made from coral and alabaster. Walking along Borgo Stretto, where elegant shops display the clothes of famous designers, one cannot help admiring the traditional atmosphere and the specialties of the Salza pastry shop, which is the most famous pastry shops in Pisa. A visit to the picturesque morning market of the Vettovaglie, emblem of daily life, should not be missed. To shop, to meet people, and perhaps to partake of a sweet, contributes to the slower pace of life.

Main markets
Market (clothing, shoes, fabrics, housewares, used), parking area of Porta S. Zeno. Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Antique market and show, Logge dei Banchi. Every second weekend of the month.
Vettovaglie (foods) market, Piazza delle Vettovaglie. Every weekday morning.