Famed for its leaning tower, Pisa City Centre lies on the banks of the Arno River, not far from where it empties into the Ligurian Sea. Pisa rose to prominence during the Middle Ages as one of Italy’s major maritime republics, with exceptional churches, palaces and bridges among its architectural treasures.
Things to do in Pisa City Centre
One of Pisa City Centre’s most impressive buildings is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which was constructed in the 11th century in a Romanesque style. Its facade is particularly majestic with stone and marble arches while the interior houses a beautiful coffered ceiling. Adjacent to the cathedral is a 56-metre-high bell tower that is famously referred to as the “Leaning Tower of Pisa”.
Also within the Piazza dei Miracoli complex is the Battistero di San Giovanni, which was designed by the Pisa-based architect Diotisalvi. Byzantine-style figurative reliefs decorate the exterior, together with depictions of the calendar months. The Battistero di San Giovanni is revered for its acoustics and regularly hosts choral performances.
Overlooking the Arno River is the National Museum of San Matteo, which houses artefacts and artwork dating back to the 12th to 16th centuries. It occupies a former Benedictine monastery and boasts one of the largest collections of ceramic basins in the Mediterranean region. Artists such as Giunta Pisano and Simone Martini are represented in the gallery spaces. Directly across the water is the Museo della Grafica Palazzo Lanfranchi, which exhibits contemporary graphics.
Getting around Pisa City Centre
Pisa International Airport is around five minutes’ drive from the City Centre and has flights to destinations across Europe. Trains connect from towns and cities across Italy to the Pisa Centrale railway station while buses travel throughout the centre. Most of Pisa City Centre’s attractions are easily accessible on foot.