Pisa

LAND OF GENIUS

The city of Pisa is situated on a bend of the River Arno, in plain between the Mountains and the sea. Although it is far 10 km from the sea, it is to him that the city owes its history and splendor.

Pisa was a flourishing city already in Roman times but developed its own maritime activity in Lombard and Carolingian era.

The 12th century is of great prestige, in those years are erected the Duomo, one of the highest examples of Pisan romanesque art and located in scenic grassy expanse of Campo dei Miracoli; the Battistero and the famous Torre pendente. In 1406 Pisa falls under the control of Florence; during the Grand Duchy mediceo prestigious University is enhanced and establishing the Ordine dei Cavalieri di S. Stefano  that restores the city the prestige. The downtown is home to several historic buildings, including the Palazzo dei cavalieri, today seat of the Scuola Normale Superiore, established in 1810 by Napoleon.

City of culture for its University which is one of the oldest in Italy, Pisa was the birthplace of figures such as Galileo Galilei and the physicist Antonio Pacinotti.

 

Traditions

In the Regata delle Antiche Repubbliche Marinare, for more than sixty years, facing the protagonists of our medieval history, the famous Italian Maritime Republics (Amalfi, Genoa, Pisa, Venice).

The sporting event and reenactment at the same time is one of the oldest events of Pisa. The race is preceded by a procession whose parade is marked by drums and the waving of banners; the actors dressed in period clothing and accessories are advancing through the city streets in a colourful atmosphere and evocative.

 

Typical products

Among the typical dishes, the cecina, Quiche made with chickpea flour, water, salt and olive oil and Torta co’ bischeri, sweet pie pastry stuffed with rice, raisins and pine nuts, organic chocolate from Parco Migliarino San Rossore..