Pisa Holiday

Pisa is the perfect destination for architecture and art buffs alike, but if you are simply looking for some old Italian charm, then this too is the place for you.

The city of Pisa lies in the beautiful area of Tuscany, central Italy near the river Arno on the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Pisa began life as a seaside community around 3,000 years ago and was expanded into a naval trading port by the Romans in the 2nd century B.C.

By the 11th century it had grown into one of the peninsula's most influential maritime republics, along with Venice, Amalfi, and Genoa.

It is now packed full of wonderful, historic monuments and buildings which date back many hundreds of years, and the medieval appearance of the city has been very much preserved.

By far the most well-known sight in Pisa is the famous Leaning Tower, although there are many other architectural and artistic marvels hidden within this beautiful ecclesiastical city.

Art lovers should take a trip to the Duomo di Pisa, the city's splendid Cathedral, where works by Giambolna, Dela Robbia, and others are on display. The Museo del Opera del Duomo also houses sculptures and paintings which were formerly held in the Pisa Cathedral.

The Baptistry, a large round Romanesque dome adorned with beautiful sculptured decorations, offers an amazing view of the city, great for a photographers looking for the perfect shot of the Leaning Tower.

These and other striking landmarks lie in an area of Pisa known as the Campo dei Miracoli or the Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles), which lies at the very heart of the city.

A long stroll from the Campo dei Miracoli to the train station will take visitors along a pedestrian mall which boasts many charming shops, and restaurants. High-end boutiques and chic cafes bring remain in keeping with the Italian tradition.

For shoppers, Pisa is renowned for its leather goods, shoes, terracotta, wooden furniture and of course its food.

Borgo Stretto, is one of the most beautiful streets in Pisa boasting beautiful porticos, and is the heart of the city's chic shopping culture.

Eating in Pisa is a real treat, although restaurants near the Leaning Tower tend to be a little on the expensive side, and the price does not always reflect the quality of the food.

Instead food lovers should head to the central area of Pisa, just five minutes walk from Campo dei Miracoli, where many cheap but superb authentic Italian restaurants can be found.

Tuscan bread is an essential element of Pisan cuisine, as well as fine, protected produce such as Monte Pisano olive oil, Pecorino cheese, Parco di Migliarino lamb, Pisan beef, San Miniato truffle, Pisanello tomatoes and much more.

When the sun goes down in the summer months the river banks are bustling with people sipping drinks from the various bars nearby. For cooler evenings there are some exceptional wine bars.

So many visitors to Pisa fail to see beyond the Leaning Tower, which indeed offers a slightly slanted perspective of this wonderful city. Take the time to explore, and all of Pisa's hidden gems will be revealed. You will not be disappointed.