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Guide to Pisa, Italy
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PisaOne of the most extraordinary cities in Italy, Pisa is endowed with marvelous architecture, friendly people, quiet streets, and authentic cultural characteristics. Walk to its many squares, where churches and bell towers stand (and lean) in their Gothic glory; visit a caf and watch the tourists and locals stroll along the riverfront. The citys architects have had the burden of having to build the structures still standing on shifting soil, leaving the buildings to tilt slowly. This can be taken both as an unavoidable oddity, or as naturally caused artistic expressions. At first, everything seems somewhat cockeyed, but as you gradually grow accustomed to the nature of the city, you couldnt imagine it any other way. Make your way to Pisa and soon youll be getting lost in your own adventure in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
When to go:
The weather in Pisa is just as beautiful as the sights. Mild temperatures fill the days, while daylight seems to go on forever. Pisas location along the Arno River and its proximity to the sea allows Pisa to enjoy the best of all worlds. It is sheltered inside Italys hillside, and while most of the year sees tropic conditions, it is saved from the heavy rains that the countrys costal locations experience. Summers are long in Pisa, but bring the most visitors. If youre looking for the best balance, come during autumn or spring. The flowers are in bloom (spring) and the citys sights are accentuated beautifully by the colorful foliage (autumn), and daily temperatures are fairly consistent with those of summer.
Getting around:
Pisas Galileo Galilei International Airport is known for its convenience. Not only does it cater to flights from around Europe and Great Britain, but its only 1 mile (1.5km) from the city centre, so you know you wont be spending a lot of time on the road. The airport is well equipped for the average traveler, though its lack of any good bars or restaurants (no 5 star amenities, of course) may leave visitors yearning for a bit more. But, suffice to say that the city is close, so youll find great cuisine soon after your arrival. Buses, taxis and rental cars are available, and while a rented car can be convenient, its also completely unnecessary. Take a bus, save some cash, and when traveling around the city, go by foot or go by taxi.
We understand weve just summed up the viable transportation options for Pisa, but there is one which lacked a mention; the bicycle. Bicycles are the best way of getting around, simply because you cover more ground, you still get to see, smell, and feel the most you can of Pisa, but you can also catch some fairly good breezes while pedaling yourself around.
Attractions:
Most visitors to Pisa flock to the site its known around the world for, La Torre di Pisa. It was originally utilized as a bell tower for the Cathedral is was built to accompany, but its fate, along with many other buildings led it to become a fascinating tourist attraction.
A tower with an even more extreme tilt is located along the Arno River on the grounds of the church of San Michele degli Scalzi. The church was built almost 1,000 years ago, and while it may not be the most spectacular in all of Pisa, its traits are unique and its history proves it to be worthy on any historians list.
Visitors second-most sought-out structure is the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, more commonly known as Il Duomo. Located on the Campo dei Miracoli, the Cattedrale has some of the most beautiful Romanesque architecture in the world. Its decorations are wondrous, and the lighting was major factor when it was built; its as if youre walking through a black-and-white photograph.
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