The city (85 000 pop.) expands on both sides of this very broad river Arno, only 9 km away from the sea, at the foot of the gently rising pisan mountains. Great power and immense wealth gained the city as a marine republic in the Middle Ages. The splendor and power of the former marine republic and then under the dominion Florentine spent years of flourishing trade show today stately palaces along the promenades on both sides of the river. Here the world-famous Vespa was designed and built. That you are in one of the most famous tourist cities in the world, will you notice at every step, especially in the north of the city around the Campo dei Miracoli, where the bright white dome, the Baptistery, the Campo Santo and the Campanile - the Leaning Tower - are situated.

Campo dei Miracoli
This "Field of Miracles," Pisa Cathedral Square, bears its name right, with the shining white cathedral, the Baptistery, the cemetery and the Campanile - the Leaning Tower - perhaps the most beautiful church ensemble Italy.

Murales
A huge wall with the typical, colorful wall drawings from Keith Haring. Piazza Vittorio Emanuele

Palazzo della Sapienza
The construction of 1472, completed in 1543 after plans of Brunelleschi, is home of the largest University of Pisa. Via XXIV Maggio

Ponte di Mezzo
The oldest bridge over the Arno River. On the south shore lies the Piazza XX Settembre, built in 1369 with the Palazzo Gambacorti (now city hall) and 1603-1605 as a market for silk and cotton trade built.

Santa Maria della Spina
A Gothic church on the southern shore of the Arno. According to a legend, is in a shrine a thorn from the crown of Christ kept. Lungarno Gambacorti

where to stay
Amalfitana
Small, quiet hotel with friendly service, a few steps from the Piazza del Duomo. 21 rooms Via Roma, 44