In Tuscany, Italy, lies one of the country’s most famous cities. Pisa has become world famous because of one building and has so much more to offer.
Pisa lies at the confluence of the Arno and Auser rivers. The circumstances that led to the founding of the city are not known. However, the foundation of the city probably goes back to the Etruscans, as archaeological finds have been made here.
In the 11th century, Pisa developed into a maritime republic, although it is not located on the sea. The city’s most famous buildings were built at this time: Pisa Cathedral (1063/1174), the Leaning Tower as an independent campanile (1173) and the Baptistery (1153). Visitors from all over the world are drawn here every year, but many only stay in the city for a short time. So they miss out on the beautiful palazzi, churches and squares that characterise life in the city.
Discover the sights of Pisa
The square around the Cathedral got its name from an Italian writer and poet who wrote about the "Meadow of Miracles" (Piazza dei Miracoli) in his book. The green area near the city walls is located a bit away from the historical center.
If you look for pictures of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, you will come across countless pictures of tourists in strange postures. We have taken a closer look.
Before we set off for Pisa, we had already heard in the press that it was going to be wet there. Wet from above - there was supposed to be a lot of rain - and wet from below - the Arno had already overflowed its banks and the high water determined life in the…
Travel information about Pisa
Arrival
By plane
Galileo Galilei International Airport is about 4 kilometres from the city centre. Numerous international airlines fly to it.
From the airport you can easily get to the city by public transport.
By train
Pisa’s main railway station (Stazione Ferroviaria Pisa Centrale) is south of the centre. It takes a good 20 minutes to walk from there to the cathedral. The central station is served by numerous trains from large cities in Tuscany, but also from other Italian towns.
Pisa also has a smaller train station called Pisa San Rossore. This is closer to the Leaning Tower.
By car
Pisa is connected to the Genova-Livorno motorway (A12) and the Firenze – Mare motorway (A11). In addition, toll-free motorways lead into the city from Livorno and Florence.
By boat
The nearest major port is in Livorno, 20 kilometres away. Many cruise ships dock here.
On the road in …
By public transport
Public transport is operated by the CPT company.
In the centre of the city you will find the main bus lines: LAM rossa, LAM blu and LAM verde. These operate from 6am – 8:30/9pm. At night, the night LAM runs from 9pm until midnight.
Bus lines 1, 2 and 3 connect the city centre with the various suburbs.
Fares for a 70-minute ticket start at €1.20. Cheaper are the 4, 10 or day tickets.
By bike
It is easy to get around the city by bicycle. There are several rental stations.
On foot
The centre of Pisa is quite small and can be explored very well on foot.