Holiday in Pisa

The Tower of Pisa, who doesn't know it! However, the province of Pisa has much more to offer and is a popular holiday destination in Tuscany.

Pisa: an introduction

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The Province Pisa is a popular destination for a holiday in Tuscany. The capital is the city of Pisa, which has much to offer culturally. Naturally, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is a must-see attraction. Besides the city of Pisa, Volterra, Calci, and San Miniato are also worth a visit during your trip. For a first impression of the province of Pisa is this a good video to watch from the Chamber of Commerce in Pisa – lasts approx. 2 mins.

Hills

The province of Pisa covers an area of ​​1887 square kilometers and is home to approximately 275.000 people. The landscape is rolling and is traversed by two rivers: the Arno in the north and the Cecina in the south. The landscape in the south of the province is considerably hillier than in the north. The province has a short coastline and therefore not many beaches.

Pisa: a piece of history

Pisa, like many other cities in Tuscany, is of Etruscan origin. In the 5th century BC, the Etruscans settled in the area where now Pisa lies. It was situated at the mouth of the rivers Arno and Serchio. The name Pisa, which means mouth in Etruscan, is therefore related to its location.

Port

Under the Romans, the port of Pisa gained increasing importance: Pisa became a true port city. At the same time, rivalry arose with Genoa, Lucca, and Florence. In 1284, Genoa managed to defeat Pisa, causing the city to decline. The silting up of the river gradually brought an end to the city's prosperity.

doctors

In 1408, the Florentines seized power in Pisa, including the influential Medici family. They commissioned new buildings, bridges, and canals. The city grew again. After the De'Medici family, the Grand Dukes of Lorraine took control. From 1871, the Grand Duchy of Lorraine was annexed to Italy, meaning Pisa also belonged to the country from that time on.

Exploring the province of Pisa

The province of Pisa has much to offer. The highlights:

Nature

A few kilometers from Pisa lies the Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli Natural Park. This park stretches from the south of Viareggio to Livorno. It consists of marshes, Mediterranean plants, sand dunes, and ponds. They were formed partly by nature and partly by man.

Lake Massaciuccoli is part of this park and certainly worth a visit. Composer Giacomo Puccini loved to hunt here. The lake is best explored by boat. The centuries-old pine forest is also special. The pine nuts collected here are an important ingredient in, among other things, the torta co' bischeri.

Culture

Volterra

One of the Tuscan towns where Roman remains can still be seen is Volterra. A Roman amphitheater is located just outside the city. The city itself is even older, as the Etruscans once held Volterra as one of their 12 cities. Much has been built here over the centuries, so there is much to see. A selection:

• Museo Etrusco Guarnacci: a museum with historical Tuscan art objects, including a donation from an inheritance of 650 Etruscan burial urns. The most famous piece is a terracotta funerary panel depicting two people stoically facing death.
• Piazza dei Priori: the center of Volterra. Here stands the (light brown) Palazzo dei Priori, the oldest city council building in Tuscany, and it is believed to have served as the model for the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.
• Duomo Santa Maria Assunta: this cathedral, built in the Romanesque style, was consecrated in 1120. The tabernacle in the church was made by Mino da Fiesole. Also noteworthy is the painted wood sculpture by an anonymous artist from Pisa.
• Palazzo Vescoville: one of the city's greatest attractions. Among other things, a beautiful gilded cross can be admired in this palace, which is thought to have been made by Giambologna. Additionally, a 15th-century bust of Antonio del Pollaituolo is on display.
• Amphitheater: the 2100-year-old Roman amphitheater is located on the north side of the city walls. This theater was built commissioned by a local Etruscan family.

Pontedera

The town of Pontedera is relatively unknown. We mention it here because it has a nice museum to visit, the Piaggio Museum. The town was the home base of this famous Italian brand.

culinary

The Pisa region boasts a number of culinary specialties. A selection.

• Mucca Pisana: This cow is bred in the Migliarino Natural Park. It is an important ingredient in local dishes. The cow is easily recognizable by its coat with a distinctive red stripe on its back. The meat is of very high quality and is strictly controlled. Typical Pisan dishes featuring Mucca Pisana include Mucca Pisana with black pepper and Francesina alla Pisana, a dish made from beef cooked the day before.
• Pine nuts: The best pine nuts in Italy can be found in the pine forests of San Rossore and Migliarino. These are incorporated into both main courses and desserts.
• Miele di spiaggia: This so-called 'beach honey' comes from the Migliarino Natural Park. The bees are kept in wooden hives placed in the sand and protected by the dunes. There are plenty of flowers and plants for the bees to be found throughout the park. The honey from here is 100% organic.
• Bordatino alla Pisana: This is a type of soup made from cornmeal, beans, and cabbage. It is a recipe from the poor peasant kitchen of Tuscany. It is comparable to polenta.
• Torta co' bischeri: This cake is the local specialty of Pisa. It is made from rice, dark chocolate, pine nuts, candied fruit, and raisins in a pastry crust. The cake originates from Pontasserchio, where it was given as a gift to pilgrims.

Walking

The Migliarino Natural Park, in particular, is well worth a walk. The trail is relatively flat, and thanks to the shade of the trees, the temperature is pleasant even in summer.

Walking route

Migliarino Park features various walking routes. One of them is named after Sabrina Bulleri, a former park employee. It is a varied route along the dunes and features an enormous diversity of tree species. Information boards can be found along the entire route providing details about what can be seen along the way. The path is designed so that it does not impact the natural environment. The route is freely accessible on Sundays and public holidays. On other days, a guide is required. Visit Parco di Migliarino in San Rossore.

Cycling

Around Pisa, there are various hills that are very suitable for the experienced road cyclist. However, mountain biking or recreational cycling in the surrounding area is also an option.

Cycling route

From Volterra, there is a beautiful short circular route. It begins with a descent through a stunning piece of nature belonging to the Montenero Natural Reserve. After a steep climb, you return to Volterra. The route covers about 25 kilometers, with a maximum gradient of nearly 13%.

View our cycling destinations: Cycling and mountain biking in Tuscany

Wellness 

Several natural springs can be found a stone's throw from Pisa, in Casciana Terme and San Giuliano Terme. Furthermore, Lari, Volterra, Tirrenia, Pontedera, and Pisa itself boast various wellness centers offering a huge variety of wellness treatments. So, there is plenty of choice.

Pisa, the city itself

Those who love culture are in the right place. PisaBut the city offers much more than that. An overview:

Culture

De leaning tower

For many, Pisa is synonymous with the Leaning Tower in the Piazza dei Miracoli. It began to sink even during construction. Access is restricted: only 40 people are allowed inside at a time.

De Cathedral Church

The money for the construction of this church came from Sicily, where the Pisans plundered spoils from the Saracens. The two pulpits are the most striking features. They were made by Nicola Pisano and his son Giovanni.                                                        

De baptismal chapel

A pulpit by Nicola Pisano can also be admired in the Baptistery, which is situated next to the cathedral. The columns of this remarkable chapel are decorated with lions and a naked Hercules.

Museum the Opera del Duomo

The art treasures from the Cathedral are housed in this museum. The originals of the sculptures by Giovanni Pisano can also be found here.

Cemetery

This monumental cemetery is best known for its frescoes, including the 'Triumph of Death'.

Museum National of Saint Matthew

The National Museum of San Matteo offers an overview of Pisan sculpture and Tuscan painting from the 12th to the 15th century. Father and son Pisano have a special place in the museum.

Nature

Within the city walls, Pisa has a small patch of nature called the botanical garden. The garden is part of the university. Pisa and Padua have been vying for a long time over who has the oldest in the world. Whether Pisa wins or not, it remains a beautiful piece of urban nature to get completely lost in for a while.

Events

• Il Gioco del Ponte: Every year on the last Sunday of June, Il Gioco del Ponte, the game of the bridge, is played on the Ponte di Mezzo. The districts challenge each other to be the first to pull an eight-ton cart across the bridge. The winner holds the title for a year.

• Saint Ranieri: On June 16 and 17, Pisa commemorates San Ranieri, the patron saint of the city. There are processions and a market on and around the Piazza dei Cavalli. The banks of the Arno are brilliantly illuminated. Furthermore, there is a rowing competition in medieval attire and a concluding fireworks display.

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