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Cathedral Square, Pisa, Italy. Photo by Arne Müseler on  

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Pisa, Italy

Pisa is a legendary city and comune in Tuscany, central Italy. This city straddles the Arno River before it empties into the Ligurian sea.

Pisa is the capital city of the Province of Tower which is more than a tourist destination. Tourists heading to Florence usually stop over at Pisa due to the leaning tower.

Other than the leaning tower, Pisa contains more than twenty other historic monuments like churches, several medieval palaces and bridges that cross the Arno. The city’s architecture was financed and became one of the Italian maritime republics.

Pisa has a population of ninety-one thousand people which makes it among the smaller cities in the Tuscany region. Even though it is small, this city has always been of significance to Italy and the region.

The major development of Pisa city dates back to the early centuries when people started investing and the population grew. Its major historic event was involved in various battles, wars and feuds between Guelphs and Ghibellines.

Pisa is also home to the University of Pisa which was founded way back in the 12th century. Here are the top 10 Interesting Facts about Pisa, Italy:

1. The City Straddles the River Arno

Several cities in Italy have great rivers passing through them. Pisa is among them as it is straddling the Arno before it empties into the Ligurian sea.

River Arno is one of the most important rivers in the region. It goes through other major cities like Florence and Empoli. Passing through Pisa, the river has always played an important economic role in the city in tourism and leisure.

2. The Spectacular Leaning Tower that Attracts Thousands of Tourists

Leaning Tower and Cathedral, Pisa. Photo by John Samuel on

Pisa city has always been a tourist destination due to the monuments and beauty the city. Among the most attractive structures in Pisa is the leaning tower.

The leaning tower of Pisa is a famous monument that tourists flocking the city to take pictures and enjoy the scenes. It is known as the Campanile or Bell tower of Pisa Cathedral which has Beautiful structures, but it became famous due to its tilt.

The leaning tower of Pisa was constructed in the 12th century after the cathedral. The foundations of this great tower were unstable making the building lean.

In the current days, measures of this tower are being taken to ensure that it does not collapse. The architecture of the building is amazing with the six rows of stone arches. Tourists are allowed to climb and enjoy the views from the leaning tower.

3. Enjoy a Tour of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

Closer to the leaning tower is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. This Cathedral might be overshadowed by the leaning tower, but it is also a magnificent place to visit.

The construction of this cathedral started in the 11th century. This cathedral has a front facade which is ornate with beautiful stones and marble arches.

It also has three bronze doors. The interior of the cathedral is amusing with the ceiling of the main aisle covered with gold decoration. The dome of the basilica has a stunning fresco which depicts the assumption of Mary.

4. Magnificent Domed Roofed Baptistery

Pisa Baptistery. Photo by Deensel on

Pisa city has several remarkable medieval buildings including the Baptistery. The Baptistery was built to replace the old original baptistery.

It stands at 54 metres high and has a magnificent exterior design that is completed with different statues, arches and decorations. The baptistery has a domed roof which is half complete, the first half is covered in orange tiles and the other has always remained unfinished.

The interior has an opulent decoration. Its pulpit and the other fonts are highly decorated.

5. Attractive and Eye-catching Guelph Tower

On the banks of the Arno River is another notable structure, the Guelph tower. This tower is part of the old citadel complex.

The area where the tower is located was once the main ship-building area during the 13th and 14th centuries. In the 15th century, the tower was constructed as part of the fortifications of the city.

Guelph Tower has been renovated and is open to the public as an attraction site. Visitors can climb to the top and enjoy the views of the city and see the leaning tower and Cathedral.

6. Spend some time at Keith Haring’s Mural

Aerial picture of the graffiti Tuttomondo made by Keith Haring and visible in Pisa. Photo by Guglielmo Giambartolomei on

Pisa is also renowned for being a city of renowned artists. Among them is Keith Haring who is famous for his murals.

The mural of this American artist is also part of the beauties of Pisa City. The mural of Keith Haring is located off the Piazza di Vittoria Emanuele II.

It features thirty different figures that are in various poses and speaks of life and vitality. This area creates a different contrast to other buildings in Pisa city.

7. Visitors can Stroll in Botanical Gardens Maintained by Pisa University

Pisa city has other beautiful and serene environments to be in other than visiting medieval buildings. There are beautiful botanical gardens maintained by the University of Pisa.

The garden was established in the 16th century by the Medici family and has been relocated for a long. This garden is accessible and visitors can see the beautiful array of plants, trees, flowers and various fauna. There are various sections in this botanical garden which include ponds, greenhouses and an arboretum.

8. Stroll Across the Magnificent Ponte Di Mezzo Bridge

A night view of Ponte Di Mezzo. Photo by Greta Scaramelli on

With the great Arno River cutting across Pisa city, there are several bridges to cross over the other sides of the river. Among them is the Ponte Di Mezzo bridge.

This bridge is the most beautiful and prominent in Pisa. It is 89 metres long and was constructed in 1947.

The bridge was designed by Sergio Aussant who included white Verona stone to line the sides of this bridge. It gives a good view of the river and a stroll across is very impressive.

9. Pisa City has a Famous Ice Cream Parlour on the Banks of Arno

Italy is known for its best cuisines and food culture. Among the most enjoyed things in Italy is ice cream.

Pisa city has the famous ice cream parlour known as the Gelateria De Coltelli. At this parlour, organic gelato and tasteful zesty flavour ice creams are made. The homemade ice cream comes in different flavours including ginger, pine nuts and honey, candied lemon peel and kiwi fruit.

10. The Fantastic Borgo Stretto

Visiting Pisa in 2004. Photo by Daniel Ventura on

Pisa city has several famous streets to take a stroll in. The Borgo Stretto is one of the magnificent streets to stroll in while in Pisa.

The street boasts great architecture and high-end retail shops located near the Ponte Di Mezzo. There are several designer stores, top boutique shops and cafés.

Pisa city is an amazing place to tour and have an amazing time in. Build memories with family and friends in this elegant city.