Pisa

The Leaning Tower solves the problem of any rushed itinerary: arrive, take a picture "pushing" the tower, and leave. It's also the reason why most visitors never cross the Arno to explore the rest of the city.

A forgotten maritime power

Before becoming synonymous with funny photos, Pisa was one of the four Maritime Republics of medieval Italy, alongside Genoa, Venice, and Amalfi. It controlled trade routes in the Mediterranean, had its own fleet, and economically rivaled powers that today have much greater tourist recognition. The silting up of the Arno River and the rise of Florence ended this cycle, but the city's urban layout still carries this legacy.

A university town, not just a tourist destination.

The University of Pisa, founded in 1343, keeps the city vibrant outside of the tourist season. This is reflected in neighborhoods like Borgo Stretto, with its bookstores, bars, and everyday life that doesn't depend on those passing through on their way to the tower.

Connection with Lucca

Pisa is the closest city to Lucca among the major Tuscan destinations, about thirty minutes away by train. The two have historically been rivals (Lucca maintained its independence for centuries precisely to avoid being absorbed by neighbors like Pisa and Florence), and this historical rivalry is part of what explains why Lucca has preserved its walled identity to this day.

Want a complete half-day itinerary for Pisa, departing from Lucca by train? Follow our... posts.