Pisa: City of miracles

Description
Pisa’s name derives from an Etruscan word meaning “outfall”—the outlet formed by a river as it flows into the sea. Every four years Pisa celebrates its maritime origins by re-enacting naval battles between the four historic republics (Pisa, Venice, Genoa and Amalfi) during the Historic Regata on the Arno River.

The Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) is home to many of the city’s most beautiful attractions. The baptistery shares the piazza with the imposing Camposanto (sacred burial ground) whose 43 blind arcades face the square. To the right of the Camposanto is the marble-covered cathedral, a masterpiece of Pisan Romanesque architecture built in the early 1600s. The famous Leaning Tower rises directly behind the cathedral.

Not to miss
Construction on the baptistery was initiated by architect Diotisalvi in 1152 and was not completed for another two hundred years. The baptistery houses Nicola Pisano’s renowned marble pulpit. Fun fact: Stand on one side of the baptismal font and make a sound with your voice—note how one sound will echo in various tones throughout the baptistery.

During the Middle Ages the rounded Piazza dei Cavalieri was the civil and political centre of Pisa. The piazza is home to the Scuola Normale Superiore (Pisa Normal School), the Torre della Muda (made famous by Conte Ugolino’s tale in Dante’s Inferno) and the church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri.

Where to stay
Migliarino is a small Tuscan town nestled between Pisa and Versilia on the Tyrrhenian coast. This picturesque hamlet is framed by the sea on one side and the Apuan Alps on the other. The Salviati farm is part of the Tenuta Salviati, a vast private estate of approximately 3,000 acres that includes an agritourism, an animal farm and a large vegetable garden. The golden sands of Marina di Vecchiano are a must for those who enjoy relaxing on the beach.

Information and helpful hints
The San Rossore Massaciuccoli nature reserve in Migliarino offers guided tours of its 23,000 acres of coastal beauty. The reserve extends from Viareggio to Livorno and is comprised of territories from the cities of Pisa, Vecchiano, San Giuliano Terme and Massarosa. The park also extends over parts of San Rossore, Coltano, Migliarino, Tombolo, the Macchia Lucchese and the Massaciuccoli lake. Tours are available by bicycle, bus, carriage and on horseback or on foot. The 4,800 acres of the Tenuta di San Rossore make up the heart of the Regional Park which is especially notable for its fascinating flora and fauna. The Fattoria di Migliarino grows and sells decorative plants, vegetables, olive oil, wines, meats and other traditional Tuscan culinary products. Guests of the agritourism receive a discount on all purchases.

For more information please visit
www.italyguides.it/it/pisa/piazza_dei_miracoli.htm
www.pisaonline.it
www.fattoriadimigliarino.it
www.sanrossore.it

Source: Intoscana.it