Italy

Briefly a significant port to rival Genoa and Venice, Pisa has a centuries-old tradition as a university town. Today it draws its fame from an architectural project gone wrong: the Leaning Tower (Torre Pendente) - one of a trio of Romanesque splendours on the green carpet of the Piazza dei Miracoli.

Before the 20th century

Possibly of Greek origin, Pisa became an important naval base under Rome and remained a significant port for many centuries. The city's so-called golden days began late in the 9th century when it became an independent maritime republic and a rival of Genoa and Venice. The good times rolled on into the 12th and 13th centuries, by which time Pisa controlled Corsica, Sardinia and most of the mainland coast as far south as Civitavecchia. Most of the city's finest buildings date from this period, when the distinctive Pisan-Romanesque architectural style flourished.

Pisa's support for the Ghibellines during the tussles between the Holy Roman Emperor and the pope brought the city into conflict with its mostly Guelph Tuscan neighbours, including Siena, Lucca and Florence. The real blow came when Genoa's fleet defeated Pisa in devastating fashion at the Battle of Meloria in 1284.

Palazzo dell'Orologio occupies the site of a tower where, in 1288, Count Ugolino della Gherardesca, along with his sons and grandsons, were starved to death on suspicion of having helped the Genovese enemy at the Battle of Meloria, an incident recorded in Dante's Inferno.

After the city fell to Florence in 1406, the Medici encouraged great artistic, literary and scientific endeavours and re-established Pisa's university. Galileo Galilei, the city's most famous son, later taught at the university.

The splendid Piazza dei Cavalieri and the Palazzo dei Cavalieri on its northeastern side, were both remodelled by Vasari in the 16th century.

Modern history

On 2 September 1944, at the end of WWII, the Allies liberated Pisa. Unfortunately, the city had suffered repeated destruction. In the cemetery, artillery badly damaged or destroyed many of the cloisters' precious frescoes.

Titta Ruffo, the Italian opera singer, is a Pisa native who died in 1953. Regarded as the greatest baritone of his generation, Ruffo was otherwise known as Voce del leone (voice of the lion). Coupled with a dramatic stage presence, Ruffo was best known for his thrillingly high voice - he had an upper register of high A. Before his death, he released an autobiography entitled La mia parabola (My Parabola). He returned to Italy in 1937 and was arrested a short time later for opposing the Fascist regime.

Born in Pisa, Gillo Pontecorvo was a famous Italian filmmaker best known for his work during the 60s. His greatest accolade is La battaglia di Algeri (The Battle of Algiers), which was released in 1966 and earned him a nomination for the Best Director Oscar in 1969.

Recent history

In 2004, the construction of a brand new leaning tower made of steel and glass was scheduled to begin. Designed by Dante Oscar Benini, the plans have raised criticicm. Considering previous attempts at tower building in Pisa, this does not seem surprising.

Jason Bryant Acuña, better known as 'Wee-Man' from MTV's Jackass, was born in Pisa - random but true. Acuña, who has a form of dwarfism, is a professional skateboarder who utilises a tailor-made smaller-sized skateboard.

In 2002, footballer Gianluca Signorini died at his Pisa home at the age of just 42. Best known for his time playing with Genoa CFC, Signorini was a local hero. He began his career with Pisa SC and soared to great heights with AC Parma. He joined Genoa in 1988 and played seven seasons - all as captain. After retiring in 1997, he later died from motor neuron disease. He is remembered as one of the best Italian sweepers of recent times and his Genoa CFC jersey has been retired in his honour.

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Pisa is a perfect example of Tuscany's mild Mediterranean climate. Scorching summers are not uncommon and can be coupled with high humidity. Winters are cold - without being freezing - so bring a few extra layers for your evening stroll. Rainfall is high on mother nature's agenda towards the end of the year with monthly averages reaching over 100mm (4in). May-June and September-October are pleasant times to visit.

Average weather

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Transport

Getting there and away

The city's Aeroporto Galileo Galilei, about 2km (1.2mi) south of the city centre, is Tuscany's main international airport and handles flights to most major European cities. Daily destinations include London Gatwick (British Airways); London Stansted and Liverpool (Ryanair); Coventry, Doncaster/Sheffield and Bournemouth (Thomsonfly).

From Pisa to the airport, take a train from Stazione Pisa Centrale (5min, 15 per day), or CPT bus 3, which passes through the city centre and past the train station.

For bus services, Lazzi and CPT share a common booking office on Piazza Sant'Antonio. Lazzi operates hourly services to Lucca (45min, 30 daily) and Florence (2hr, hourly). Change at Lucca for services to Prato, Pistoia, Massa and Carrara. CPT runs to Volterra (2hr, up to 10 daily) and Livorno (45min, every half hour).

If you are driving, Pisa is close to both the A11 and A12. The SS67 is a toll-free alternative for Florence, while the north-south SS1, the Via Aurelia, connects the city with La Spezia and Rome.

By train, Pisa is connected to Florence and is also on the Rome-La Spezia line. Destinations include Florence (1.25hr, 40 daily), Rome (3-4hr, 20 daily), Livorno (15min, hourly), Pistoia (1.25hr, five daily) and Lucca (25min, around 20 daily).

Getting around

CPT buses 3 and 4 run between the train station and cathedral.

There's a huge free car park about 2km (1.2mi) north of Piazza dei Miracoli with frequent shuttle buses to the centre. A cavernous subterranean car park has recently been gouged out beneath Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and may now be ready to swallow your vehicle.

For a taxi, call 050 54 16 00.