Beyond the tower ... another Pisa

There is an entire city to discover beyond the Tower and here are just a few suggestions. This other side of Pisa treats visitors to interesting attractions, an alternative to the classic sightseeing at the Piazza dei Miracoli.

Other green areas

The Orto Botanico, botanical garden, of the University of Pisa was created in 1544, making it the oldest university botanical garden in the world. It wasn't always in its present location, however: it was founded at the Arsenale Mediceo, Medici shipyard, on the right banks of the river Arno, which gave it its original name Giardino dell’Arzinale. It was transferred to its current location, at Piazza dei Miracoli, between Via Santa Maria and Via Roma, upon completion of the restoration of the building in the Orto.

The collections of the University of the Department of Biology generally comprise a few examples for each species represented. The aim of this system is not to conserve threatened species, but to demonstrate biodiversity and produce educational material.

The hour and a half guided trip in the Orto Botanico reveals the interesting historical, scientific, botanic and economical aspects of the garden and its collections. What's more, themed shows, touching on general interest and more specific aspects of the Pisan and Tuscan territory, are organised each year as part of national scientific culture week (promoted by MURST).

The Giardino Scotto is another relaxing green zone in the city centre that interlaces history and nature. The garden was created by Giovanni Caluri at the beginning of the 19th century for the Scotto family, who had acquired the fortress from Pietro Leopoldo di Lorena in 1798. The area became a communal public garden in the 1930s and is today used for shows and theatrical representations.

Other sites of art and history

Pisa's artistic evolution continues to this day, revealing itself in locations that are dedicated to contemporary art that enriches the city, blending well with the very earliest settings. The mural Tuttomondo by the American artist Keith Haring, the largest work ever produced in Europe, can be seen on the wall of the Convent of St. Anthony. While La Porta della Sapienza by the great artist Pietro Cascella and the fountain at Piazza della Stazione by Arnaldo Pomodoro are wonderful examples of sculptural art.

The Graphics Museum, in the Palazzo Lanfranchi on the Lungarni houses the collections of the Department of Prints and Drawings of the University of Pisa Art History Department. Since its foundation in 1957, the museum has been held as one of the most important public collections of contemporary graphics, able to offer scholars, students and enthusiasts an extensive look at the artistic research that has spanned the 20th century, thanks to its notable quality and quantity and the critical eye and great intellectual and moral teachings by figures such as Timpanaro, Ragghianti and Argan.

Palazzo Blu, formerly Palazzo Giuli Dell’Agnello, on the Lungarno Gambacorti is one of the city's most impressive buildings, thanks to its three floors and the elegant 16th century style façade. Its history is intertwined with that of the city: it was built in the second half of the 14th century and underwent substantial extension works in the 16th century. Renovated and managed by the Pisa Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio, today it is a centre of cultural promotion, featuring large exhibition spaces accommodating the art collection of the Fondazione: furniture, paintings and furnishings which are on display in the furnished rooms of the Palazzo, evoking the charm and prestige of an early noble residence.

Photo gallery