Discover Pisa

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Discover Pisa
a slower pace and fewer crowds in September and October during
Pisa is world-famous for the Leaning Tower, as well as its
Anima Mundi, the Festival of International Sacred Music in the
cathedral, churchyard, baptistery and cemetery, but it also has
Cathedral and Monumental Cemetery.
its secrets. Discover Renaissance palaces, medieval tower-houses,
Romanesque and Gothic churches, and narrow pebbled streets
Discover the region of tuscany
leading down to the Arno River.
Pisa is the gateway to its province. Not yet spoiled by crowds, the
Enjoy the beautiful setting of Piazza dei Cavalieri and the
province showcases a variety of beautiful landscapes. And, the
recently restored Botanical Garden, one of the oldest gardens
Italian Touring Club has recently given an award to Peccioli, Lari,
in Europe. And the National Museum of San Matteo houses
Casale Marittimo and Volterra for their quality services and
an original collection of Pisan art masterpieces from the 12th
hospitality. The seaside resort of Tirrenia has also received an
and 13th centuries—a time when Pisa was a rich and powerful
award for water and air quality.
sea republic.
Families and other groups will enjoy treasures like the
Not far from the Leaning Tower lie the remnants of 30 Roman
Romanesque Basilica of San Pietro a Grado (where St. Peter is
ships, wrecked after a disastrous flood centuries ago. Guided tours said to have stopped on his way to Rome), the Charterhouse of
of the Ancient Ships Working Site, next to the Restoration Centre
Calci and the medieval fortified vil age of Vicopisano at the foot
for Wet Wood, offer the opportunity to observe different stages of
of the mountains.
work, from recovery to exhibition.
Discover an escape from daily stress at the spas of Casciana
Pisa is also home to three universities: the State University, the Terme, San Giuliano Terme and Uliveto Terme, where relaxing
Scuola Normale Superiore (a teaching and research university)
massages and therapy treatments are offered year-round. In the
and the St. Anna School of Advanced Studies (a public university
countryside, the “wine and olive oil roads” lead to farms where
specializing in economics, law and political science, medicine,
travelers are invited to sleep and dine in the “agriturismo”
engineering, and computer science).
(farmhouse), stop at a canteen or an oil mill for a tasting, and
Discover upscale shopping in Corso Italia and Borgo Stretto,
enjoy the beautiful hil s, vineyards and olive trees. On weekends,
but don’t miss the daily morning market in Piazza delle Vettova-
choose one of the many feasts taking place in old rural vil ages
glie, a stone’s throw from the main bridge, Ponte di Mezzo. There,
scattered throughout the hil s, mountains and plains. San Miniato,
vendors peddle local wares in the shops and stal s, and pizzerias
on a hil top halfway between Pisa and Florence, celebrates the
and trattorias serve regional cuisine.
National White Truffle Market in November with guided tasting
From April to October, enjoy a boat tour of the scenic banks
tours and a truffle menu.
and the natural beauty of the nearby San Rossore Regional Park.
To the south, enjoy the Cecina and Era valleys with their
This protected area of pinewood and Mediterranean vegetation is
gently rolling hil s and “devil’s valley,” a geothermal area with
open year-round for walking, horseback riding, biking or carriage steaming jets and fumaroles. Scenic routes winding through
tours. For excitement from October to March, visit the racetrack
unspoilt scenery lead to medieval castles, vil as, churches, vil ages
DISCOVER
Pisa in the Natural Park. and Volterra, a jewel of Etruscan, Roman, Medieval and Renais-
In June, Pisa celebrates several traditional events, including
sance art and architecture. Tour the Etruscan Museum, the Art
the Luminara on June 16 and the historical Regatta on the Arno
Gallery and the Museum of Sacred Arts, or learn how craftsmen
River the following day. On the last Sunday of the month, observe continue a centuries-old tradition by visiting an alabaster shop.
ThE GATEWAy
Gioco del Ponte, the re-enactment of a historical battle. Or opt for Piazza dei Priori is the summer venue of theater and jazz festivals
TO TUSCANy
and the Medieval Week in late August. At that time, the town
celebrates the year 1398 with ancient pageants, tournaments
and coins.
Pisa and its province boast an unexpected wealth of events,
good wine and a uniquely flavourful cuisine to go along with the
sea, hil s, mountains, history and art. All are waiting for you in
this beautiful corner of Tuscany.
The new Delta flight from New york, JFK to Pisa, Italy begins
on May 31, 2007. This route represents a unique opportunity to
explore Pisa and the region of Tuscany. For more information and
our lowest fares visit Delta.com.
74 Sky May 2007
May 2007 Sky 75

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