Many tourists call it "Pompei of the sea".

What are we talking about? Well, we are referring to the ancient shipyard that is situated in western Pisa, in proximity to San Rossore railway station.

The shipyard was accidentally discovered in 1998, when some wooden objects were unearthed during the digs for the construction of the railway office district. About 30 ships dating back to the period between the 3rd century BC and the 7th century, as well as amphorae, coins, jewels, various tools and even the skeleton of a man who was hugging his dog were brought to light in a few months: a treasure that had been hidden for centuries.

Experts believe that the ships and their crews were caught in violent floods before they could find a shelter.

So, if you are on holiday in Tuscany and you have chosen to spend one or more weeks in a villa in Pisa, why do not you visit the ancient shipyard? An area covering 10,650 square metres - 3,500 square metres dedicated to the digs and 1,700 dedicated to the laboratories and the restoration centre - which tourists can visit following a guided itinerary. Alternatively, you could visit the Medicean dockyards on Lungarno Simoncelli (built by order of Cosimo I in the 16th century). In the future they will become a museum dedicated to the Pisan ships, but nowadays they hosts shows and events connected to the archaeological digs in San Rossore.

Just a last tip: you had better reserve your visit to the shipyard before leaving your holiday villa in Pisa.