Pisa, one of the four ancient maritime republics, was once one of the most important Tuscan cities and a sworn enemy of Florence, Livorno and Lucca. Today, Pisa is one of the world`s most renowned and visited cities of art, thanks to the Leaning Tower, to the whole Piazza dei Miracoli - one of UNESCO`s World Heritage sites - and many other little jewels of Italian art, such as the churches of Santa Caterina, Santa Maria della Spina and San Paolo a Ripa d`Arno.

The Etruscan findings in Volterra and Pisa`s folkloric events, such the "Palio delle Repubbliche Marinare" (Regatta of the maritime republics) and the "Gioco del ponte" (Battle of the bridge), testify the city and province`s past.

Those who love nature can seize the opportunity and visit the "Parco di Migliarino, San Rossore e Massaciuccoli" (Natural park of Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli).

Pisa - In the Heart of Lower Valdarno

Crossed by the Arno, Tuscany`s most important river, Pisa rises at the centre of Lower Valdarno (Valdarno inferiore), in central-western Tuscany. Originally built on the sea, at the intersection of the Arno and Serchio rivers - and therefore one of the four ancient Italian Maritime Republics - today, due to the geological transformations the area has undergone, Pisa is no longer an important regional port. On the north, the Monti Pisani (Pisan Mountains) - a chain of hills lower than 1,000 m., including the Monte Serra and the Monti d`Oltreserchio - separate Pisa from Lucca.