|
|
 |
 |
Return to DCT Home |
 |
Search Entire Site |
 |
Search Yellow Pages |
City Data
History
Articles about Tucson
Area Photos
Sports
Best Press Release
Quickest Laugh
Best Quote
Horoscope
Coolest Video
Headlines
Bulletin Board
Make us your homepage
Gifts
Greeting Cards
Dating Online
Pen Pals
Visiting Pisa
|
|
Pisa is one of the most famous and attractive destinations that tourists can travel to when taking a vacation in Italy. The city of Pisa is located within the central area of Italy, on the right side of the River Arno, and in the region of Tuscany. This destination offers beautiful landscapes as well as a variety of interesting historical constructs and locations. According to historians, the first moments in the origins of Pisa remain unknown, and the oldest archaeological discoveries related to this city date from about the 5th century BC. Nowadays, it still remains unclear who the founders of Pisa actually were, since there are signs that either the Etruscans, the Greeks, the Ligurians or the Pelasgi could have been the first inhabitants of the city. | |
The port of Pisa has had a very relevant role throughout its entire history. The importance of this city's port was mainly based on its strategic location, and the fact that it was the only port located between Ostia and Genoa, almost in the entire coast. This port was used as a base for expeditions and military maneuvers against the Carthaginians, the Gauls, the Byzantines, and the Ligurians among others. Towards the 11th century, Pisa and its port became very popular, and the city was named part of the Repubbliche Marinare, historically the four most important Marine Republics of Italy. During that époque, and due to the importance of its port, Pisa also was considered a very important commercial and economic centre in Italy, and the neighboring countries as well. Without any doubt, the most famous landmark of Pisa is its *leaning tower, dubbed "The leaning Tower of Pisa." The Tower of Pisa is located in the Campo dei Miracoli, along with several other interesting antique constructs. Among the other constructs visitors can see and enjoy in the Campo dei Miracoli, there are, for example, the Baptistry, the Duomo, and the monumental cemetery of Camposanto. |
|
Besides the constructions in the Campo deo Miracoli, tourists could also see several other historical constructions and amazing attractions during their vacation in Pisa. Among these other attractions, visitors could find, for example, the church of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri which was completed around the 17th century and counts with several unique art works in its interior, such as the paintings of Jacopo Ligozzi, and Vasari, as well as a famous bust that was sculpted by Donatello. The Church of Saint Francis is another historical place visitors should not miss when they travel to Pisa. This church was designed by Giovanni di Simoni and built between 1275 and 1345. Nowadays, the Church of Giovanni di Simoni houses art works from Taddeo Gaddi, Jacopo da Empoli, and Santi di Tito. Another unique antique construct located in Pisa is the church of San Frediano. The Church of San Frediano was built around the year 1060, and nowadays still conserves most of its original elements. The Church of San Frediano is now also the home of a variety of paintings from the 16th century made by artists such as Domenico Passignano, Rutilio Manetti, and Aurelio Lomi. There is also a crucifix dating from the 12th century. |
|
*The Leaning Tower of Pisa, in Italy, was originally constructed in the 12th century as a bell tower for the main cathedral of the city. Soon after its construction, the foundation began to sink, thus causing the tower to lean. Over time, the lean became quite substantial. (The complete construction of the tower took three engineering and construction events that spanned some 200 years.) The Leaning Tower of Pisa was closed to the public in 1990 for engineering work. It was feared that it might actually fall. The tower was reopened to the public in the early twenty-first century after engineers reduced the angle of inclination by about 16". Leaning Tower of Pisa specifications: The height of the tower is 55.86 meters from the ground on the low side, and 56.7 meters on the high side. The width of the walls at the base is 4.09 meters, and at the top 2.48 meters. The total weight of the tower is estimated at 14,500 tons. Inside the tower are 294 steps that tourists and residents can climb. To change Centigrade to Fahrenheit use the formula (#°x9/5)+32. |
|