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The spectacular Gioco del Ponte in Pisa

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4February2012

Gioco del Ponte or the Game of Bridge is a summer attraction in Pisa, a historical manifestation held yearly on the last Sunday of June, in which the people of Tramontana and Mezzogiorno, geographically split by the Arno river, participate in a historical procession, with 709 walk-ons, then challenge each other to a physical match in which their teams, each composed of 20 members, try to conquer the “Ponte di Mezzo” (the main bridge in Pisa) by pushing a trolley in order to force the rival team off the bridge.

The actual battle is preceded by a historical procession with participants wearing period armature and costumes (around 750 in Spanish style) and with the banners of the participating teams of the four ‘historical’ quarters of Pisa. The actual battle does not consist of shields or weapons but challenging each other in a trial of strength which consists in pushing a heavy trolling (seven tons) set on tracks fifty meters long. The final victory goes to the Party which has won the greater number of battles, pushing the trolley into the enemy field and knocking over the staff with the banner with the colors of the enemy party.

Originally the event of Gioco del Ponte took place twice a year: January 17th, the day of Saint Anthony Abbot and it went on until 1782 when it was suppressed by Pietro Leopoldo on grounds of public order. The game returned to the bridge from 1950 to 1963. After another lengthy interruption, the event returned to its original magnificence in the edition of 1982.

The Baptistery of Pisa: The largest in Italy

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19January2012

The Baptistery of Pisa is a round white-marble building whose construction started in 1152 in a Romanesque style and completed in the 1300s in the Gothic style. Nicola and Giovanni Pisano gave the upper part a Gothic transformation between 1277 and 1297 and Cellino di Nese added the Gothic dome in the 1300s. The construction was completed in the late fourteenth century with the addition of an eight-sided cupola. The pulpit, supported by lions resting on columns, is decorated with scenes from the life of Christ. Also inside are some impressive statues, originally from the outside.

Italy’s largest baptistery, the Battistero di San Giovanni is also slightly taller than the Leaning Tower across the square. The baptistery shares the same unstable ground as the tower and so it has a slight lean of 0.6 degrees towards the cathedral.

The square main portal bears interesting reliefs by an unknown artist of the 13th century. The left side depicts the Labors of the Months while the right side portrays the Apostles (in pairs), the Harrowing of Hell, and King David.

The two-level architrave depicts the Life of St. John the Baptist (bottom) and Christ with the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, the Four Evangelists, and Angels. On the archivolt, the 24 Elders of the Apocalypse flank the Lamb of God. The lunette contains a copy of Giovanni Pisano’s Madonna, the original of which is in the Museo dell’Opera.

The baptistery’s pulpit is a masterpiece carved in 1255-60 by Nicola Pisano. It was the prototype for a series of four monumental pulpits he created with his son Giovanni.

The baptistery holds choir concerts inside which can be heard from miles away. On entering the baptistery, the immensity of the building impresses the visitors. The Font, which is a work of Guido Bigarelli, is located in the middle of the temple on three steps.  In the middle of the basin there is a statue of the Baptist, of Italo Griselli. The font is enriched with eight faces decorated by central rose-windows and by geometrical marble decorations. The Pulpit is a great work of the year 1260 of Nicola Pisano.

The Botanical Gardens in Pisa

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29December2011

Since the city of Pisa is known mostly for its leaning tower, the other attractions of the place often go underrated. However, Pisa happens to be a city with profound history and enormous artistic wealth. Apart from the famous tower, other sites of attraction in Pisa include Of course, the Field of Miracles, with the Duomo, the Baptistry, the Monumental Cemetery and the Museum of the Sinopie. This city of churches, libraries, science and culture also takes pride in its famous botanical gardens.

The garden, locally known as The Orto botanico di Pisa, is operated by the University of Pisa, and located at via Luca Ghini 5, Pisa, Italy. This was established as the first university botanical garden in Europe in 1544 and from its early dates, the garden has contained a gallery of natural objects (now Pisa’s Museo di Storia Naturale), a library (now part of the university library), and portraits of its directors throughout the centuries. It also includes one of the earliest iron-framed hothouses built in Italy.

Today the garden is divided into sections containing the botanical school, gardens, ponds, greenhouses, and various buildings. Up until 10 years ago, the admission to the garden was free but now there is a small entrance fee of 2.50 euros, and it is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and on Saturday from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm.

The gardens feature the Orto del Cedro and there is a 22o year old magnolia tree (the tag says it was planted in 1787) and a Renaissance fountain. Then there is the “arboretum“, the section of the garden dedicated to trees typical of mild climates. There is also an old fountain and a small artificial lake with aquatic plants. The tourists can also catch a glimpse of the Leaning Tower and the roof of the Cathedral from here.

What Pisa has to offer its tourists?

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3December2011

Undoubtedly, Pisa is known mostly for it striking Leaning Tower. However, tourists also have many other attractions in the city. Pisa hosts a number of historical monuments and buildings dating back many hundreds of years and also takes pride in its university, which has become one of Italy’s top schools.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the freestanding bell tower of the cathedral of Pisa, Italy. It lies third in being the oldest structure in Pisa’s Piazza del Duomo after the Cathedral and the Baptistry.

The height of the tower is 55.86 m (183.27 ft) from the ground on the low side and 56.70 m (186.02 ft) on the high side. The tower has 296 or 294 steps; the seventh floor has two fewer steps on the north-facing staircase. At present, the tower leans at about 3.99 degrees. Tourists love to click photographs in which they pretend to “hold up” the leaning tower and prevent it from falling.

Also impressing the tourists are the breathtaking Duomo (cathedral) – built almost 1,000 years ago, the circular Battistero (Baptistery) – the largest of its kind in the whole of Italy, and the Camposanto – also known as the Holy Field. This area is referred to as the Campo dei Miracoli or the Piazza dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) and these remarkable Tuscan buildings combine Moorish, Gothic and Romanesque architectural features.

Leonardo Hotel Pisa

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8April2011

Overview of the Hotel: Its affordable, air-conditioned rooms are comfortable and equipped with satellite TV and Wi-Fi access and some provide picturesque views of Pisa’s historic quarter. It is located on a quiet street close to Pisa Station and the Leaning Tower. Its friendly staff is very helpful. Its location close to Pisa’s main shopping street makes it even more appealing to the tourists.

Amenities at the Hotel: 24-Hour Front Desk, Non-Smoking Rooms, Elevator, Express Check-In/Check-Out, Heating, Baggage Storage are some of the facilities provided. Other facilities include Room Service, Breakfast in the Room, Fax/Photocopying. Wi-Fi is available at extra costs.

Hotel Rules: The Check in time for the hotel is from 13:00 hours and the Check out time is until 11:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. All children under 8 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding. All children under 2 years stay free of charge for cots. All older children or adults are charged EUR 15 per night per person for extra beds. Maximum capacity of extra beds/babycots in a room is 1. Any type of extra bed/cot or crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by the hotel. Supplements will not be calculated automatically in the total costs and have to be paid separately in the hotel. American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB, Maestro, CartaSi are all acceptable credit cards. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorize credit cards prior to arrival. Pets are allowed on request at no extra cost.

Hotel Room Types and Rates:

Double or twin room: €100
Included in room price: 10% VAT, breakfast
FREE cancellation

Single room: €80
Included in room price: 10% VAT, breakfast
FREE cancellation

Triple room: €130
Included in room price: 10% VAT, breakfast
FREE cancellation


Airone Pisa Park Hotel

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25March2011

Overview of the Hotel: Airone Pisa Park Hotel has a tempting location amidst the Pisa Center at a mere 5-minute drive from the Leaning Tower. Not onyly this, it also is just 7 minute drive from Cisanello Hospital and has easy access to public transportation into Pisa center. The hotel offers a free guided walking tour of the city, from Tuesday until Sunday. It offers free parking and free shuttles to/from Pisa Airport and Pisa Centrale Station. The hotel has 22 rooms all of which are air-conditioned and feature free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV with digital and Sky satellite channels. The guests can avail of traditional, Tuscan cuisine at the Pisa Park restaurant which offers both menu service and set menus.The Airone has large grounds with swimming pool, and is surrounded by mountains and paths where you can enjoy a pleasant walk.

Amenities at the Hotel: The hotel offers Restaurant, Bar, Grounds, Terrace, Non-Smoking Rooms, Rooms/Facilities for Disabled Guests, Family Rooms, Express Check-In/Check-Out, Safe, Heating, Design Hotel, Baggage Storage, All Public and Private spaces non-smoking, Air Conditioning, Designated Smoking Area, Restaurant With Dining Menu, and Snack Bar. The guests can enjoy with various activities like Playground, Ping Pong, Library, Hiking, Cycling, Outdoor Swimming Pool, and Outdoor Swimming Pool (seasonal). Other services include Airport Shuttle, Babysitting/Child Services, Breakfast in the Room, Bicycle Rental, Car Rental, Tour Desk, Fax/Photocopying, Concierge Service, Private Check-in/-out, Shuttle Service (free), Shuttle Service (surcharge), Special Diet Meals (upon request), and Vending Machine (drinks). Wi-fi is available in the entire hotel and is free of charge. Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

Hotel Rules: The Check in time for the hotel is from 13:00 – 00:00 hours and the Check out time us until 11:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. All children under 2 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding. All children under 2 years are charged EUR 15 per night per person for cots. All older children or adults are charged EUR 30 per night per person for extra beds. Maximum capacity of babycots in a room is 2. Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. Any type of extra bed/cot or crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by the hotel. Supplements will not be calculated automatically in the total costs and have to be paid separately in the hotel. Pets are not allowed. Accepted credit cards are Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Maestro, and CartaSi. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorize credit cards prior to arrival. The hotel does not accept American Express credit cards. If you use it to make the booking, the hotel will ask you for another credit card and, if one is not provided your reservation will be canceled. Payment is due upon check-in.

After midnight, you can only check-in if you arrange for the hotel’s shuttle-service to pick you up from the airport. For all arrivals until October 31st 2011, the pick-up shuttle is free after 10:30 p.m. until the last evening flight. There are 3 free shuttle departures to the airport for early morning flights (at 4:20 a.m., 5:05 a.m. and 5:40 a.m.). Shuttle services must be booked and arranged beforehand.

Hotel Room Types and Rates:

Double Room
Included in room price: 10 % VAT
• Non refundable: € 99.95
• FREE cancellation: € 109

Single Room
Included in room price: 10 % VAT
• Non refundable: € 89.95
• FREE cancellation: € 99

Triple Room
Included in room price: 10 % VAT
• Non refundable: € 129
• FREE cancellation: € 139

Quadruple Room
Included in room price: 10 % VAT
• Non refundable: € 160
• FREE cancellation: € 170


Knights’ Square (Pisa)

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22March2011

The Knights’ Square, one of the most important landmarks in Pisa, Italy used to be the centre of political activity in the medieval times and later became the headquarters of the Order of the Knights of St. Stephen.

Palazzo della Carovana or the palace of the Knights of St. Stephen, formerly the Palace of the Elders is the main building on the square. It was remodeled in a Renaissance style by modern architect Giorgio Vasari. Detailed monochromatic etchings known as sgraffiti are found inscribed upon its walls, enhancing the magnificence of its façade, which is awe-inspiring.
Well-known for its world class architecture, the palazzo consists of six niches with busts of the grand dukes of Tuscany in them. A grand statue of Cosimo I de Medici by Pietro Francavilla stands before the palace, holding its viewer awe-struck. Palazzo dell’Orologio stands in the other corner of the square.

Many buildings found here, including libraries, departments, courtrooms etc belong to the University of the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa. A catholic ambulance service, the Confraternita della Misericordia is also found here.

All in all, the Square is a hot-spot for tourists from all over the world visiting Italy, for the Knight’s Square is important not only for its grand architecture or buildings but also for the historic importance that it holds.

Grand Hotel Duomo Pisa

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18March2011

Overview of the Hotel: Grand Hotel Duomo is just 50 yards from Duomo Square and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. One of the world’s most recognizable buildings is surely the Leaning Tower of Pisa and of course, the pride of Pisa. When at the Grand Hotel, you can make an easy and quick access to the tower. Rooms have air conditioning, Wi-Fi access, and satellite TV. Grand Hotel’s roof terrace offers beautiful views of Campo dei Miracoli. The bar serves cocktails. The restaurant at Grand Hotel Duomo offers a delicious mix of Tuscan and international cuisine.

Amenities at the Hotel: The hotel has a Restaurant, Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Terrace, Rooms/Facilities for Disabled Guests, Elevator, Express Check-In/Check-Out, Safe, Heating, Design Hotel, Baggage Storage, All Public and Private spaces non-smoking, Air Conditioning, Sun Terrace. The guests can enjoy at the solarium. Other services include Room Service, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Babysitting/Child Services, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, VIP Room Facilities, Breakfast in the Room, Ironing Service, Honeymoon Suite, Currency Exchange, Bicycle Rental, Packed Lunches, Fax/Photocopying, ATM on site, Concierge Service, Shuttle Service (surcharge), Special Diet Meals (upon request) and Internet Connection. Wi-fi is available in the entire hotel and costs EUR 1.50 per hour. Private parking is possible on site (reservation is needed) and costs EUR 16 per day. Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not possible) and charges may be applicable.

Hotel Rules: The check in time for the hotel is from 14:00 hours and the check out time us until 12:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. All children under 3 years stay free of charge when using existing bedding. All children under 2 years are charged EUR 20 per night per person for cots. All older children or adults are charged EUR 40 per night per person for extra beds. Maximum capacity of extra beds/babycots in a room is 1. Any type of extra bed/cot or crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by the hotel. Supplements will not be calculated automatically in the total costs and have to be paid separately in the hotel. Pets are allowed. No extra charges. Accepted credit cards are American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Carte Bleue, Diners Club, Maestro, CartaSi. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorize credit cards prior to arrival.

Hotel Room Types and Rates:

Double Room: € 100
Included in room price: 10 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
• Non refundable
• Breakfast included

Double Room: € 191
Included in room price: 10 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included

Triple Room: € 180
Included in room price: 10 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included

Single Room: € 110
Included in room price: 10 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included

Double Room for Single Use: € 135
Included in room price: 10 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included

Twin Room: € 190
Included in room price: 10 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
• FREE cancellation
• Breakfast included


Orto botanico di Pisa

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16March2011

Once in Italy, a must visit is the The Orto botanico di Pisa, also known as the Orto Botanico dell’Università di Pisa, one of the oldest botanical gardens of the world.It is operated by the University of Pisa, and is located at via Luca Ghini 5, Pisa, Italy.

The garden was established in 1544 under Cosimo I de’ Medici as the first university botanical garden in Europe. Luca Ghini, who was offered the Chair of Botany by Cosimo I de Medici, Grand Duke, was instrumental in founding the garden. From these early times, the garden has contained a gallery of natural objects, a library which now forms a part of the university library, and portraits of its directors throughout the centuries along with one of the earliest iron-framed hothouses built in Italy. The parts that have retained their originality of the garden are fountains, gateposts and old institute. Many plants belonging to different climatic zones can be found here.

Entry to the gardens is closed on Sundays and holidays. On other weekdays tourists can visit it between 8.30 AM and 1 PM.

The garden plays an important role educationally as it provides resources for research programs and botany courses. Around 140 different species of plants that are officinal can be found in Orto del Mirto. Some of the exotic aquatic plants like Victoria regia Lindely are also grown in the garden. Several species are cultivated at the gardens. They include Commelinaceae, Bromeliaceae, Araceae and Orchidaceae. There are also several food plants like papaya, coffee, pepper, passionflower, eugenia and tamarind. The garden collections also include herbaceous plants, trees and shrubs that were once cultivated for food and drug use by ancient Egyptians.

Camposanto Monumentale Pisa

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11January2011

The Camposanto Monumentale (“monumental cemetery”) is a historical edifice at the northern edge of the Cathedral Square in Pisa, Italy. “Campo Santo” can be literally translated as “holy field”, because it is said to have been built around a shipload of sacred soil from Golgotha, brought back to Pisa from the Fourth Crusade by the archbishop of Pisa in the 12th century. A legend claims that bodies buried in that ground will rot in just 24 hours. The burial ground lies over the ruins of the old baptistery of the church of Santa Reparata, the church that once stood where the cathedral now stands. The building was the fourth and last one to be raised in the Cathedral Square. It dates from a century after the bringing of the soil from Golgotha, and was erected over the earlier burial ground.

Under the expertise of the architect Giovanni di Simone, the construction of this huge, oblong Gothic cloister began in 1278. The cemetery was only completed in 1464.

The outer wall is composed of 43 blind arches. There are two doorways. The one on the right is crowned by a gracious Gothic tabernacle. It contains the Virgin Mary with Child, surrounded by four saints. Most of the tombs are under the arcades, although a few are on the central lawn. The inner court is surrounded by elaborate round arches with slender mullions and plurilobed tracery.

The cemetery has three chapels. The oldest ones are the chapel Ammannati and the chapel Aulla. The last chapel was Dal Pozzo where sometimes a Mass is celebrated.

The Campo Santo contained a huge collection of Roman sarcophagi, but there are only 84 left together with a collection of Roman and Etruscan sculptures and urns, now in the Museum of the vestry board.

The walls were once covered in frescoes; the first were applied in 1360, the last about three centuries later. The cycle of frescoes continues with the Stories of the Old Testament by Benozzo Gozzoli (15th century) that were situated in the north gallery, while in the south arcade were the Stories of Pisan Saints, by Andrea Bonaiuti, Antonio Veneziano and Spinello Aretino (between 1377 and 1391), and the Stories of Job, by Taddeo Gaddi (end of 14th century).