Pisa

Via Aurelia, constructed in approximately 241 BC, played an important role in times of the ancient Roman Empire, to connect the cities of Pisa and Rome and to enable trouble-free and efficient movement of defensive forces and goods between them. Today, the drive along the coast might not be the fastest way anymore, owing to the often heavy traffic, but it for sure is one of the most beautiful rides in Italy. Today, the modern Strada Statale 1 ocupies the same route and is informally known as La Via Aurelia. Remains of several Roman bridges can still be found along the road, including the Cloaca di Porta San Clementino, Ponte del Diavolo, Primo Ponte, and the Secondo Ponte (the last three in Sta Marinella).

One of the most outstanding architectural structures of medieval Europe (partly due to human error during construction), the Leaning Tower is today the most famous landmark of Pisa. It is the bell tower of the Cathedral whose construction began in 1173, and continued for over two centuries. This miscalculated eight-story building is over 55 metres high and leans at an angle of 3.99 degrees. Without any doubts, this popular tourist attraction is a "must" when visiting the city. Don’t forget the camera, since this is a perfect place to take some amusing photos.

The Botanical Garden and Museum was established in 1544 as the first university botanical garden in Europe. The garden is divided into sections that contain the botanical school, gardens, ponds, greenhouses and various buildings. Major collections include herb gardens and arboreta, as well as the old botany institute of late 16th century, with a façade ornamented with sea-shells.

The Italian word "Camposanto" (Holy Yard) — which is a synonym of "cemetery" — was first used with reference to this Pisan building. According to the legend, it contained soil which was seen as miraculous due to its origins in the Holy Land. You will find this peaceful place with amazing frescoes, mosaics and statues on the same site as the Leaning Tower, the UNESCO World Heritage site Piazza del Duomo di Pisa.

The rather small Santa Maria della Spina church, erected around 1230 and later enlarged in 1325, has one of the most outstanding Gothic edifices in Europe. Its riverside location adds to the iconic status, making it one of the most photographed structures in the city. You can find it on the left bank of the River Arno, opposite the National Museum of Pisa. The name of della Spina ("of the thorn") comes from the presence of a thorn, recognised as a part of the crown of thorns placed on Christ. The relic was brought to this church in 1333.

Not far from the city centre lies this basilica, which is said to have been built upon the place where St. Peter landed on his way from the Aegean Sea to Rome. If you walk in, you can admire medieval paintings and beautiful frescoes - both on the left and the right side of the church - dating to between 1200 to 1300, and around the location, where a small village has arisen, one can go for a walk and look for some local restaurants.

The ride from the city centre of Pisa to the stunning Marina di Pisa on the coast of Tyrrhenean Sea is about 15 km, or 45 minutes by bike. Many businesses offer rental bikes that you can take on the scenic ride along the Navicelli channel. To make your ride effortless, consider renting an electric bike. Some rentals, like Smile and Ride, also offer a companion app with a suggested route.

Take a tour along the roads of wine in the stunning area of Chianti, one of the most famous districts in Tuscany. You decide which vineyards to visit and make your stops wherever you like. It is also possible take a break from wine and local food tastings to visit the museums that you will find along the road, such as the one dedicated to the iconic Vespa scooters. The well-marked road is easy to follow by bike or car.

During the hot summer months, this park is a popular place to relax in the shades of the trees. Students, locals and tourists come here for a picnic, a stroll, to let their children play at the playground and even to discover some ancient sights. The construction of the citadel began in 1440 during the first period of Florentine rule. In the 1930s, the area became a public garden and was used for performances, concerts and as an open-air cinema in summer.

In 1998, during the works carried out in the area around Pisa San Rossore Station, the remains of the ancient port of Pisa were uncovered. At a depth of about 5 meters, an impressive series of 18 ship wrecks placed one on top of the other emerged, all dating back to the Roman Period, and now showcased at the Museum of Ancient Ships of Pisa.

The picturesque regional park covers over 23,000 hectares along the coast from Viareggio to Livorno. The grounds feature estates and historic buildings, forested walking trails. You will come across organic farms, apiaries and dairies, an archeological area, the Navicelli canal and multiple natural reserves with distinct natural environments. Of course, there is a beach area to swim and cool down after a hike. You can find handy booklets and brochures at the Visitor Centre of Cascine Vecchie. The official website has an exhaustive list of attraction and their opening hours, plus a list of official guides.

The Tuttomondo mural ("All World") stands in fun contrast to the historical sights of the city. Bright colours and fun shapes cover a whole side of a house just off Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Stare at it long enough to see some of the not-so-obvious detail Keith Haring put into the work of art. Keith Haring painted the mural in 1989 and this is one of his last public works of art.

Travellers who enjoy going slightly off the beaten track should not miss the Museum of Human Anatomy in Pisa. First opened in 1832, the museum collected thousands of pieces of highly accurate anatomical models made for educational-scientific purposes. Certainly an unusual and macabre attraction. A section of the museum is dedicated to anatomical paintings by Giovanni Paolo Mascagni, who was famed for his mind-blowingly intricate and accurate colour illustrations. Another section contains archaeological finds, such as funerary objects from pre-Columbian civilisations, with fabrics, vases and various utensils, mummies and sarcophagi.

The building alone is well worth a visit. In the 16th century, the Lanfranchi family built this palace leaning against a group of medieval structures showing paintings dating to that era. In 2007 Palazzo Lanfranchi became the Graphic Museum, where you can see collections of prints and drawings from the University of Pisa, take part in educational and art events.

This 9-hole golf course is located in beautiful green surroundings between Pisa and Livorno. The course, one of the oldest in Tuscany, is not too difficult. The service is warm and friendly and the restaurant is well-reputed. There is also a small adjacent hotel.