The Botanical Gardens of Pisa

March 5, 2009

There are times when everyone needs a break from the hustle and bustle of even the most beautiful cites, and visitors to Pisa are well catered for in these circumstances.  Pisa’s botanical gardens, also known as Pisa University botanical gardens, are an oasis from the crowds and the traffic, and are open every morning of the year, without charge.

This tranquil sanctuary was the first of its kind in Europe when it was first opened in 1544. In 1563 the garden was moved from its original riverside location to one near the convent of Santa Marta, and in 1591 again moved to its third and current location. From the very earliest times, the garden contained a huge variety of specimens, a very extensive and respected library (now part of the university), and portraits of its directors throughout the centuries.  Today the garden is divided into sections containing the botanical school, gardens, ponds, greenhouses, and various out-buildings. Major collections include herb gardens and arboreta, as well as the old botany institute, complete with its quirky facade decorated entirely with sea-shells.

Shopping In Pisa: A Tourist Guide

February 7, 2009

Pisa’s prominence is closely tied in to its world-famous Tower, but tourists actually come here for a lot more than a leaning infrastructure.  In fact, many tourists end up in town either for hiking, trekking, farm holidays, beaches or water sports – the Leaning Tower just happens to be the most famous of its famous of its attractions.

Most tourists looking to shop, unfamiliar with the locale, immediately try the area around the tower.  Unfortunately, it is riddled with tacky souvenir shops and less-than attractive wares.  If you haven’t wasted your money yet, you’ll be best served by boarding a car hire and driving to Corso Italia or Borgo Stretto, Pisa’s two main shopping districts.

Both streets will be lined with Italian shops of all kinds – fashion, accessories, antiques, gifts and more.  Corso Italia is home to many discount shops and cheap brands, so anyone on a budget should head down its way.  Borgo Stretto, on the other hand, is home to large fashion brands and signature labels, so higher-end shoppers will do well heading that direction.

Other areas of interest to shoppers in Pisa include Via Mercanti and Via Dei Rigattieri, home to shops of varying trades, as well as the monthly Antique and Craft Fair held in varying locations throughout the city every second Saturday and Sunday of the month.

The Knights Square in Pisa

January 21, 2009

The Knights Square (Piazza dei Cavalieri) in Pisa may be the second main square of the city, but it most definitely one of the most important landmarks.  Throughout the ages, it has been the political centre of Pisa and today it is the centre of education as it houses part of a university.  The Knights Square is also known as The Square of the Seven Streets.

During the middle ages the Knights Square was mostly prominent for the residents of Pisa to discuss politics and all other issues of the day.  It was the beating heart of Pisa.  Buildings were constructed around the square to celebrate victories in wars and this led to The Palace of the People and the Elders being built in 1254.  There is also The Clock Palace and The Captain of the People – such magnificent structures with such magnificent names.

In 1558, the square was rebuilt in Renaissance style.  This was due to political turmoil in Pisa, when the emissary of Florence ended the independence of Pisa in 1406.  Many new buildings were designed and constructed – The Church of the Knights Of The Holy and also The Military Order of St. Stephen.

However, the main building on the Knights Square is The Palace of The Knights Of St. Stephen.  All the buildings are now used for Rimini University purposes – from libraries, departments, lecture halls and courtrooms.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

October 1, 2008

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The world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, in the Piazza dei Miracoli, is the bell tower of the Cathedral. In the past it was widely believed that the inclination of the Tower was part of the project ever since its beginning but we know now that it is not so. The Tower of Pisa was designed to be straight and began to lean during its construction which began in 1173. Even if it did not lean it would still be one of the most remarkable bell towers in Europe. To present day work is ongoing to ensure the leaning Tower of Pisa stays a favourite with all who visit there.

There are many interesting sights to see here in Pisa, the Porta di St Maria, the Museum of the Sinopie, the Cathedral Museum, the National Museum of St Mateo, the Piazza della Sapienza and the Botanical Gardens. Take a break from sightseeing and head off into the countryside in your car and see the beautiful hillsides outside of the busy city they are so relaxing and peaceful. There are so many places where you can dine that you will be spoiled for choice. Seeing all sides of Pisa will leave you with lasting memories of this wonderful place.

What else to see in Pisa other than the leaning tower?

August 18, 2008

You are either thinking of travelling to Pisa or just arrived and one of the main questions that you will pose is “what is there to see and do in Pisa”?   Of course the leaning tower of Pisa is bound to be on the tip of your tongue – but what else is there to do in Pisa?

This short guide of some of the highlights in Pisa is supposed to answer that question.  One of the first places we would recommend is San Zeno.   The abbey of San Zeno in Pisa is defined by a wonderful collection of architectural styles and curios. It has ancient origins and is situated in a place in older times called “to the caves”, due to large number of ancient Roman and Pisanum ruins.   The Benedictine Abbey was later passed on the Camaldolite Order at the beginning of the fifteenth century and underwent dramatic transformations.

We would also recommend that any visit to Pisa also include the Museo Dell’Opera Del Duomo. This two storey 13th century building, with an open air arcade is separated into several halls.  Some of these host collections of extremely important works originally from the Duomo and the Baptistery.  For instance one hall is dedicated to Guglielmo, a sculptor and architect who created the first Pulpit of the Duomo, which was later donated to the Cathedral of Calgary in 1312.  Of particular significance are the bronze Griffon and the Basin, of Islamic origin; a crucifix from Burgundy; and the works of Tino da Camiano.

Still in Pisa and looking for more exciting places to visit?  Well no visit to Pisa should miss the San Sisto.   This church is steeped in history as it was founded in 1070 as the “Lo die San Sisto”.  This stone church’s architecture is medieval in design and has two distinct aisles, a central nave and is resplendent with granite columns from the classic age. 

We hope that this short article gives you a few alternative ideas for visiting Pisa – but do of course visit the leaning tower too.

 

Pisa Airport Car Hire – Offers

August 8, 2008

At Pronto! we know that no one wants to have to spend numerous hours looking at all the car rental companies to get the best deals on their car rental for Pisa. That is why our team of professional car hire specialists at Pronto spend hours searching for the best offers for you. What is more – you don’t even have to make a phone call!  All of the very latest offers are loaded into the Pronto car hire booking engine which is located on the right of the page.

Pisa Guide

July 9, 2008

Pisa Guide – Pisa is a beautiful Italian city with plenty for tourist to see and do while visiting on holiday or business. The city of Pisa, Italy is well-known for its magnificent theatres, beautiful scenery, awe inspiring architecture and of course the leaning tower! There is so much to do and see with all of the art, museums, exhibitions and music in Pisa, Italy that most experts agree the best way to take it all in is by getting a car hire while you are visiting.

There are many ways to find a car hire while you are visiting Pisa, Italy. Most people who visit Pisa, Italy book car hire upon arrival in the local airport. However, if you wish to save time, money and a whole lot of aggravation booking through a car hire specialist is the better way to go. Booking a car hire through a car hire specialist like, Pisa Airport Car Hire means that you can avoid the long lines and piles of paperwork you would normally experience getting an airport car hire.  All you have to do is fill out our Quick Car Hire Booking form located conveniently on the right hand side of the screen and we take care of all the work for you. Pisa Guide is here to help

How To Get Best Rates For Pisa Airport Car Hire

July 9, 2008

Pisa airport car hire from only £7 per day. Nobody wants to have to shop around to all the big brand car hire companies, making phone call after phone call to guarantee the best rate on their Pisa car hire. The major car hire companies like, Hertz, Sixt, Alamo and Holiday Auto have already partnered with Pisa Airport Car Hire to provide our users with the best rates they have to offer. The only difference is that when you book with Pisa Airport Car Hire with Pronto you avoid the long lines, piles of paperwork and hours of research.  Simple Pisa airport car hire!

 

If you want to take advantage of our collective buying power so that you can get the absolute best rate possible on your Pisa car hire all that you have to do is fill out our simple Quick Car Hire Booking form. The Quick Car Hire Booking form is conveniently located on the right hand side of our web page. Once you have provided us with all of your basic car hire information we will provide you a list of results almost instantaneously. Then, all that you have to do is click book it on your selected deal and get your confirmation number. It is that easy to get the best rate on Pisa airport car hire.

 

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Car Hire And Peace Of Mind

July 9, 2008

Pisa Airport Car Hire is always looking out for our users. We don’t just provide our users with the best rates available each and every time they book; we also guarantee they have the most comprehensive coverage for their protection. Regardless of whether you are at home, on holiday or traveling for business you are not immune to having bad things occur. That is why Pisa Airport Car Hire includes fully inclusive coverage right in the price of all of our car hire bookings.

 

Should the worst occur while you are traveling the coverage that you receive through Pisa Airport Car Hire will protect you from having to pay a fortune to remedy the situation. This coverage protects you from accident and theft, but it also includes premium location insurance, VAT and local taxes, road fund taxes, unlimited mileage, around the clock emergency assistance in the event of breakdown and no cancellation fee. All that you have to do to take advantage of all that Pisa Airport Car Hire has to offer is fill out our simple quick car hire booking form and we take care of the rest. This means that you can enjoy your travel to Pisa without a worry in your mind.

Terms & conditions for Pisa airport car hire

July 9, 2008

Pisa airport car hire from less than £10 per day! Every car hire company has their own unique set of rental conditions that go along with using their service. Our goal at Pisa Airport Car Hire is to make car hire as easy and hassle free as possible for you and that is why we present these rental conditions to you upfront during the booking process. Step two of the booking process summarizes the rental conditions for the car hire you have chosen so that you can read them over in advance and ensure they are compatible with your needs. This advance notification of the rental conditions saves you time during transit and can save you a headache in the long-run.

 

Whether it is presenting you the rental conditions upfront or saving you the time of a lengthy booking process by doing it for you, Pisa Airport Car Hire works to alleviate your stress during travel. All you have to do is book your next car hire through Pisa Airport Car Hire and we take care of the rest. Fill in the simple Quick car Hire Booking form located on the right hand side of the screen and you will be presented with the absolute best rates available almost instantaneously. So what are you waiting on, book your Pisa airport car hire now!

 

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