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Pisa and Its History



Writing about the history of Pisa before the year One Thousand is difficult. The only thing we know for sure is that the Etruscans, the mysterious people said to come from Lydia, today`s Turkey, settled especially in the northern part of Pisa`s historic centre, as testify the archaeological finds that have been brought to light in this area (sometimes by chance) since the mid of the 19th century.

The remains of some Pisan villas of Roman origin tells us that the town was a colony and a military base of the future capital town of Italy.

But it is between the 9th and the 13th centuries that this town in western Tuscany reached the peak of its glory.

Pisa was, in fact, one of the four Maritime Republics (together with Amalfi, Genoa and Venice), and before being defeated by Genoa in the battle of Meloria (1284) and conquered by Florence (1406), it expanded its (especially commercial) influence over Sardinia, Corsica, the Italian coast from southern Liguria to upper Latium, northern Africa and even the Middle East.

It is right in this period that the cornerstones for the Duomo, the Leaning Tower, the Baptistery and the Monumental Cemetery were laid (for more information over these four monuments, read the chapter dedicated to Piazza dei Miracoli).

Today, you can learn something about the history of the town by simply strolling among its palaces and villas, visiting the town hall and admiring its frescoed walls, walking along the narrow streets and in the squares of its four historic districts. Pisa has many stories to tell to its visitors!