This was my fourth visit to the lovely city of Pisa.  Now, I know that there are some people out there who would think: Why return so often?  The reason is that this is a city filled with treasures!  There are museums, churches, lovely neighborhoods to stroll around, parks, all possible to visit on foot, a few minutes away from each other.  Of course, there is also the famous leaning tower, but, honestly, that is the least of the reasons that I return so often to this small jewel of a city.

Pisa is a city that reveals its charms only to those who take the time to explore it.  When I pass by a familiar monument or shop in this town, it feels as if it is welcoming me back, urging me to stay awhile.  That’s how I felt when I saw the small, pear-shaped stone, marking the entrance to Via La Pera.

The stem of the Salviati Family still adorns the facade of their palazzo.

The Chiesa di San Sepolcro, or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, is one of the city’s least known treasures.  The building dates from the 12th century, and was built to resemble the Dome of the Rock, in Jerusalem.  It was named after the relics of the Holy Sepulchre,  which were brought to Italy during the Crusades, and kept in this church.  At the time of our visit, there was a guide inside of the church, who took us around, and explained the features, and details of its history and construction.  It was wonderful!

The bust over the side door of the church is of Saint Ubaldesea, and contains a pail that  belonged to him.

Piazza Gambacorti is one of my favorites.  This is a lovely spot to sit and rest, to have a drink or something to eat, or simply, to people watch.

A plaque marks the location of the house where Saint Catherine of Siena stayed, while in Pisa, which was destroyed during the war.

Destroyed during flooding of the Arno River in 1115, the Chiesa di Santa Cristina, or Church of Saint Cristina, was rebuilt in 1118.  This is where Saint Catherine of Siena received the stigmata, while praying.

 

Next up: A visit inside of the lovely, jewel-like Church of Santa Maria della Spina!

 

Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations which may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Pisa, as well as other Italian destinations.  Grazie!