Aside from being a top tourist destination, Pisa is also a university town, which means that there are a lot of young people!  This is reflected in the graffiti that one sees, when exploring the streets.

Set on the Lungarno, the tiny Church of Santa Maria dei Galletti, or the Madonna dei Galletti, as we see it today, dates back to 1587.  The church was given its name due to the discovery of a fresco depicting the Madonna and the Child, which came to light during the demolition of a nearby building.  The fresco is now housed over an altar in the church.

In the nearby Piazza Francesco Carrara, you will find the Monument to Ferdinando I de’ Medici, carved by Pietro Francavilla, to a design by Giambologna.

The Chiesa di San Nicola, or the Church of Saint Nicholas, dates from 1097.  Even though not as easy to notice as its more famous counterpart, a bit further down the street, the bell tower of this church is also leaning slightly.

The first thing that one sees, when entering the church, is the beautiful Crucifix by Giovanni Pisano.

The Arsenale delle Galee was built during the 16th century, for use by the Pisan Navy.

Built as part of the city’s defensive system, the Cittadella Vecchia dates from the beginning of the 1400’s.  The tower, known as the Guelfa Tower, is also from that period.  The tower was destroyed during a bombing in 1944, but has been since rebuilt to the original design.

The Vecchi Macelli Comunali now houses the Ludoteca Scientifica, and the Museo degli Strumenti per il Calcolo, or the Museum of Computing Instruments.  Both take a hands-on approach to science, and are mainly geared for younger visitors.

A monument marks the house where Titta Ruffo, the internationally famous baritone, was born on September 9th, 1877.  His real name was Ruffo Titta, but he reversed it for the stage.

 

Next up: A visit to the fascinating Gipsoteca di Arte Antica dell’Università di Pisa, and much more, including the famous Leaning Tower!

 

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!