Pisa: from power and culture to tourist attraction
PublicOrigin of Pisa as an Etruscan and Roman settlement
Pisa originates as a port city at the mouth of the Arno, first inhabited by the Etruscans and later important under Roman rule.
Rise of Pisa as a maritime republic
Pisa grows into one of the most powerful maritime republics of Italy, with a strong fleet and extensive trade networks in the Mediterranean.
Start of construction of Pisa Cathedral
Construction of the impressive Piazza dei Miracoli begins with the cathedral, financed by the wealth of the maritime republic.
Start of construction of the Tower of Pisa
Construction of the campanile, which would later become world-famous as the Leaning Tower, begins on the Piazza dei Miracoli.
Battle of Meloria
Pisa suffers a crushing defeat against the fleet of Genoa, marking the beginning of the decline of Pisan maritime power.
Completion of the Tower of Pisa
After nearly two centuries of construction, with long interruptions, the leaning tower is finally completed.
Pisa comes under the rule of Florence
After years of conflict and weakening, Pisa is annexed by the Republic of Florence, marking the end of its independence.
Galileo Galilei born in Pisa
The famous scientist Galileo Galilei is born in Pisa, where he would later also study and experiment.
Piazza dei Miracoli on the UNESCO World Heritage List
The impressive square with the Cathedral, the leaning tower, the baptistery and the cemetery is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pisa as a modern tourist attraction
Pisa develops into one of Italy's most popular tourist destinations, with the leaning tower as a world-famous symbol.
Battle of Meloria
The naval battle took place near the small islands of Meloria off the coast of Livorno. Pisa lost a large part of its fleet and thousands of prisoners, which severely weakened the city economically and militarily. This marked the definitive end of Pisa's dominance at sea.