MUSEUMS

Palazzo Blu

The most important and famous art gallery of Pisa is undeniably Palazzo Blu, a big center for temporary exhibitions and cultural events located near the Arno River, in the heart of the city. It is not difficult to find it thanks to its spectacular façade, the palace is one of the most visible landmarks of the Tuscan town. The name of this building comes from the blue color of the façade painted during a recent restoration. Palazzo Blu hosts every year gorgeous exhibits, the most important past ones were dedicated to Dalì, Picasso and Modigliani.

Botanical Museum

The legend says that the Botanical Gardens of Pisa are the oldest of Italy. What is sure is that the Botanical Museum and its Garden are arguably the most spectacular spots you will see in town. In the 16th century, Luca Ghini, the founder of the Botanical Gardens, started the habit of preserving plants for educational and scientific purposes. Today the museum hosts big collections of plants, including the herbarium, an area with dried plants used for paper sheets.

National Museum of Saint Mathew

The National Museum of Saint Mathew is one of the most important museums of Pisa that preserves a collection of masterpieces, paintings and sculptures of the early Medieval age, as well as archaeological and ceramic pieces. The museum is situated in the ancient convent of Saint Mathew and contains works belonged to some famous Tuscan artists, like Giovanni Pisano, Donatello, Andrea della Robbia, etc.

Museum of Opera del Duomo

Located in Piazza del Duomo, near the Cathedral and leaning tower, this museum hosts all the works removed from the Duomo and Baptistery, such as masterpieces of Tino di Camaino and Giovanni Pisano, as well as reliquaries from the 17th to the 18th centuries and paintings from the 15th to the 17th centuries. The most interesting room is the one which contains detailed models of the Duomo building that explains the various additions made to the church during the centuries.

Centro Arte Moderna

This gallery of contemporary art, situated in the centre of Pisa near the Arno river close to the National Museum of Saint Mathew, was born in 1976 and is a real hidden gem unknown even by many Pisans. The owners hosted a large number of interesting exhibitions dedicated to contemporary artists, painters and photographers. If you want to discover something different and unknown, Centro Arte Moderna is the perfect place.

Museum of Ancient Ships

Opened last year, the Museum of Ancient Ships of Pisa is a very interesting museum located in the Arsenali Medicei, a spectacular location on the Pisan Lungarno, which hosts archaeological materials and Roman and Medieval ships so well preserved that they were discovered by builders in 1998 at the San Rossore train station. Inside the ship, other interesting artefacts were found that survived in clay amphorae, such as olives, cherries, walnuts, wines, leather sandals and so on.

MARKETS

Mercato delle Vettovaglie

The main Pisan market is Mercato delle Vettovaglie. The centre of this market is the small arcades in the square of Vettovaglie, but stalls continue through the arch and into the nearby streets. In Vettovaglie you can buy fresh products sold by the farmers of the Province, such as fruits and vegetables, and others selling a variety of other Italian culinary delights and colorful flowers. It’s a pleasure to walk through the vibrant market and be part of its lively and typical atmosphere. The Vettovaglie’s Market is open daily (except Sunday) from 7 a.m. till 3 p.m., but some sellers are there longer into the afternoon.

Antique Market in Piazza dei Cavalieri

If you are visiting the city centre of Pisa on the second weekend of the month, you are a lucky guy! If you are asking yourself why, it’s because in Piazza dei Cavalieri – the large square in which one can find the famous Normal School of Pisa, founded by Napoleon – is one of the coolest flea markets of Tuscany. The Antique Market is where it’s possible to buy special gifts and unconventional souvenirs, such as old paintings, books, furnishings and so on. The market takes place on the second Saturday and Sunday of every month, all day long.

Antique Market in Ponte di Mezzo

Another interesting market in Pisa is the one held in Ponte di Mezzo, the main bridge of the town. For those who are into antiquities and old crafts, this is the place to visit. Thanks to its excellent location, you can visit the market and, at the same time, admire the surrounding panorama of the buildings reflecting in the Arno river. This market is near Palazzo Blu, so you can easily combine cultural and shopping visits. The Antique Market in Ponte di Mezzo is open every second weekend of each month.

Market in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele is one of the largest squares in Pisa and is located just a two-minute walk from the Central Station, so you can easily find it. This big square is home to a variety of markets throughout the year, but one of the coolest is undoubtedly the European Market specializing in European products. Here, you’ll find pizza and gelato along with sausages from Germany, Austrian pretzel, French jams and more. The market takes place every April.

Flea Market in Via San Martino

If you are looking for clothes, dresses, accessories, bags and shoes, the flea market in Via San Martino is a good option. It is mostly frequented by locals searching vintage stuffs and, indeed, it is possible to find them. The market is located in the centre of the city, near Caffè Letterario Volta Pagina, which is one of the coolest bars in Pisa. The best thing you can do here is order a coffee, relax a few minutes and then prepare yourself for shopping! The market is open every Wednesday and Saturday of the week until lunch time.

Christmas Market in Palazzo dei Congressi

At Christmas, Pisa becomes a magical place, the streets are busy with decorations, lights and other adornments. If you are a Christmas fan, or travel with children, the best place to go is the Santa Claus Factory, a market with stalls full of gifts, craft products and typical Christmas food and treats. In the palace, children will also meet Santa and the elfs and could write their Christmas letters to ol’ St. Nick. This market is located inside Palazzo dei Congressi, which is a building used by Pisans for fairs and big events.

PARKS

Camposanto

Camposanto was the cemetery for noble citizens of Pisa. The floor is covered with tombstones and there are many funerary monuments. The portico held many medieval frescoes which were damaged during WWII and removed for restoration.

Scotto Garden

A public garden since 1939, it was part of the palace that belonged to the Scotto-Corsini family. Today, the green area is visited by locals and tourists, and in the summer the park comes to life with an open-air cinema, concerts and theatre performances.