Pisa

The Cities with the "Leaning Tower" is among the most important historical centres of Italy, with plenty of monuments and art works, but also a qualified cultural centre thanks to the University, the "Scuola Normale Superiore" and an active industrial and commercial sector.

Founded by the Etruscans, Pisa became an ally to Rome during the Punic wars when its port was reinforced and used as a naval base for the military operations in the Mediterranean. The importance of this alliance with the Romans was underscored by the incredible archaeological finding by some workers who were working at the train station of San Rossore. Ten Roman ships were brought to light in perfect shape thanks to the thick mud that had covered them. The ship instruments, the precious shipment, more than 300 amphoras and their contents, were intact. During the middle Ages, Pisa became one of the powerful maritime republics together with Amalfi, Venice and Genoa. The commercial prosperity shaded away in the 13th century. In 1284 the dramatic battle of Meloria the Genoan fleet of the Doria inflicted a defeat on Pisa. In 1284 Pisa also surrendered against the Florentines and had to accept a devastating peace treaty. Two centuries of continuos and insistent battles followed and Pisa definitely fell to Florence in 1509. The period under the Medici family brought new prosperity to Pisa which passed to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, until it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy.