History Of Pisa

Pisa is one of Tuscany’s most historically-rich centres.   It is useful to have a background to the city's history in order to appreciate its architecture and cultural offerings.

Early history to the Middle Ages

What first began as an Etruscan settlement later grew into a Roman city. In medieval times, Pisa was known for its commercial harbour and prominent port.   Even today you will find evidence of Pisa’s maritime past at the Marina di Pisa.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Pisa remained a rich commercial centre, mostly due to its thriving port and status as one of Italy’s four Maritime Republics,  the others being Genoa, Venice and Amalfi. These republics jostled for control over the Mediterranean Sea, which each ruling over various Mediterranean colonies and commercial bases.

By the 13th century, Pisa’s prosperity from maritime trading and colonisation began to subside and the city’s power diminished. The battle of Meloria against Genoa in 1268 marked a significant loss for Pisa from which it never recovered as a maritime leader. Around the same time, conflicts with the Guelph commenced as well as internal unrest as various factions vied for control of the city.

The infamous Count Ugolino della Gerardesca, who features in Dante's ‘Divine Comedy’, became the Lord of Pisa, despite having been accused of treachery at the battle of Meloria. However, this notorious Pisa character was imprisoned by the Archbishop in the Gualandi Tower, along with his children, in 1289 . Left to starve, legend says he ate his children and grandchildren before perishing. Today, visitors can visit the former site of the tower, which now houses the Scuola Normale Superiore library, where there is a plaque to commemorate the tale.

The 14th century and after

Conflict consumed 14th century Pisa, with the Florentine army taking control of the city in 1406 and maintaining rule until 1861, when Pisa became part of Italy. More recent centuries have seen the development of the University of Pisa, giving the city status as a cultural centre of learning. Greatly damaged through WWII bombings, the city has now been restored to its former glory and many of its most significant buildings remain well preserved.