Giardino Scotto: A Green Oasis in Pisa's Heart
Discover Giardino Scotto in Pisa: a historic fortress turned garden oasis, offering tranquility and cultural events in the heart of the city.
Giardino Scotto, or Scotto's Garden, is a captivating blend of history and nature nestled in the heart of Pisa. Originally constructed as the Cittadella Nuova (New Citadel) in 1468 by the Florentines, it served as a fortress during their rule over Pisa. The fortress was partially destroyed during a Pisan uprising but was later restored. In 1785, the fortress was dismantled, and a noble palace was built, which Domenico Scotto acquired in 1798, giving the garden its current name. The remaining fortress area was converted into a private garden by architect Giovanni Caluri in the 19th century. Since 1939, it has been a public garden, offering a green retreat for locals and tourists alike. Today, Giardino Scotto hosts various events, including concerts, theater performances, and an open-air cinema in the summer. Recent archaeological excavations have revealed the area's rich history, with evidence of Roman settlements and medieval craftsmanship. Visitors can also access part of the city walls from the garden, offering unique views of Pisa.
Local tips
- Check the event schedule in advance, especially during summer, to enjoy concerts or open-air cinema in a unique setting.
- Take a stroll along the accessible city walls from the garden for panoramic views of Pisa.
- Visit in the late afternoon for a relaxing experience and to avoid the midday heat.
A brief summary to Giardino Scotto
- Lungarno Leonardo Fibonacci, 2, Pisa, Province of Pisa, 56125, IT
- +39050910111
- Visit website
- Monday 8 am-8:30 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-8:30 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-8:30 pm
- Thursday 8 am-8:30 pm
- Friday 8 am-8:30 pm
- Saturday 8 am-8:30 pm
- Sunday 8 am-8:30 pm
Getting There
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Walking
Giardino Scotto is located on Lungarno Leonardo Fibonacci, a 20-minute walk from the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Head east along Via Santa Maria, then turn right onto Lungarno Mediceo. Continue along the Arno River until you reach Giardino Scotto.
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Public Transport
From Pisa Centrale train station, take bus number 5 to the 'Fibonacci 5' stop, which is a short walk from Giardino Scotto. Buses depart every 10 minutes, and the journey takes approximately 4 minutes. A single ticket costs between €1 and €4.
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Taxi
A taxi from Pisa Centrale train station to Giardino Scotto takes about 2 minutes and costs approximately $26-$32.
Attractions Nearby to Giardino Scotto
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Museo della Grafica Palazzo Lanfranchi
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Medici Palace
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Palazzo Lanfranchi
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Santo Sepolcro
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Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmine
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The crests of the cities within the province of Pisa
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Logge dei Banchi
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Palazzo Gambacorti
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Chiesa di San Michele in Borgo
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Piazza delle Vettovaglie
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Borgo Stretto
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Tuttomondo (Keith Haring)
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Domus Mazziniana
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Palazzo Blu
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Parish of St Francis
Landmarks nearby to Giardino Scotto
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National Museum of San Matteo
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Birthplace of Galileo Galilei
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Casa Ammannati (casa natale di Galileo Galilei)
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Piazza Chiara Gambacorti detta “Piazza della Pera”
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Church of Saint Peter in Vinculis
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Palazzo Pretorio - URP Comune di Pisa
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Marble statue of Pisano
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Ponte di Mezzo
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Piazza Garibaldi
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Ponte di Mezzo, 1
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Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II
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P.za V. Emanuele II
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Fontana di Piazza della Stazione
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Torre Del Campano
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Palazzo Prini-Aulla