Pisa: Where History Leans into Modernity

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusi/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-zee/mee dee-spyah-cheh]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stai]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-ray veh-deh-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-ray pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vyah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kyah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un medico!
  [kyah-mah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-no pehr-soh]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-ray kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh troh-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwoh-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-no leh dyeh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [mah-ttee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [oh-djee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-ttoh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dyeh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...?
  [doh-veh oon/eel]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwoh-ee mohs-trahr-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon bee-lyet-toh (pehr)]

Pisa's origins date back to the 5th century BC when it was established as a maritime town by the Etruscans. The city quickly became an important port, benefiting from its strategic location near the mouth of the Arno River and the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Under Roman rule, Pisa flourished as a vital naval base and trade hub. The city was integrated into the Roman Empire around 180 BC. Roman engineers enhanced the city's infrastructure, building roads, bridges, and aqueducts that cemented its status as an essential logistic and commercial center.

During the Middle Ages, Pisa rose to prominence as one of the four Maritime Republics of Italy. From the 11th to the 13th centuries, it established a powerful fleet, engaging in trade and military expeditions across the Mediterranean. Pisa's prosperity during this period is evidenced by the construction of its iconic buildings, including the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, and the Baptistery in the Piazza dei Miracoli.

Pisa played a significant role in the Crusades, providing ships and supplies for the campaigns to the Holy Land. The city's maritime prowess allowed it to gain considerable influence and wealth from the crusading activities, further solidifying its status as a dominant maritime power.

The rivalry between Pisa and Genoa culminated in the Battle of Meloria in 1284, where Pisa suffered a devastating defeat. This loss marked the beginning of the decline of Pisa's naval supremacy, leading to economic hardship and loss of territories to neighboring powers.

In the early 15th century, Pisa fell under the control of the Republic of Florence. The city was besieged and eventually surrendered in 1406. Under Florentine rule, Pisa's significance as a maritime power diminished, but it remained an important academic and cultural center.

During the Renaissance, Pisa experienced a cultural revival, largely driven by the University of Pisa, established in 1343. The university attracted scholars and students from across Europe, fostering advancements in arts, sciences, and humanities. Despite political changes and economic challenges, Pisa continued to be a vibrant intellectual hub.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Pisa underwent significant urban development and modernization. The city played a role in the unification of Italy and saw growth in its infrastructure and economy. Today, Pisa is renowned for its historical landmarks, particularly the Leaning Tower, and continues to be a center for education and tourism.

Pisa is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Pisa International Airport (Galileo Galilei Airport), which offers flights to various European destinations. The airport is just a short taxi ride or a 10-minute train journey from the city center. Pisa Centrale, the main railway station, provides convenient train services to major Italian cities such as Florence, Rome, and Milan. If you prefer to drive, Pisa is accessible via the A11 and A12 motorways.

Pisa is a walkable city with many attractions located close to each other, making walking an excellent option for getting around. For longer distances, the local bus service operated by Compagnia Pisana Trasporti (CPT) covers the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are readily available but can be more expensive. Renting a bike is also a popular way to explore the city. If you plan to visit nearby cities, the train service from Pisa Centrale is both efficient and economical.

The currency used in Pisa is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, markets, and public transport. ATMs are plentiful, especially in the city center and tourist areas.

Pisa is generally a safe city, but like any tourist destination, it is important to stay vigilant. Be cautious of pickpockets, particularly in crowded areas such as the Piazza dei Miracoli and the central train station. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be mindful of your belongings at all times. The neighborhood of Stazione Leopolda has been noted for higher crime rates, so exercise additional caution if you need to pass through this area.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Pisa has several hospitals and medical facilities, including the Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana. Pharmacies are easily found throughout the city for minor health issues. It is recommended to carry travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smartly when visiting restaurants and cultural sites. Avoid beachwear outside of beach areas. Religion: Do respect religious sites by covering your shoulders and knees. Don't take photos during services. Public Transport: Do validate your bus ticket before boarding. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Buongiorno' (Good morning) or 'Buonasera' (Good evening). A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and wines. Don't rush through meals; dining is an important social activity.

To experience Pisa like a local, visit the markets such as the Mercato di Piazza delle Vettovaglie for fresh produce and local delicacies. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Arno River or relax in one of the city's many parks, like the Giardino Scotto. For authentic dining, venture into the smaller trattorias and osterias away from the main tourist areas. Don't miss the chance to attend a local festival or event, such as the Luminara di San Ranieri in June, where the city is illuminated by thousands of candles.