Verano's Recipe of the Day

 

Pisa, a central Italian city, is the capital of the Province of Pisa.  The Province of Pisa is located in the Tuscany Region.  The city, established on the banks of the Arno River, near the Ligurian Sea, was originally inhabited by the Etruscans, who were conquered by the Romans.  Later in its history, Pisa was a nval power, but warred with other Italian city-states.  

Today Pisa  is a transportation center.  Within the city, major rails and roads meet and cross.  In addition, the city is a tourist center, which is supported by the transportation system.  The most recognizable landmark is the Leaning Tower of Pisa.  It is one of the landmarks at the Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square), which is home to a cathedral, a baptistery, and a bell tower.  Construction of the Romanesque, white marble cathedral, began in 1063.  The richly decorated facade was added in the 12th century.  Construction on the baptistery began in 1153.  It is a circular, Romanesque building, crowned with a great ornamented Gothic dome.  It is the bell tower which is known as the Leaning Tower of Pisa.  Construction on the tower began in 1174 but was suspended because of the soft soil.  The tower was completed even though the leaning we see today was inevitable.  The tower itself leans about 10° (approximately 16 feet).  Because of this leaning, the tower was closed to visitors in 1990.  Work to make the tower's foundation more secure has begun.  

The population also supports a burgeoning industrial base.  There are also many educatioanl opportunities in Pisa.  Among the educational institutions are the University of Pisa, established in 1343, a teachers college, an engineering school, a veterinary institute, and an agricultural school.

Pisa has a notable history in the arts and sciences.  Noted citizens of Pisa include Galileo, the sculptors Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, and Andrea Pisano.

Commercial and Industrial Products:

Manufactured products - textiles, machinery, processed foods, pharmaceuticals, and glass.

Population:

101,500 (1990 estimate).

BACK

top

Tour of Northern Italian Dining