One place not to miss during your stay at Villa Gorgona is the nearby Pisa.

This ancient city, founded by the Etruscans or Ligurians and later taken over by the Romans, has a long and fascinating history. Once a thriving port, it gradually lost access to the sea as silt carried by the Arno River built up over time. By the 15th century, Pisa was completely landlocked.

The city’s most famous landmark is, of course, the Leaning Tower of Pisa – the cathedral’s iconic bell tower. But the entire Campo dei Miracoli (Field of Miracles) is worth a visit. In addition to the tower, you’ll find the beautiful Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the medieval Baptistery of San Giovanni – the largest circular baptistery in Italy – and the Camposanto Monumentale, a striking example of a “campo santo” cemetery with its enclosed quadrangle and arcades open to the inside. Together, these four buildings form the historic complex of Piazza del Duomo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Be sure to wander over to Piazza dei Cavalieri, home to the elegant 16th-century Palazzo della Carovana. This Renaissance palace stands out for its richly decorated façade, adorned with intricate sgraffito – a technique dating back to antiquity that flourished during the Renaissance.

Finally, take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of Pisa’s old town, where you can soak up the Tuscan atmosphere and sample some of the region’s local flavours.

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