This town was built by the Florentines in the 15th century at the mouth of the River Arno. The town today is characterised by its art nouveau villas in the area between the magnificent Roman church Basilica di San Pietro and Livorno.
We recommend visiting Marina di Pisa on a Sunday when there is a street market. It is also a fantastic place to be when the libeccio wind blows gales in from the sea. Located 13 km from Pisa, the city is a mix of modern and the old, with its seafront, restaurants, beach bars, nightclubs and amusement parks and then the contrasting old worn streets and piazza, quaint old buildings and the old fishing areas.
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Along the coast you will also find a number of small beaches, some of which are surrounded by large rocks that protect bathers against ocean waves. Further down the coast still, you will find a big beautiful sandy beach at the Regional Natural Park San Rossore. The area is backed extensively by lush pine forests.
The city centre was built by the Florentines in the 1800s and is today characterized by the villas in the Art Nouveau style in the range between the fabulous Romanesque church 'Basilica San Piero a Grado' in the city's hinterland and Livorno. Basilica San Piero di Grado is constructed from classical Roman architectural principles and is located exactly where the Apostle Peter (according to legend) landed in 44 AD when he came from Antioch. The church dates from the 11th century and has been amended several times subsequently. The church is divided into three parts, some parts built in stone from the area, while the columns are derived from pre-existing Roman buildings.
