Santa Maria della Spina on the Arno River in Pisa, Italy. Pisa was the birthplace of the scientist Galileo Galilei. The University of Pisa, founded in 1343, had more than 25,000 students in the late 20th century. The city remains the seat of an archbishopric.

Who founded Pisa?

It is unknown who founded Pisa. Historians have said it could be the Greeks in the 6th or 7th century BC or the Ligurians. What is known is that in 5 BC Pisa was occupied by the Etruscans and Etruscan Pisa was allied with Rome in the Punic Wars before it came under the control of Rome.

How old is the city of Pisa?

The city of Pisa has been inhabited for well over 2,000 years (by the Ligurians before it became a Roman colony), and it is bursting with history and charm. To just see the tower means missing out on a lovely Tuscan city that can occupy visitors for a day or two, easily.