Pisa is one of the provincial capitals of Tuscany, situated in the plains of the River Arno, which runs through the city, with the picturesque “Lungarni”. Pisa is famous the world over for its Leaning Tower in the marvellous Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles), a world heritage site. It is one of the most important historical and artistic places in Italy with its monuments and works of art, dating back to Etruscan and Roman times. Pisa was in its prime in the Middle Ages when it became one of the four Maritime Republics. Today it has the biggest airport in the Region with direct intercontinental connections, and is also the home of some of the most renowned universities in Italy, where many of the great names in the classics studied their art, and there are also many research centres. The particularly mild climate, the sea just a few kilometres away, its hills, the charming alleys and views, and the lively university scene make Pisa one of the most popular tourist and cultural destinations.