Useful Info

Social Dinner
It will take place on Thursday 10th May at 8 pm, at the Palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici.
The palazzo del Consiglio dei Dodici is located in the historical centre of Pisa, in Piazza dei Cavalieri. It is an ancient palace owned by the Order of the Knights of St. Stephen. At the end of the sixteenth century the palace was renovated by the architect Pietro Francavilla in the late Renaissance style, like the surrounding buildings of the square. After the florentine conquest in 1409 the palace changed hands to the Order of the Knights in 1691. It was here that the Knights established their Tribunal. In addition to the beautiful facade, inside the Palazzo there are a great many important works of art to admire.

How to reach the location from the CNR Research Area

Historical notes
Sitting on the Arno River estuary, Pisa was a maritime power between the 9th and 11th centuries. Its ships transported Norman troops to the Holy Land during the First Crusade and, in the process, established trading centers in the east. The treasures its ships brought home were used to build the "Square of Miracles" (Campo dei Miracoli). On the square are three magnificent buildings including a Romanesque cathedral, a like-style Baptistry, and the Leaning Tower. The Tower is over 800 years old, stands 165 feet tall, and inclines 14 feet from the vertical. The cause of the tilt is still debated - perhaps shifting soil below or an architectural fault. It is said that Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) used the tower to conduct his famous experiments in the speed at which objects fall. Galileo is the most famous son of Pisa. During the Guelph (pro-Pope) and Ghibelline (pro-emperor) wars, Pisa was defeated by Genoa (1284). Later, it was conquered by Florence (1406) ending its prosperity.

Places to see in Pisa
By far the best known sight in Pisa is the famous Leaning Tower which is but one of many architecturally and artistically important structures in the city's Piazza dei Miracoli or "Field of Miracles", to the north of the old town center. The Piazza dei Miracoli is also the site of the beautiful Duomo (the Cathedral), the Baptistry and the Camposanto (the monumental cemetery).