An intimate 4-star relais in a beautifully restored 14th-century tower house in central Pisa, just a short walk from the Piazza dei Miracoli and the Arno River. The elegant rooms combine original medieval features with contemporary comforts.
Relais dell'Orologio occupies a beautifully restored 14th-century tower house in the heart of Pisa's historic centre, at Via della Faggiola 12–14. The property takes its name from the original clock tower that forms part of the structure, and its intimate scale — a small number of elegantly appointed rooms — positions it as one of the most refined boutique properties in Tuscany. The 4-star relais is priced at €150–320 per night.
The Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Duomo, and the Baptistery, is a short walk from the hotel — approximately 10 to 15 minutes on foot — making the Relais one of the best-positioned bases for exploring Pisa's principal UNESCO World Heritage monuments. The Arno River promenade and the central Borgo Stretto shopping street are also easily reachable.
Rooms blend original medieval architectural elements — exposed stone walls, timber beams, terracotta floors — with carefully chosen contemporary furnishings and full modern amenities including air conditioning and WiFi. The intimate scale ensures a high ratio of staff to guests, and the concierge service is attentive and personalised. A bar is available for guests wishing to relax between sightseeing visits.
Pisa is often treated as a day trip from Florence or Lucca, but staying at a property of this quality reveals the city's calmer, more residential character after the daytime crowds at the Piazza dei Miracoli disperse. The university quarter along the Arno, the arcades of the Borgo Stretto, and the local market at Piazza delle Vettovaglie offer an authentic experience of everyday Pisan life.
Pisa Centrale railway station is approximately 15 minutes on foot from the hotel, with direct connections to Florence (under an hour), Lucca (30 minutes), and the Cinque Terre towns. Pisa Galileo Galilei International Airport is approximately 4 kilometres from the city centre and reachable by taxi or airport bus in under 15 minutes.
Amenities
- bar
- wifi
- historic building
- air conditioning
- concierge
Location
Via della Faggiola, 12-14, 56126 Pisa PI, Italy
43.7201, 10.3998 View on map
Highlights
- Restored 14th-century tower house — intimate 4-star property with genuine medieval character in central Pisa
- Walking distance from the Leaning Tower, Duomo, and Baptistery on the UNESCO-listed Piazza dei Miracoli
- Personalised concierge service with exceptional staff-to-guest ratio in a small, exclusive property
- Excellent rail and road connections to Florence, Lucca, and the Cinque Terre for day trips
Tips for visiting
- Visit the Piazza dei Miracoli very early in the morning before coach tour groups arrive, then return to the hotel for a late breakfast
- The Borgo Stretto arcades and Piazza delle Vettovaglie local market offer better-value and more authentic lunches than tourist-facing restaurants near the tower
- Book well in advance in spring and summer — the very limited room count means the relais sells out quickly
- Pisa Centrale station is a 15-minute walk; the concierge can arrange private transfers from the airport
- Explore the Arno riverfront streets after dark for a quieter, more residential side of Pisa away from the tourist crowds
Accessibility
The historic 14th-century tower building has limited accessibility features due to its medieval structure. Stairs are present throughout the property and lift access is restricted. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the hotel directly before booking to discuss room options and available access arrangements.
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Frequently asked questions
How close is Relais dell'Orologio to the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
The Piazza dei Miracoli, which contains the Leaning Tower, Duomo, and Baptistery, is approximately a 10–15 minute walk from the hotel through the historic centre.
Does the hotel have parking?
The hotel does not have its own car park. The nearest public parking areas are in the city centre; the concierge can advise on the best option at the time of booking.
How easily can guests reach the hotel from Pisa airport?
Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport is approximately 4 kilometres from the hotel. A taxi takes under 15 minutes; a bus service also connects the airport to Pisa Centrale station, from which the hotel is a 15-minute walk.
Is Pisa worth staying in, or is it better as a day trip from Florence?
Staying in Pisa allows guests to experience the city after day-trip crowds leave, including the quieter Arno riverfront, the Borgo Stretto arcades, and the student-oriented dining scene. The Relais's small size and quality make it an excellent reason to stay overnight.