The riverside promenades along the Arno and the central bridge where the Gioco del Ponte is staged, lined with pastel palaces.
The Arno cuts through the old town in a gentle arc, and the Lungarno embankments on both sides form Pisa's most pleasant promenade. Ponte di Mezzo, the central bridge, connects the northern Borgo Stretto district with the Tramontana and Mezzogiorno quarters and has been rebuilt many times; it is the setting for the Gioco del Ponte, a historic pageant and contest between the city's quarters held in late June. On 16 June the Luminara di San Ranieri lights the facades along the river with thousands of candle-lit lanterns for the patron saint, followed on 17 June by the Palio di San Ranieri boat race. The Regatta of the Ancient Maritime Republics, rotating among Pisa, Venice, Genoa and Amalfi, is also held on the Arno when it is Pisa's turn. Palaces such as Palazzo Blu line the north bank.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open at all times |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | Sunset, and the evening of 16 June during the Luminara |
| Getting there | 15-20 minutes on foot from Pisa Centrale via Corso Italia |
| Address | Ponte di Mezzo, 56125 Pisa PI, Italy |
Good to know
- Best for
- strollers, photographers, festival visitors
Location
Ponte di Mezzo, 56125 Pisa PI, Italy
43.7170, 10.4001 View on map
Highlights
- Pastel palaces along Lungarno Pacinotti and Lungarno Gambacorti
- Gioco del Ponte on Ponte di Mezzo
- Luminara di San Ranieri on 16 June
- Views toward Santa Maria della Spina
Tips for visiting
- Walk along Lungarno Pacinotti and Lungarno Gambacorti for the best palace façades
- On 16 June the Luminara lights tens of thousands of candles along the river
- The Gioco del Ponte is held on Ponte di Mezzo on the last Saturday of June
When to visit
Sunset, or the evening of 16 June.
Accessibility
The embankments are flat and well suited to wheelchairs, though paving is uneven in places.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
When is the Luminara?
The Luminara di San Ranieri is held every year on the evening of 16 June, when thousands of candles light the riverside buildings.