Casa Tizzoni (Tizzoni House), Pisa

Casa Tizzoni in Pisa stands as a testament to the city's rich medieval heritage. Nestled in the San Martino district, this historic building's origins trace back to either the 12th or 13th century. The facade of Casa Tizzoni is particularly noteworthy for its ancient architectural elements. It features pillars and shelves crafted from verrucana stone, a material that underscores the building's medieval roots. In contrast, the upper floors of the structure showcase a different era, constructed with bricks and supported by brick arches. One such arch on the ground floor is distinguished by a slightly protruding ring, adding to the building's unique character.

Perhaps the most captivating aspect of Casa Tizzoni's facade is a bas-relief, which is a fragment of a Roman sarcophagus from the 3rd century AD. This historical artifact commemorates a Pisan heroine, Kinzica de’ Sismondi, and her valiant act in 1004. Legend has it that on a fateful dark night, while many Pisan men, including her lover, were away seeking fortune, Kinzica was the sole wakeful person in the city. From atop a tower house, she spotted the torches of the invading Saracens, led by the pirate Mujāhid, also known as Musetto. Realizing the imminent danger, she frantically ran through the streets, alerting the citizens by shouting about a fire and ringing the bells at the palace of the regents of the Republic, now known as Piazza dei Cavalieri. Her actions were pivotal in rousing the Pisans, who successfully defended their city and repelled the Saracen invaders.