University of Pisa, Pisa

University of Pisa, Pisa

The University of Pisa was founded in 1343 by a Papal edict. It's the tenth oldest university in Italy and the 19th oldest in the world. The University of Pisa is also home to the Orto Botanico, the world's oldest academic botanical garden.

In 1486, the University constructed the Palazzo della Sapienza (The Building of Knowledge) in the Piazza del Granofor. A representation of a cherub above the Gate 'Dell'Abbondanza' (the Gate of Abundance) that leads to square. The cherub is now a favorite symbol of The University of Pisa.

Five popes, five Italian prime ministers, and three Nobel Laureates have come from this esteemed institution. One of the university's most famous alumni and professors was Galileo Galilei.

Galileo Galilei enrolled at the University of Pisa and sought a medical degree in the early 1580s. However, he left Pisa in 1585 without completing his medical studies.

Supported by the famous and influential Medici family, he became the Chair of Mathematics at the University of Pisa in 1589. He wrote De Motu during his time at the University of Pisa, but he never published these writings on the theory of motion. In 1592, Galileo left the University of Pisa in favor of the University of Padua.

Today, the University of Pisa remains an essential cornerstone of education and continues the tradition of preparing tomorrow's leaders.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Pisa. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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University of Pisa on Map

Sight Name: University of Pisa
Sight Location: Pisa, Italy (See walking tours in Pisa)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Pisa, Italy

Create Your Own Walk in Pisa

Create Your Own Walk in Pisa

Creating your own self-guided walk in Pisa is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Galileo's Pisa Walking Tour

Galileo's Pisa Walking Tour

Among the names that hardly need introduction there is one of Galileo Galilei. The most illustrious son of Pisa, this 16th-17th century physicist, mathematician, astronomer and philosopher went down in history as the “Father of Modern Science” and is forever cherished as one of the world’s greatest minds.

As Galileo's hometown, Pisa boasts a number of places linked to his life, of...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Pisa Introduction Walking Tour

Pisa Introduction Walking Tour

The city of Pisa, in Italy's Tuscany region, is best known worldwide for its iconic Leaning Tower, as well as for being the birthplace of Galileo Galilei, whom considered by many as the Father of Modern Science.

The origin of the name Pisa is a mystery, while the origin of the city itself – as Etruscan – was confirmed only in 1991.

Founded on the seashore (which had since moved...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Pisa Palaces Walking Tour

Pisa Palaces Walking Tour

As you continue your acquaintance with Pisa, you will notice that there is a lot more to see here than just a "leaning" landmark. Indeed, just like Italy in general, this particular Tuscan city boasts a glorious heritage of wonderful palaces, fit to transport you back in time.

The most beautiful palaces in Pisa are found on both sides of the Arno River, forming a multi-colored ribbon...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles