The itinerary begins in the heart of the historic center of Pisa, where Galileo Galilei was born in 1564. Even today you can piece together his life through the alleys, squares and iconic places related to his studies and observations.
Your glance must surely rest first on Piazza dei Miracoli, one of the most famous settings in the world. Between the Cathedral, Baptistery and Leaning Tower, legend has it that Galileo observed the oscillation of the Cathedral’s large chandelier, intuiting the principle of the pendulum. To walk through this space is to step into a place where art, mathematics and wonder intertwine, to experience the same awe that fueled his scientific curiosity.
From the center, you reach Borgo Stretto, one of the city’s most characteristic streets, now bustling with workshops and stores. Here, at the corner of Via Mercanti, a plaque commemorates the family home where Galileo himself was born.
The walk continues to Piazza delle Vettovaglie, a lively place even in Galileo’s days, where the scientist spent time as a student. Not far away is the Palazzo della Sapienza, a historic university campus founded by Cosimo I de’ Medici, where Galileo taught mathematics.
Under the portico, the entrance to the Aula Magna Storica preserves a statue dedicated to him.
Among the most impressive stops is the National Museum of the Royal Palace, the former residence of the Medici, Lorraine and Savoy clans. From atop the tower is a sweeping view of the city. It was from here that Galileo observed the sky with his instruments.
Crossing the Arno along the Solferino Bridge, we finally reach a contemporary sign of his legacy: the extraordinary mural created by street artist Kobra. The work depicts Galileo using the Tower of Pisa as a telescope, a symbol of science, exploration and connection between different worlds.
