Luminara di San Ranieri

The Festival in Honor of St Ranieri in Pisa

Every year, in the middle of July, there is a festival in honor of its saint patron, San Ranieri, inPisa, one of the most famous cities in Tuscany.

On the 16^th of June, late at night, Pisa lights up festive illumination. The city revives the image known as Luminara di San Ranieri. All the waterfront of the Arno river, buildings, towers, and bridges are decorated with numerous lights. Thousands of sparkling points of light are seen on the mirror-like water surface. As it used to be long ago, oil lanterns illuminate one of the most famous squares of the world, the Square of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli). Residents and guests of Pisa have a chance to admire the festive fireworks at around ten o'clock at night. Everything shines and glows. This is how the Pisans celebrate the eve of St Ranieri Day.

On the next day, June 17, the famous Regatta di San Ranieri is held in honor of the saint. Each district has a team to represent it. The distance of the race is two kilometers.

There is one more famous competition in Pisa, the battle on the Gioco del Ponte Bridge. It is held on the last Sunday of the month. The struggle takes place on the oldest bridge in Pisa, Ponte di Mezzo. Following the tradition, there is a costume procession prior to the contest. Residents of northern and southern Pisa districts meet right at the middle of the bridge to start struggling. Each side is presented by six teams. The main task is to push heavy carts forward to the opponent's side of the bridge. The participants wear  beautiful medieval costumes. Gioco del Ponte is an unforgettable colorful show, which is full of real Italian spirit.

Pisa is waiting for its guests. Don't forget that there is an international airport in Pisa, so you trip will be really comfortable. Welcome to Pisa!

Photo: towerlight2002.net

Pisa is famous for so called “leaning tower”, although it is not the only wonder of architecture in the city. Cathedral complex Campo dei Miracoli was granted the World Legacy status in 1986. It includes the leaning belltower, Santa Maria Magiore Cathedral and baptistery. These buildings build up common ensemble which captivates with the whiteness of marble and harmony of style: refraining arches are crowned with orbed windows. Campo Santo is a graveyard which is not far from Campo dei Miracoli. The holy ground which covers the graveyard was brought here from Jerusalem by sea in XIII century. Deterrent frescoes remind of punishment for sinners in the other world.

There are two international airports in Tuscany. Amerigo Vespucci Airport (IATA code: FLR) is one of them. It is situated approximately four kilometers away from Florence.