Pisa

The Republic of Pisa, along with other Italian city-states, participated in the conquest of Muslim-ruled Palermo, the capital of Sicily. This was part of a series of campaigns started in the 11th century to expand the influence of the Christian states in the Mediterranean. The victory at Palermo was significant as it established Pisa as a maritime power and facilitated control over trade routes in the region. The battle showed the strength and naval prowess of Pisan forces in collaboration with the Normans.

Construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa began on August 9, 1173, but was first designed in 1172. It was part of the cathedral complex in the city of Pisa, known as the 'Piazza dei Miracoli' or 'Square of Miracles'. The tower was intended to be a freestanding bell tower for the city's cathedral. However, due to the inadequate ground upon which it was built and its flawed architectural design, it began to lean over as soon as construction reached the second floor in 1178. The tilt increased to its present state over time.

In 1254, the Peace of San Genesio was established between Pisa and Florence. This agreement ended a decade-long conflict primarily over territorial disputes between these two major Tuscan city-states. The peace treaty provided temporary relief and stability in the region, allowing both cities to focus on commercial activities and trade. Despite this agreement, tensions remained in subsequent years, reflecting the volatile political landscape of medieval Italy. This event demonstrated the ongoing power struggle between competing regional powers.

The Battle of Meloria was a naval battle that took place on August 6, 1284, between the fleets of the Republic of Pisa and the Republic of Genoa. The battle was fought near the Tuscan coast, close to the islets known as Meloria. Pisa suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of the Genoese navy, and this defeat marked the beginning of the decline of Pisa as a major marine power. The loss at Meloria had profound effects, leading to political and economic changes in Pisa.

In the early 14th century, Pisa came under the control of the Papal States. This change in control was significant against the backdrop of the complex interactions between Italian city-states and the broader political landscape of Italy. Being part of the Papal States altered the governance and political alliances in the region, impacting its economic situation and relationships with neighboring states. This period marked a shift in Pisa's regional influence and its role within the broader Italian territories.

The city of Pisa was under siege by Florentine forces starting in 1405. The siege was part of a larger conflict between the Republic of Pisa and the Republic of Florence during the Italian wars. On October 9, 1406, after a prolonged and difficult siege, Pisa ultimately surrendered to Florence. This event marked the end of Pisa as an independent republic, and it was incorporated into Florentine territory. The fall of Pisa had long-lasting effects on its political and economic power in the region.

In 1494, the Second Florentine-Pisan War began as part of the Italian Wars when Pisa attempted to regain its independence from Florence. During this period, Pisa revolted against Florentine rule with the help of Charles VIII of France, who invaded Italy in 1494. The conflict lasted until 1509, with Pisa experiencing various sieges and battles. Despite initial support, Pisa eventually lost its fight for independence and was reabsorbed by Florence. The war significantly impacted Pisa's economy and autonomy.

After the Italian Unification Movement, Pisa, along with the rest of Tuscany, became part of the newly established Kingdom of Italy in the late 19th century. This incorporation into the Kingdom of Italy was part of a larger national effort to unify various Italian states into a single nation-state. The unification transformed the political and socio-economic structures within Pisa, aligning it with the broader framework of national politics and economic strategies of the new Italian state.

In December 1987, UNESCO designated the Piazza del Duomo, also known as the Cathedral Square, in Pisa as a World Heritage Site. This recognition was due to the architectural and artistic significance of the complex, which includes the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, the Baptistery, and the Camposanto Monumentale. The designation helped preserve and protect the site's historical and cultural importance, attracting scholars and tourists worldwide. The Piazza is emblematic of the artistry and cultural achievements of medieval Italy.

In December 1990, the restoration of the Leaning Tower of Pisa was completed. This massive project was undertaken to stabilize the famous tower, which had been leaning more dangerously over time. Engineers reduced the tilt of the tower by about 17 inches (44 cm) to prevent potential collapse, pressing through with conservation efforts without altering its characteristic leaning. The completion marked a significant achievement in architectural conservation, maintaining the tower as a significant monument of Pisa and a tourist attraction.