Borgo Stretto (Narrow Street), Pisa (must see)

If you want to do some shopping or simply wander through the narrow streets of medieval Pisa, you should go to the Narrow Street. This long street is mostly pedestrian and filled with shops from simple stores selling books and souvenirs to some of the most exclusive shops in the city.

Most of the street is lined on each side with arcades supported by Corinthian columns. In the arcades you will find plenty of bars, restaurants and shops. Look for Café Settimelli. Over the arched entrance to the Café Settimelli a sign proudly announces that this was once the house of the Galilei family and Galileo was born there.

The two and three story houses on both sides of the street were once the homes of rich merchant families. On the corner of via San Francesco you will find the 15 century Poschi Palace. There are plenty of narrow side streets leading off the Narrow Street and some of these will lead you to delightful open air markets that sell flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables.