Hotel Relais dell'Orologio is centrally situated just a stone’s throw from the most beautiful squares in Pisa: Piazza dei Miracoli and Piazza dei Cavalieri in the heart of the university campus. Only a few minutes walk from the Relais there is the sunny Lungarno from where one can see many museums and architectural curiosities, such as the wonderful little church of Santa Maria Della Spina. Only a few kilometres away there is the Natural Reserve of San Rossore (once a royal estate and now a presidential residence) which reaches gently towards the sea. Also nearby are the Romanesque church of San Piero a Grado, and the Carthusian monastery of Calci. Less than half an hour’s drive there is Lucca with its imposing city walls, the fashionable Versilia Riviera and the ever colourful Leghorn. In the hotel there is a convenient private car parking. In short, its boasts a location which guarantees a stay that satisfies the most diverse interests.

ABOUT THE LOCATION

The first person to dwell within the walls and the fortified towers of the Hotel Relais dell'Orologio was a fearless captain warrior (condottiero). Over the centuries, many witnesses have seen historic events that change the rhythm of life in the city and the entire world. I recall the famous sentence from Dante’s XXXIII canto of the Inferno recounting the ill fated life of Count Ugolino who lived in another fortified tower not far from here: “La bocca sollevò dal fiero pasto...” (Lifting his mouth from his horrendous meal...) Many people remember the architect Vasari who, in the 16th century, redesigned the ancient Piazza delle Sette Strade. He combined urban planning with art as only he knew how, he joined the fortified Torre del Conte to the adjoining house and created an arch which covers the road beneath. The Hotel Relais dell'Orologio have been named after the clock which has marked the passing of time ever since Vasari set it over the arch.Vasari also decorated the old civic building with monochrome engravings and called it: Il Palazzo della Carovana, which since the nineteenth century has been the see of the Scuola Normale Superiore which is recognised all over the world as one of the most prestigious institutions of higher education. Thus was born Piazza dei Cavalieri a square of rare charm which, even today, rivals in beauty the nearby and best known Piazza dei Miracoli. Thousands of students have come and gone through our University, some of them have helped to shape the history, progress and the civilisation of mankind. Amongst the many, some people remember with particular affection a tender, frail boy who was always writing wrapped in shawl. One day, as he passed by, someone glanced amongst his many papers, a sheet which had been corrected in his minute handwriting. And what he saw were the verses destined for immortality: “Silvia rimembri ancora quel tempo della tua vita mortale...” (Silvia do you still remember the time when you were alive...). From a plaque which is now placed under that window. People knew that he was the famous poet Giacomo Leopardi.So since then, the Hotel Relais dell'Orologio was ready to give hospitality in its beautiful rooms to many visitors and someone shall be able, at long last, to tell this and many other stories to the many new friends who will come and enjoy the Hotel Relais dell'Orologio.