Relais dell'Orologio Pisa - Tuscany.

In the heart of the university city of Pisa, between the Piazza dei Miracoli and Piazza dei Cavallieri, one finds the Relais dell'Orologio; a striking hotel situated within the walls of a 14th century tower house. Originally the home of an affluent condottiere, the fascinating building tells the tale of centuries of history, art and architecture.

Dante recounted the rather gruesome fate of Count Ugolino who lived in the nearby tower house. The name "Orologio" or "Clock" was inspired by the work of the great Italian architect Vasari, who redesigned the Piazza delle Sette Strade, uniting the residence of the Count with that adjacent to it by way of an arch on which he placed a great clock face. Thus the Piazza dei Cavalieri was born which, together with Piazza dei Miracoli with its leaning tower of Pisa, is one of the city's most attractive and frequently visited sites.

Behind one of the windows situated directly opposite this residence, Giacomo Leopardi composed the immortal verses "Silvia rimembri ancora...". Since the days of the great poet, there has been a steady flow of illustrious guests to this ancient residence, considered to be part of the historical heritage of the Pisa. Only after meticulous restoration work, supervised by an equip of architects and expert restorers, has this tower house regained its original splendour and been transformed in the luxury hotel, Relais dell'Orologio, where guests are afforded the same authentic and refined hospitality as would have been found in the great patrician residence of the past. Each of the hotel's bedrooms, suites and Junior suites are beautifully furnished and equipped with every comfort.

In the attractive garden behind the hotel, guests enjoy a delicious breakfast served al fresco. The garden also provides an idyllic setting for cocktails and parties. With a faultless wine list to accompany menus featuring innovative dishes inspired by the great Tuscan classics, the hotel's "Hallet's" Restaurant is an extremely popular dining venue. A number of spacious and elegant function rooms are available for meetings and exhibitions.

Hotel Relais dell'Orologio is just a short walk away from Pisa's "Lungarni", the palazzi-lined banks of the river Arno which passes through the city. All of the town's principal sites of historic, artistic and cultural interest are in close proximity to the hotel, whilst within easy driving distance, one finds all of Tuscany's most famous towns and cities. Convenient parking space is available to hotel guests.