Local information
HLPP 2024 will be held in rooms of the Computer Science Department of the University of Pisa:
Dipartimento di Informatica — Università di Pisa
Largo B. Pontecorvo, 3 56127 Pisa (second floor)
Getting to Pisa
By Plane
Pisa’s Galileo Galilei International Airport (PSA) offers flights from various national and international locations. It is about 2.5 km from the city center and 1km from the cental station, making transportation between the airport and downtown convenient and affordable. Pisa Airport is easily accessible from major international hubs, with 20 airlines offering direct flights to Pisa, including EasyJet and Ryanair. Florence Airport (FLR) is another option for travelling to Pisa. Florence is connected to Pisa by regular trains and buses (about an hour and a half by train, and an hour by bus).
By Train
Pisa Centrale Station is just a short walk from the city center. There are direct connections with Turin, Milan, Florence, Lucca, and Rome. From Venice, Siena, and Bologna, you must take the railway line that passes through Florence.
By Car
- From Florence: Take the A11 Firenze-Mare highway, exit at Pisa Nord, then take the SS Aurelia south to Pisa (about 6 km). Alternatively, take the SGC FI-PI-LI with an exit at Pisa Centro.
- From Rome and Bologna: Take the A1 highway to Florence, then the A11, exit at Pisa Nord. From Rome, you can also take the A12 to Civitavecchia, then continue on the SS1 Aurelia and take the A12 at Rosignano, exit Pisa Centro.
- From Genoa: Take the A12 Genova-Rosignano highway, exit at Pisa Nord or Pisa Centro.
Some accomodation options
We recommend that you book your hotel or B&B well in advance. Pisa is a tourist city, and early July is one of the most popular periods for visiting the city. It follows some of the many hotel options available:
- Hotel Bologna – Located in the historic center of Pisa, a short distance from the train station and about 20 minutes walk from the Computer Science Department.
- Hotel Di Stefano – Located in the historic center of Pisa, 10 minutes walk from the Computer Science Department.
- Grand Hotel Bonanno – Close to the city center, it is known for its location and comfortable rooms. It is about 30 minutes walk from the Computer Science Department.
- NH Pisa – This hotel is near the train station and offers functional rooms with various amenities. It is appreciated for its convenient location and good service.
- Hotel La Pace – Located near Pisa’s train station.
- Hotel Repubblica Marinara – A modern hotel located outside the city center, about 2 km from Pisa Central Train Station, offers free parking and stylish rooms. It may be an option if travelling by car.
A glimpse of the city
Pisa, a city steeped in history, boasts a wealth of historical treasures, including the stunning “Piazza dei Miracoli” (Miracle Square), where the “Torre Pendente” (Leaning Tower), “Battistero” (baptistery), the “Cattedrale” (Cathedral), and the Monumental Cemetery create a breathtaking ensemble. The Botanic Garden, right in the city center, is the oldest in Europe (it was founded in 1543) and the first university botanic garden in the world. Beyond its architectural and natural wonders, Pisa is a cultural hub with charming streets, museums, and typical squares, offering a blend of history and contemporary Italian culture in a tranquil ambiance. Pisa, often called the “City of Galileo”, proudly bears the legacy of one of history’s most outstanding scientists, Galileo Galilei, the famous 16th-17th century scientist involved in the Scientific Revolution. He was born in Pisa in 1564 and made groundbreaking contributions to physics, astronomy, and mathematics. Visitors can explore sites associated with his early life and education, connecting with the roots of his remarkable intellectual journey. According to legend, “Piazza dei Miracoli” was a scientific laboratory for Galileo’s discoveries, like the legendary experiments on the free fall of the graves conducted from the top of the Leaning Tower. Galileo also grasped the isochronism law of the pendulum’s oscillations inside the Cathedral, observing a sizeable votive lamp. Pisa’s designation as the “City of Galileo” serves as a testament to its integral role in the history of science and its ongoing commitment to nurturing intellectual curiosity and innovation. Visitors to Pisa not only witness its architectural splendors but also immerse themselves in the intellectual legacy of a city that fostered one of the greatest minds in scientific history.