The Guelf Tower (Torre Guelfa) rises above Pisa’s old citadel on the north bank of the Arno. Built in brick and capped with battlements, it marks a quieter stretch of the riverfront, away from the crowds around the Leaning Tower. The surrounding walls and former shipyards offer a glimpse of Pisa as a fortified port city.
The tower dates from the early 15th century, after Florence took control of Pisa, and stands beside the site of the medieval arsenals where the Pisan maritime republic built and maintained its ships. Destroyed during the Second World War and later reconstructed, it brings together several layers of the city’s history, from seafaring power to Florentine rule and postwar rebuilding.
A visit is as much about the setting as the monument itself. Walk along the Arno, explore the remains of the Cittadella Vecchia and look across the river for views of the brick tower against the water. Late afternoon brings warm light to the masonry. Interior access can be limited or seasonal, so check locally before counting on a climb; the exterior is still worth seeing. Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the old citadel and along the river.