Gone are the stalls that had occupied Piazza Manin in Pisa for years, that is, the area that effectively constitutes the gateway to Piazza dei Miracoli. As of this morning, all who pass through Piazza Manin find a totally different panorama than the one we had been accustomed to for years: the square free of the stalls. This is the effect of the go-ahead given by the Regional Administrative Court of Tuscany after years of tug-of-war between the City of Pisa and the merchants: on Friday, January 16, in fact, the administrative court granted the petition filed by the City of Pisa, recognizing the need to complete the work envisaged by the project for the redevelopment of the square and, consequently, to fully free the square from the present stalls. And as of this morning, no more stalls.
Operations to remove the old tented structures began as early as Saturday 17 and have made the surface of the square fully available for the continuation of the work. This is a key operational step for the advancement of the works affecting the space in front of the monumental area, included in a project financed with funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and included in the PINQUA program, for a total amount of 5.8 million euros.
Mayor Pisa, Michele Conti, accompanied by Councillor for Commerce and Tourism Paolo Pesciatini and technicians from the PNRR Project Implementation Office, conducted an inspection of Piazza Manin on Jan. 17 to verify the start of the effective removal of the structures by the holders of the 47 business licenses that occupied the area until last week. The field inspection confirmed the start of clearing operations, which are necessary to comply with the timetable of works established by the NRP.
Alongside the Tar’s decision, news also came on the same day of the signing of an agreement between the city administration and the license holders who had appealed. The agreement defines the new commercial layout of the square, bringing to 12 the number of stalls that will be provided for in the final restyling project of Piazza Manin. The new structures will be placed exclusively on the sides of the space, leaving the central view towards the Unesco site unobstructed.
“In Piazza Manin, the redevelopment work will continue and will be finished by the date set by the PNRR,” said Mayor Michele Conti. “At the same time, we have protected the work of many families, balancing the needs of merchants with the indications of the Superintendence, proceeding with common sense: only 12 stalls will remain on the sides of Piazza Manin, after a valuable restyling that enhances the square and creates a visual cone that will finally make our Tower visible. This is just the latest step in a long journey undertaken by our Administration that began with the approval of the Unesco Management Plan, continued with the approval of a forward-looking fair trade plan, and finalized with the obtaining and grounding of nearly 6 million PNRR resources to upgrade the city’s most important tourist pedestrian route. Another promise kept for Pisa, keeping the bar straight and thinking about protecting the image of our city in the world.”
Along the same lines was Councillor for Commerce and Tourism Paolo Pesciatini, who recalled how the dialogue with operators has never been interrupted. The Municipal Administration, he explained, has repeatedly addressed the issue during meetings with operators and trade representatives, subjects deputed to consultation, as well as meetings held directly in Piazza Manin. “the Municipal Administration has never closed the dialogue and was already working to consider positively what was the result of what later turned out to be an agreement with the operators. In fact, all this was before the judgment of the Regional Administrative Tribunal, which, once again, ultimately proved the City Council right. We have always had the due concern for the rights and work of all, including those traders in public areas who had never had certainty for years. The indications that emerged and resulted from the final agreement, after all, had been signified by those present at the meetings in the City Hall with the economic categories.”
From an operational point of view, work on the resurfacing of underground utilities and the construction of new paving moved to Piazza Manin starting Monday, January 12, while work on Via Cammeo remains ongoing. For the duration of the work site, special protected pedestrian paths have been set up to ensure entry and exit from the monumental area of the cathedral square and allow the site to be enjoyed even during the works.
The redevelopment project involves a profound transformation of the central space of Piazza Manin. A new paved surface in gray stone will be created in the center of the area, conceived as a multipurpose and symbolic space at the entrance to Porta Nuova, characterized by the three arched openings that will serve as a backdrop to the square. This space will be enriched by double linear benches, illuminated at the base by an LED ribbon placed at ground level, designed to create a place of rest and representation in front of the monumental complex of Miracles Square.
The intervention also includes the installation of new elements of street furniture, with circular and linear seats made of eco-friendly and durable white-colored material, designed to encourage both residents and tourists to stop and socialize. Litter bins, new trees and information panels-totems placed near the entrance gates to the monumental area are also planned, with the aim of improving visitor reception and orientation.
A central element of the project is the decision to place the new stalls exclusively on the sides of the square, leaving the view of the entrance to the UNESCO site completely free and restoring centrality to the perception of the monumental complex. Work on Piazza Manin is scheduled to be completed between March and April, while the works are to be tested by the end of June, in line with the deadlines set by the PNRR.
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| Pisa, Piazza Manin no longer stalls: free access to Piazza dei Miracoli |
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