Pisa is a city in Tuscany (northern Italy) along the Arno River. It is approximately six miles from the Tyrrhenian Sea, though the city once bordered the sea. Pisa functions as a commercial and industrial center, and its main exports include transportation equipment, glass, pharmaceuticals, and food. Between the 9th and 11th centuries, Pisa was a strong maritime republic, but it was defeated by the Genoese at sea in the battle of Meloria in 1284. Its population is ~89,694. Pisa ultimately fell to Florence in 1406. Nicola Pisano founded a sculpture school in Pisa. Within the city, there are several architectural feats of note: the Romanesque cathedral, Bonnano Pisano’s bronze panels at the duomo di Pisa, and the marble Leaning Tower of Pisa (which is 180 feet high).