Cittadella Nuova, Public garden and national heritage site in Pisa, Italy

Cittadella Nuova is a fortified garden along the Arno River in Pisa, positioned between two bridges and surrounded by defensive walls built centuries ago. The space features grassy areas, walking paths, and sections of the old fortification structures that define its layout.

Construction of the fortress began in 1440 under Florentine control as one of Italy's early military structures designed to resist cannon fire. In the late 1700s the property changed hands to a merchant family who transformed portions into private gardens.

The name "Cittadella Nuova" distinguishes it from the older Cittadella Vecchia on the seaward side of Pisa. The Scotto family, who bought the fortress in 1798, gave the garden its name. A giant plane tree stands at its centre; legend says it was planted for a Carlo Goldoni play, though Goldoni had already died before the family acquired the garden.

The garden is freely accessible and sits directly along the river with good walking paths throughout. Summer brings outdoor theater, concerts, and film screenings, so checking ahead helps plan your visit around scheduled events.

Only the Scotto family's palace was destroyed in World War II, not the whole citadel; the garden then declined until a major reconstruction and refitting in 2008. The Torre di Sant'Antonio at the garden entrance was originally the bell tower of the church of Sant'Andrea and San Vincenzo.