Baptistry, Graveyard & Cathedral: Reserved Entrance
Highlight
- Visit the Baptistry, the Cathedral, the Monumental Graveyard, and the Sinopie Museum - important religious places at the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) in Pisa
- Gain quick admission to these UNESCO World Heritage sites through these electronic tickets
- Observe the frescoes affected by fire during WWII (recovery works were supervised by the Monument Man Deane Keller)
Summary
Description
While the leaning tower of Pisa is famous worldwide, there are many other captivating sights at the Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) that contribute to its prestigious reputation. The baptistry and cathedral showcase remarkable medieval and Gothic architecture. At the Sinopie Museum, visitors can explore the intricate process of creating frescoes. The striking "graveyard" boasts arches, tombs, chapels, and a peaceful courtyard, creating an atmosphere of reverence.
Surely, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is among the places you must see, however, Pisa's UNESCO World Heritage-protected Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) offers numerous other attractions to discover during your visit. With this ticket, you can explore all the other important buildings in this area.The Baptistry of St. John, located in Italy, stands out as the biggest baptistry in the country and is recognized for its unparalleled design. Building works commenced in 1153 following the Romanesque architecture and concluded in 1363, adopting a Gothic style. The fusion of these two architectural styles results in a distinguished appearance that is surprisingly harmonious.
Constructed in 1064, the Cathedral (Duomo) nearby is devoted to St. Mary of the Assumption. The architectural design is a blend of Romanesque and Arabic influences, featuring elements from Byzantine and Mediterranean styles. Despite the diverse mixture of characteristics, the building stands out as a remarkably beautiful and harmonious structure. Although a fire in 1595 caused significant damage to several Renaissance artworks, the mosaic dating back to the early 14th century, depicting Christ in Majesty, remains intact in the apse.
The Camposanto Monumentale, which is known as the Monumental Graveyard in English, is a place where you can find relics, tombs, and a stunning tiled cloister. Following damage caused by a fire during WWII, restoration work is currently underway. The frescoes are being carefully reinstated to their original positions.The original sketches created prior to painting the frescoes, which are referred to as "sinopie," needed to be taken down after the fire. These sketches are now housed in a dedicated location called the Sinopie Museum. Explore this quaint exhibition, located in a former hospital, to discover more about the restoration efforts underway.Exploring the Piazza dei Miracoli is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in history. While most people visit to see the iconic leaning tower that resembles a wedding cake, those who dig deeper into the historical background are in for a pleasant surprise - the place has been hailed as "one of the most exceptional architectural ensembles on the planet". Make sure to experience the entire area, not just a fraction of it.