Piazza dei Miracoli (Pisa)
Country: Italy Language: Italian Currency: Euro (€)
Piazza dei Mircoli, translated to Square of Miracles, also referred to as Piazza del Duomo, is the walled square in Pisa that holds the Leaning Tower, the Baptistery, the Duomo, and the Camposanto. The square has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds some of the most impressive and holiest buildings in Italy.
CTW Must See
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a freestanding bell tower, built to accompany the Duomo. Its iconic lean began during construction, from 1173 to 1372, and increased significantly over the years. The lean was caused by poor foundations, as the ground was too soft on one side. For a while, tourists were not allowed to go to the top, due to a lack of confidence in its structural integrity, but, following reinforcements of its foundations, it is open again for tourists to admire the views overlooking Piazza del Duomo.
Pisa Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Cathedral that opened in 1092. The interior is filled with black and white marble, matching the beautiful marble and white stone exterior. A fire in 1595 destroyed most of the cathedral’s ceiling and dome, as well as the entrance doors; only one mosaic survived. The cathedral has tilted slightly since it was built, but not to the same extent as the bell tower.
Pisa Baptistery & Camposanto
Beside the Duomo sits the Baptistery, which was the second building built in Piazza del Duomo. The Pisa Baptistery, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, is the largest baptistery in Italy. Construction for the baptistery began in 1152 and was completed in 1363, replacing the baptistery that stood before it. The Camposanto Monumental, or the Old Cemetery, sits behind the other attractions in Piazza dei Miracoli. The Composanto once held a great number of Roman sculptures, but less than 90 sculptures remain today. During WWII, a bomb was dropped on the roof, creating a fire that destroyed most of the building and what was inside.
There is much more to Pisa than the Leaning Tower that is worthy of a wander. The city sits along the Arno River, which easily connects Pisa to Florence. The waterfront is lined with bright colorful buildings, beautiful churches, and amazing Italian restaurants. You don’t need more than one day to explore all of Pisa, including the waterfront, but make sure you keep enough time after the Leaning Tower, to explore a bit more!
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