The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Pisaalso known as the Duomo di Pisa, is a major historical monument in the city of Pisa. Italian city of Pisa. It is located on the famous Piazza dei Miracoliwhere the famous leaning tower and the bell tower. In this article, we'll explore its history, see if it's worth a visit, find out how much it costs to get in, and provide practical information on how to prepare for a visit.
History of Pisa's Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption
Construction of this magnificent cathedral began in 1063 by the architect Buscheto and was completed in the mid-12th century. Its construction was financed by the wealth accumulated by the Maritime Republic of Pisa. The architectural style is a blend of Roman, Byzantine and Arab, giving it an exceptional uniqueness.
Architecture and interior design
The cathedral's exterior is adorned with white marble with colored marble inlays, as well as blind columns and arches. A sculpted gallery runs around the perimeter of the church, featuring statues and reliefs depicting biblical scenes.
Inside, the cathedral is decorated with superb frescoes, mosaics and sculptures. The columns are made of granite and marble from various regions of Italy and the Middle East. One of the most impressive features is the gilded wooden ceiling, added in the 16th century. Another highlight is the enormous bronze candelabra suspended in front of the main altar.
The campanile and leaning tower
The cathedral also boasts a separate campanile, the famous leaning tower of Pisa. This tower was built between 1173 and 1372 and owes its inclination to an instability in the ground. Although world-famous for this reason, the leaning tower is also a fine example of Romanesque architecture, with its round arches and Corinthian columns.
Is it worth visiting Pisa's Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption?
There is no doubt that Pisa's Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is well worth a visit. Its architectural beauty, rich history and proximity to other monuments such as the Leaning Tower make it a must-see destination on a trip to Italy. A visit to Piazza dei Miracoli is also an opportunity to explore other sites, including the Baptistery and the Camposanto Monumentale.
How much does admission cost and how long does the visit last?
Admission to Pisa's Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption costs 2 €. However, combined tickets are also available for the Leaning Tower, Baptistery and adjacent monuments. Prices vary according to the sites visited, but a combined ticket including the Cathedral, Leaning Tower and Baptistery costs around €18. For a guided tour, you'll need to budget between 15 and 35 euros on average.
The average length of a visit to the cathedral is about an hourThis depends on each visitor's level of interest in history and architecture. To get the most out of Piazza dei Miracoli, you should allow around three hours to explore all the sites.
Practical information for visiting the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Pisa
How do I get there?
- By car: Car parks are available in the vicinity of Piazza dei Miracoli, but we recommend parking outside the city. limited traffic zone (ZTL) to avoid fines.
- By train: Pisa Centrale station is about a 25-minute walk from the cathedral. Buses and cabs are also available to Piazza dei Miracoli.
Opening hours
The cathedral is generally open daily from 10am to 7pm, although there may be variations depending on the season and religious events. Opening times for the campanile and other monuments in Piazza dei Miracoli may also vary.
Tips for a successful visit
- Puritanism aside, it is advisable to dress respectfully, as this is a place of worship. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the cathedral.
- To avoid the crowds and make the most of the beauty of the site, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Don't forget to bring your phone/camera to capture the architecture and works of art in and around the cathedral.
Pisa's Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is an architectural gem located in Pisa's emblematic Piazza dei Miracoli. Its rich history and links with the Leaning Tower make it a must-see on any visit to Italy, offering visitors a unique and memorable experience.
